Poetry – I am a fly – a poem about life

Posted on by Opher

 

IMG_6336

I believe ln the picture put together by great scientific research. All life on this planet is equally evolved. There is no hierarchy. We all came out of the first, and only, single cell. Life evolved over billions of years and went its different ways down trunk, branch and twig of the evolutionary tree.

All life on this planet is equally important, equally adapted, and equally evolved. Having certain attributes does not make us superior. Our arrogance and stupidity are manifest in our attitudes. The pompous are preposterous.

We humans, not uniquely, evolved consciousness. It is a mixed blessing (if I can use such a term imbued with religious connotations). We have used it to enrich, create and embellish our lives. We have used to create misery, pain and destruction.

We have been befuddled by our limited intelligence to seek purpose, reason and possibility where there is none.

Other, less intelligent forms of life, do not indulge in such esoteric fantasy.

I Am A Fly

I am a fly

All I desire is to find food, a mate, and a place to lay my eggs;

To avoid predators

And escape the heat and cold.

I am a fly.

 

I do not know that flies, trees and humans

All evolved from the same cell.

 

I am a fly.

I do not believe I have a higher purpose

I do not contemplate an after-life,

I do not yearn for heaven

or fear hell.

I create no gods.

 

I am a fly. My life is short

And I live it

That is all.

 

Opher 9.10.2015

The Story of Religion.

Posted on by Opher

DSCF1546

The Story of Religion

Once upon a time there was god. He came from nowhere or was always there. He existed, all powerful, in the midst of nothing for all time. He was powerful beyond all human understanding. He was also inherently kind and loving.

He decided that he would make the whole universe of more galaxies than the human mind could comprehend and so he did.

He thought it and it came into being out of nothing, just like he had done before.

He made the whole universe, with its zillions of galaxies, each made of trillions of stars, just so that he could place some humans on a small planet in an average galaxy that was in itself completely insignificant.

These humans were the focus of everything. They were the purpose for the existence of the whole universe and gave god a purpose too.

He gave them free will but warned them that if they did not obey his instructions and commands to the letter, despite the fact that he was loving and kind, he would cast them into everlasting agony. But then he told them that if they did obey his every demand they would have everlasting joy in heaven – for god had a purpose and a plan for them that was beyond their understanding.

Then god proceeded to allow different versions of his often confusing and contradictory instructions to be distributed to different people in different parts of the world all purporting to be the only truth – the holy word of god.

It created fear and confusion but god did not interfere.

Some people believed that god was manifest in rocks, trees, sun and moon, while others believed that he was a series of gods and goddesses living in the sky, while others thought he was three and some that he was one.

The only thing they all agreed on was that all the other versions were wrong, heretical and evil and had to be eradicated.

The different tribes fought and killed in the name of their god. They fiercely brought up their children to believe in their version and fight fiercely in his name. They were determined to enforce the version of the rules they had been given.

God watched as they butchered, slaughtered, sacrificed and tortured.

He had an unknowable plan.

Perhaps the suffering and death was all part of it?

It would all work out in the end. All the tribes had faith – different faith – but faith none the less.

God did nothing to intervene – not a word.

He had given humanity the universe, a place of wonder and awe, created out of nothing, but he was nowhere to be seen, doing nothing.

This is the story of religion.

It all makes perfect sense to me.

Religious definitions – extracts from an antitheist’s dictionary.

Posted on by Opher

Antitheist's Dictionary

Abbot

An abbot is a father who isn’t a father. He’s the head of a monastery in charge of a bunch of celibate monks. So there’s little chance of him being a father at all.

Abbots spend their days organising silences, talks with fictitious supernatural beings, sitting around and getting into bad habits.

Despite tales of debauchery with nuns they are not supposed to think about their todgers at all let alone touch them. They have to go to bed wearing boxing gloves.

The Abbot may also organise the brewing of lethal beers and wines. These are in no way to be used for pleasure or intoxication. I’m not really quite sure why they do brew the stuff if they are not allowed to enjoy it.

