Why The Church Might Go To Hell (Poem)
The church today is not a church, it’s a person;
A prophet, Bishop, Angel.
Take him out, and you are left with a building.The church today is not a church, it’s a prison;
A place we go to lock our common sense,
And hope that the pastor knows what the hell he’s doing.The church today is not a church, it’s a Supermarket;
A place to buy, buy, buy…
Everything at a price.The church today is not a church, it’s a nightclub at day;
A place where every lady dresses to kill,
And hopes that the pastor sees.The church today is not a church, it’s a law court;
A place where you’re judged for everything…
Even the colour of your shoes.The church today is not a church, it’s a cemetery;
A place we bury our enemies,
Holy Ghost fire!!!!The church today is not a church, it’s a bank;
A place to invest all your hard-earned money,
And pray like hell that it reaps profits in Heaven.The church today is not a church, it’s a disgrace;
A ridicule of Christ’s essence,
And sadly I’m a part of it.–Clement H. Holloway
Introduction
When I wrote “Why The Church Might Go To Hell,” I wanted to provoke deep reflection. The title itself is bold, but it’s meant to challenge, not to condemn. My poem is a mirror held up to modern religious institutions, questioning what the church has become versus what it was meant to be. Here, I break down the metaphors to share what was in my heart and mind as I wrote each line.
The Church as a Person
“The church today is not a church, it’s a person; A prophet, Bishop, Angel. Take him out, and you are left with a building.”
When I penned these lines, I was thinking about how we’ve shifted our focus from community to individuals. The church is no longer about the collective body of believers; it’s often centred around charismatic leaders. Remove the pastor, bishop, or prophet, and what remains? Just walls. The essence of faith should never hinge on a single person but on the shared spirit of the congregation.
The Church as a Prison
“The church today is not a church, it’s a prison; A place we go to lock our common sense, And hope that the pastor knows what the hell he’s doing.”
This part reflects my frustration with blind faith. Sometimes, people check their critical thinking at the door, accepting everything a leader says without question. Faith should inspire us to seek truth, not suppress our ability to think and question. True spirituality welcomes curiosity and dialogue.
The Church as a Supermarket
“The church today is not a church, it’s a Supermarket; A place to buy, buy, buy… Everything at a price.”
Here, I critique the commercialisation of faith. It feels like salvation and blessings are for sale—tied to offerings, tithes, and donations. While supporting the church is important, it should never feel transactional. Spiritual growth can’t be bought; it’s cultivated through genuine connection and practice.
The Church as a Nightclub at Day
“The church today is not a church, it’s a nightclub at day; A place where every lady dresses to kill, And hopes that the pastor sees.”
This metaphor highlights the focus on appearances over substance. In some spaces, church has become more about social status, fashion, and impressing others rather than sincere worship. It’s not about judgment; it’s about questioning where our priorities lie when we step into a place meant for spiritual reflection.
The Church as a Law Court
“The church today is not a church, it’s a law court; A place where you’re judged for everything… Even the colour of your shoes.”
In many ways, churches have become places of strict judgment rather than spaces of grace and redemption. Instead of welcoming people with open arms, some congregations focus on outward appearances and minor details, forgetting that faith is meant to heal, not to condemn. True faith should cultivate love, not fear of criticism.
Conclusion
“Why The Church Might Go To Hell” isn’t an attack; it’s a call for introspection. It’s a challenge to return to the true purpose of the church: community, love, growth, and spiritual authenticity. My hope is that these words ignite conversations that lead to transformation—both within the church and within ourselves.
It is so sad that this is true and it is sadder that you and I play a part. How can we remedy this as Christians and get back to the true purpose for which we are a church? I wonder if change will ever come
It won’t be easy, but I believe real change starts when we, as Christians, stop idolizing spiritual leaders, dig deeper into the Bible for ourselves, and boldly question any doctrine or practice that contradicts its teachings. Only then can we reclaim the true essence of Christianity and make faith authentic and impactful again.