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Social Commentary About Conditioned Behaviors
God is an Atheist is a provocative collection of poems that delves into the complexities and contradictions of faith, humanity, and the institutions that govern them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Although I didn’t wake up one day and say, “God is an Atheist,” this collection came about by observing a lot of hypocrisy among the righteous – and those pretending to be righteous…and that probably goes back to 1966 when the congregation of the Steubenville (Kentucky) Baptist Church displayed attitudes that didn’t align with their values when they interacted with my divorced mother – and did not welcome me or my sisters into the flock’s fold. But it is not an esoteric micro-aggression collection – it is not a personal vendetta collection against the church; it is more of a social commentary about conditioned behaviors that don’t champion the church. In a way, God is an Atheist is very much a work that is pro-church.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this collection?
Hypocrisy is the first step to becoming an infidel.
It was difficult to escape the current social conditions when flags are flapping in your face off the backs of pick-up trucks and bibles are being used as props to gain political support from people who know better – again, hypocrisy was a driving theme behind GiaA. Conservative Republicans drive Buicks (it used to be Cadillacs!), and think they are on the highway to Heaven – but an American flag decal won’t get you into Heaven anymore (John Prine said that), and Jesus fed, comforted, and cleaned the feet of too many people to be a Conservative Republican – he had to be a liberal! So he would have driven a 1959 Plymouth Fury (maybe a Chrysler Imperial after resurrection, but still)…with the big fins! – and given people rides to where they needed to go.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your collection of poetry?
When I sign these books for readers, I simply say “Don’t think like me…Just think!” It’s a book that challenges people (I hope) to think and pay attention to the world they want to have controlled by other people (and governments…and churches) when they have the capacity to control it for themselves if only they would claim the volition and personal will to power – instead of praying against God’s Will…prayers keep asking for things (God bless America, for instance) instead of people seeing the results of God’s Will…is it possible to praise and worship God’s Will when you keep praying to have it changed?
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
The galley-proof for I Felonites: First Letter to the Felonites is being reviewed today! As you might imagine by the title, it is a politically minded chapbook…so it should be out by the late summer (August/September). I also have 20 other collections (or so) that I finally typed up that are ready to shop around!
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Through vivid imagery, sharp critique, and personal testimony, author Benjamin B. White challenges traditional beliefs and invites readers on a journey of introspection and reflection.
A fearless critique of organized religion. White interrogates the hypocrisy, intolerance, and violence that have often been perpetrated in the name of faith, exposing the stark contrast between religious ideals and institutionalized practices. The poet’s unflinching examination of historical injustices, including colonialism and genocide, forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the darker aspects of their own lives.
‘God is an Atheist’ is a remarkable collection that transcends the boundaries of traditional poetry.
God is an Atheist
God is an Atheist is a provocative collection of poems that delves into the complexities and contradictions of faith, humanity, and the institutions that govern them. Through a series of candid and often unsettling reflections, White explores the nature of God, the failures of organized religion, and the inherent flaws of human nature. Each poem serves as a critical examination of the relationship between mankind and the divine, challenging readers to rethink their preconceived notions of spirituality and morality.
White’s writing is both raw and eloquent, providing a stark contrast to the often sanitized narratives presented by mainstream religious discourse. For instance, in the opening poems, White dismantles the idea of Christianity as a beacon of hope, suggesting instead that it perpetuates suffering and moral ambiguity.
One of the most striking aspects is the author’s ability to intertwine personal reflection with broader social commentary. His critique of the church’s historical and ongoing complicity in colonialism, greed, and moral hypocrisy is particularly compelling. In a poem reflecting on the Doctrine of Discovery, White condemns the church for subjugating indigenous populations and perverting spiritual values for the sake of power and wealth. This theme resonates throughout the collection, emphasizing the destructive impact of institutionalized religion on both individual and societal levels.
Despite the often heavy subject matter, White’s poems are infused with a sense of dark humor and irony. His depiction of God as a disillusioned janitor or a confused maintenance man hiding from the messes created by humanity offers a satirical yet poignant critique of divine responsibility and human folly.
God is an Atheist is a thought-provoking and challenging read that will appeal to those interested in exploring the intersections of faith, philosophy, and social justice. Benjamin B. White’s unflinching honesty and poetic prowess make this collection a powerful testament to the complexities of belief and the often-overlooked consequences of religious institutions.
Pages: 63 | ASIN : B0D2L1CFKB
LITERARY TITAN 