Opher’s Books – If like me you are sceptical of religion you might enjoy my Antitheist books!

Posted on by Opher

Antitheist's DictionaryBook of Ginny cover51Ga16XoJmL__BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX324_SY324_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA346_SH20_OU02_

These books are intended for people with an open mind. If you have strong religious beliefs that you do not want questioned then these are probably not for you!

The Antitheist’s Dictionary

This is a humorous book of scurrilous definitions of religious words.

The Antitheist’s Bible

This is a novel that is exploring the fictions that create the facts of religion.

The Book of Ginny

A novel about a party girl who God talks converses with. She starts a new religion and that is only the beginning. Sexually explicit.

Poetry – I’m a bit of a Monkey – I’m amazed in this day and age that people still have difficulty with this.

Posted on by Opher

Antitheist's Dictionary

A Bit of a Monkey

My Mum always told me I was a bit of a monkey; little did she know.

We think that we’re so clever that we’re not even animals. We have been made by some divine hand from scratch.

But I know I’m an overgrown ape. I have all the DNA to prove it and no sign of an oversize finger-print.

 

I’m a bit of a Monkey

We’re all bits of monkeys – monkeys that evolved into apes.

We’re the apes with the big brains and mean disposition,

The intelligence and altruism.

We’re the consciousness perfectors and tax inspectors,

The apes that went to the moon.

We think we’re so clever, and we know it

Preening the remains of our hair,

Just to show it,

And prancing like an overgrown loon.

 

I like melon and I like grape

I’m happy to be an ape.

 

Opher 15.8.2015

The Antitheist’s Dictionary

Posted on by Opher
 
Antitheist's Dictionary

Antitheist’s Dictionary Paperback – 16 Aug 2014

by Opher Goodwin (Author)

This book consists of definitions of religious words interpreted by a cynical antitheist. It is humorous, offensive and controversial. If you are religious and easily offended then I suggest you steer well clear. If you are not religious (or are of a less sensitive nature to your more serious religious colleagues) then dip in and have a laugh along with me. However I should warn you; I have a serious intent as well. I view religion as a social menace that should be kept clear of children, schools and the State. I believe history has shown religion to be a major source of evil in the world. I believe it creates war, misogyny, torture, hypocrisy, exploitation, bigotry and hatred. There is little good that ever comes out of it. I hope all religion withers away naturally. Until then I respect your right to believe in whatever brand of superstition you wish – just as long as you do not try to force it on anyone else!

Poetry – Righteous Arrogance – a poem from an antitheist about religion.

Posted on by Opher

IMG_4244

Life is great. It’s a mystery. The universe is wonderful. It is a mystery too. I love mysteries but I do not think religion has any answers.

I am an antitheist because I do not believe there is a ‘god’, I believe the scriptures were all devised out of the minds of men and religion does more harm than good. So I would like all religion to end.

That does not mean that I would actively persecute religious people or that their beliefs should be mocked. I believe that as the evidence stacks up and the scriptures are revealed as medieval products of superstition – belief will wither naturally.

I have respect for anybody who chooses to believe in whatever they want.

I will oppose anyone who wishes to indoctrinate children or force their views on others. Religion should be a free, personal choice.

I would oppose any fundamentalism or theocracy. I do not see religion as having any place in schools or governments. That is dangerous and reprehensible.

Modern history has clearly demonstrated the hypocrisy in religion. The priests who abuse children clearly do not believe their own doctrine. The Jihadists who kill, torture and rape clearly have a perverse view of religion. The drunken, fornicating monks and cardinals, the Borgias. Then we have the intolerance and viciousness – inquisitions, pogroms, crusades, Jihads, genocides, witch burnings and torture. It is still going on today.

Our knowledge of how these scriptures were put together by primitive Middle Eastern cultures clearly shows that they are contrived.

Religion has its basis in the ignorance of men exposed to the mystery of life and the universe. The viewpoint and intuition of thousands of years ago does not hold any truths for me. It was superstition not wisdom.

I decided to put these personal views of mine into a poem.

