Paradox Lost (Eulogy and Prayer)

by Mark D. Stucky

Long ago, two opposites attracted

and, as inseparable contrasts, wed.

One loved objective facts and reason;

the other subjective faith and feelings.

Complementing and enriching the other,

they blended into beautiful synergy.

But drifting apart, arguments escalating,

each soon claimed sole possession of Truth.

Clichéd their crushed romance might seem

if not for catastrophic consequences.

Their divorce damaged how well we see

secrets of both this world and beyond.

Could they yet regain mutual affection

and comprehend that if all truth is God’s truth,

then Science, rightly understood,

and Religion, rightly understood,

are both true, compatible, complementary,

and meant to embrace forever in paradox?

Cooperatively could they then

bond even stronger than before,

reconciling facts and feelings,

integrating heads and hearts,

finding wisdom for common good,

and healing wounds of our world?

Oh divine duo, be fonts of understanding

and help us wrap our heads around the universe,

while charging our hearts with incalculable goodness,

for attaining salvation in this world and the next,

in all that was, is, and is to come,

from Alpha to Omega,

from quantum to cosmos.

QED and Amen.

---

Mark D. Stucky has degrees in religious studies, pastoral ministry, and communications. After being a pastor, he moved into communications and has been a technical and freelance writer for three decades. During his day job, he documented diverse technology products, including satellite communications and building automation controls. In free time, he’s written articles, stories, and poems on a variety of (usually spiritual) topics. He has received over three dozen writing and publication awards. Mark believes in following facts and faith, understanding other perspectives, preserving the earth, protecting the vulnerable, and saving the world (or at least trying to). For more writings, see cinemaspirit.info