Prejudice

The Bible,

that most ancient collection of writings,

esteemed by some and held sacred by others,

includes traces of racism and religious prejudice.

More than a few fragments,

if we’re able to admit it.

Its stories include a powerful foundational myth

asserting a nation’s superiority

as God’s chosen people;

making the avoidance of such prejudiced conclusions

somewhat problematic.

Occasionally a reckless prophet- type person

came along to question that myth;

they were generally pointed

in the direction of the door.

It is still so.

Even Jesus, the travelling teacher from the north,

seems to have been comfortable enough

with established opinion on this matter.

It took some time,

together with the insistent and intrusive pleadings

of a desperate foreign woman;

but at last, we are pleased to say,

his metaphorical copper coin loosened,

and finally dropped.

© Ken Rookes 2014