Politics and Religion

There is an old saying that in polite company you should never talk about religion or politics. It is a quote that has been attributed to just about every high profile figure from Mohandas K. Gandhi to Micky Mouse. There is another famous quote, this one directly attributable to the writer and poet G. K. Chesterton (the author of the Father Brown mysteries). He said: 'I never discuss anything else except politics and religion. There is nothing else to discuss.'

So who is correct? And in poetic circles, is it taboo to write about politics and/or religion? 

I know for a fact that several members of my own online group, Invisible Poets, feel strongly that neither should be the subject of one of their poems. Others in the group feel that poems about religion or politics should be removed from the group stream so that people aren't offended. And believe me, there have been poems about both topics that have offended some and caused others to leave the group. Yes, politics and religion are divisive, and often cause a lot of consternation among readers.

But does that mean that poets should steer clear? 

My view is that poets should always write from the heart. If what is exercising your mind is a theme about injustice, poverty, lawlessness, or conflict, then you should write about it. In so doing, you will be touching on political sensibilities. If your mind is full of questions about eternity, your soul, life after death or the meaning of life, than write about it. In so doing, you will be touching on religion in some form or another. Yes, you are liable to upset someone, or cause a ruction among readers, but isn't that what poetry is for? Isn't that what all art forms seek to achieve? 

Another famous quote is 'Anything can make you look, but only art can make you see.'

Personally, I write often write poetry to provoke a reaction. Whether it's about my strong conviction to improve the lives of those in difficult situations, I find that writing to provoke is a very powerful tool to raise people's awareness of a context. If I'm writing about homelessness (one of my more frequent topics, after spending years supporting rough sleepers) or about starving kids (I have seen this at close hand in Africa), I am not going to pull any punches. I'm going to hit you right between the eyes with the problem. And I will make no apologies if I offend someone with my poetry. 

Perhaps they needed offending so their eyes could be opened to the truth. Is that the job of a poet? You bet your life it is. In the immortal words of the great philosopher Tom Petty 'No, I won't back down.' 

And neither should you.

Steve Wheeler

Image above copyright Steve Wheeler 2026 (Gambian children fetching fire wood)

Religion In Poetry

The Dali Lama once said. “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” 

What constitutes a “religious poem”? Does it have to spell it out… or can it simply be suggestive, as in identifying divine characteristics such as kindness without an identifiable agenda?

The subjectivity of spirituality in poetry, or even art in general, tends to be secularly disseminated. Religion is sold as this or sold as that, always tending to be branded AS SOON AS THE OBVIOUS KEYWORDS APPEAR… “faith”, “vibrations”, “karma”, “prayers”… etc.

The freedom of art is that there are no rules. The same applies to philosophy. The ancient Greek philosophers  and Roman philosophers  sat and calmly discussed the possibilities of our roles in this natural world AND the heavenly realms.  Debates were civilized and conducted within the framework of reason, with a somewhat scientific and civilized approach. Understanding ideas was encouraged!

Poetry affords a similar platform. It levels the playing field, neutralizing boundaries into infinite expressions, as well as expounding upon questions (and answers) of the sublime. Imagination has always been one of mankind’s most peculiar attributes…

The formation of perspective usually lies within both heart and mind, what we feel and what we know. A disconnect between the seen and unseen seems to lie at the heart of every conflict with religion… a mystery of faith if you will.

There are common threads within most religions and even with atheists. Humility, mercy, charity, kindness, love,… all demonstrate attributes that have a place in our lives, whether we are spiritual or not. These threads are what keep our planet from being frayed apart by absolute dissension. Even if we do not agree to disagree, the fact that every perspective exists is in itself a conundrum that will never go away.

So where does that leave poets? Exactly where poets start, where their heart takes them… to expound upon what they believe with all the extent of their craft. It is up to the reader to decide what is wrong or what is right…

What do you think reader? I would really like to know! Please leave your comments at the bottom of the article, and as always, thanks for reading. See you next time!

Matt Elmore