Preposterous Universe

 
Sunday song lyric

With apologies to Juan Non-Volokh, it's time for another Sunday song lyric. This time from progressive-rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer, with bonus theological commentary!

The Only Way (Hymn)
Music by Emerson; Lyrics by Lake

People are stirred
Moved by the Word
Kneel at the shrine
Deceived by the wine
How was the Earth conceived?
Infinite space
Is there such a place?
You must believe in the human race

Can you believe
God makes you breathe
Why did he lose
Six million Jews?

Touched by the wings
Fear's angel brings
Sad winter storm
Grey autumn dawn
Who looks on life itself
Who lights your way?
Only you can say
How can you just obey?

Don't need the word
Now that you've heard
Don't be afraid
Man is man-made
And when the hour comes
Don't turn away
Face the light of day
And do it your way
It's the only way

Okay, not the most sophisticated statement of the problem of evil (and Lake is trying to sing way outside his range). But when I was younger, hearing this song was what made me realize it might actually be okay to not believe in God.

~ posted by Sean Carroll at 10:12 AM ~ link ~ ~ ~