3. Changing attitudes: faith

The vivid immediacy of a divine presence is so prevalent in seventeenth century metaphysical poetry. John Donne’s hope of redemption and terror of damnation course through his religious sonnets. George Herbert’s unquestioning closeness to his creator is powerful, whether in a spirit of rebellion (The Collar) or of utter humility and trust (Love).

I never fail to be moved by his beautiful poem that begins “Love bade me welcome” and which I came to know and love as a teenager. My own response aims to show our own age’s unsettling doubt.

I retitled Herbert’s poem Faith:

“Faith bids me welcome; my dull brain resists,
So long my leading guide.
Reason is all, my jealous mind insists –
Let nothing else inside.

Faith in the unknown must be a mirage!
Erect a stubborn wall,
Fashion a fortress, build a strong barrage
Against the fanciful.

But Faith says, There are worlds beyond our reach
Where stranger things
Than cold philosophy could ever teach
Might lend you wings.”

Next: Changing attitudes: faith and climate change