 

Righteous arrogance

 

There is a righteous arrogance

That is only matched by ridiculous ignorance,

As we give our allegiance

To the indoctrinators of innocence.

And they betrayed us with impudence

With child-molesting expedience.

They did not even believe their own penitence

As they exploited with diligence.

 

From the portals of time

When all was complete mystery;

When conjecture was prime

And truth lost in the history,

They devised the excuses

For ‘what was’ and ‘what would be’;

They devised scriptures

To explain earth, sky and sea.

 

Without instrument or knowledge

We scanned heaven and earth

And gave ‘holy’ men a pledge

Of what their status was worth.

With their tall hats and rich cloaks

They ruled the warm hearth.

While we toiled in the fields

And they watched us with mirth.

 

In this time of great understanding

We can now clearly see the story;

Based on the evidence we are handling

Of the battles so gory

And the parts that ‘they’ stand in

As they assumed the glory.

Heaven and hell they were peddling

Fear the currency so hoary.

 

We find that the Ark does not hold water

The stories were fable

To ensnare sons and daughters;

Tales for dark nights round the table,

Not facts to take to the altar

Or Gods on which to hang a label.

For we have intelligence that does not falter

And knowledge that makes us more able.

 

It was all a pretence

That should remain past tense.

 

Opher 10.8.2015

An antitheist novel – The Book of Ginny.

Posted on by Opher

Book of Ginny cover

Perhaps, like me, you think that religion is manufactured out of the heads of human beings and is responsible for more harm than good. Then this racy novel is an intriguing look at what happens when God instructs a young woman.

This is the blurb:

WARNING – Sexually Explicit and Religiously Dangerous! This book is a sexually explicit expose of religion. If you are easily offended by sex or hold strong religious views I suggest you read no further. Ginny was a young party girl with a close group of friends. Life was good. She had a job she enjoyed and her world was fun. There was the round of parties, clubs, dancing, drugs and sex that provided the spice. Apart from one or two ‘aggravations’ such as getting herself prosecuted for shoplifting life was pretty sorted. Then came the voices and life would never be the same. She had been chosen and instructed to spread the word. Ginny put the world of sex, drugs and dancing behind her and embarked upon the task of delivering the new gospel to the world. At first it seemed to go so well but then she discovered that there were many with vested interests who were not so enamoured with any new revelations. They had a battle on their hands.

if you would like to purchase this book:

Opher Goodwin – One man think tank, photographer, writer, educationalist, environmentalist, artist, poet, traveller, antitheist, Rock musicologist, politician, thinker, novelist and wonderer. Check out his Blog!

Posted on by Opher

Well check out my blog – look at my photos, read my blogs, care about the planet, check out my Rock Music, and read my books.

I’m unique!!

Reviews: –

‘Just what the blurb says!’

4.0 out of 5 stars Forgotten the 60s 5 July 2015
By Pete 2 Sheds
Format:Kindle Edition
If you were there, the 60s that is, and you have forgotten much, and you will have, then this is an interesting memory jogger. It is Chris Goodwins account of the real ‘underground’ music scene of the time and not what is popularly touted to the interested young of today.
If you are genuinely interested in the genesis of modern music and its evolution especially through the 60s and 70s then this is an interesting guide and full of quirky anecdotes which may appeal to the young of all ages
5.0 out of 5 stars … who has lived through the sixties and seventies will LOVE this book 12 Sept. 2014
By Me
Format:Paperback
Rock music lovers and anyone who has lived through the sixties and seventies will LOVE this book!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Opher-Goodwin/e/B00MSHUX6Y/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1437386940&sr=1-2-ent

Poetry – New Poetry Anthology – Vice and Verse – out now in paperback for £4.15 or Kindle for £1.99. There’s a few in here you’ll love!

Posted on by Opher

My new Poetry book ‘Vice and Verse’ is out now on amazon!

Just £1.99 for the kindle version or £4.15 for the paperback. Once again the cover is one of my own paintings.

Why not support your local author and poet? Treat yourself. There’s nothing like an Opher!

Check out my other books on Amazon: