The Poetry Corner

Who Is A Christian?

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Who is a Christian in this Christian land Of many churches and of lofty spires? Not he who sits in soft upholstered pews Bought by the profits of unholy greed, And looks devotion, while he thinks of gain. Not he who sends petitions from the lips That lie to-morrow in the street and mart. Not he who fattens on another's toil, And flings his unearned riches to the poor, Or aids the heathen with a lessened wage, And builds cathedrals with an increased rent. Christ, with Thy great, sweet, simple creed of love, How must Thou weary of Earth's 'Christian' clans, Who preach salvation through Thy saving blood While planning slaughter of their fellow men. Who is a Christian?It is one whose life Is built on love, on kindness and on faith; Who holds his brother as his other self; Who toils for justice, equity and PEACE, And hides no aim or purpose in his heart That will not chord with universal good. Though he be pagan, heretic or Jew, That man is Christian and beloved of Christ.