If Christ Came Questioning
The poem explores the idea of Jesus Christ returning to modern society and being disillusioned by the hypocrisy and materialism he encounters. The speaker describes how Christ would be shocked by the contrast between his teachings and the way people live their lives, prioritizing wealth and power over kindness and compassion. The poem critiques societal ills such as poverty, inequality, and war, suggesting that humanity has failed to uphold Christ's message of love and redemption.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Christian Literature, Philosophical Literature · 488 words
First lines
If Christ came questioning His world to-day, (If Christ came questioning,) ‘What hast thou done to glorify thy God, Since last My feet this lower earth plane trod? ' How could I answer Him; and in what way One evidence of my allegiance bring; If Christ came questioning.
If Christ came questioning, to me alone, (If Christ came questioning,) I could not point to any church or shrine And say, ‘I helped build up this house of Thine; Behold the altar, and the corner stone'; I could not show one proof of such a thing; If Christ came questioning.
What this Textopian page supports
If Christ Came Questioning is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Christian Literature, Philosophical Literature, Inspirational Literature, Devotional Literature
- Length: 488 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for If Christ Came Questioning by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering If Christ Came Questioning?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Gods Measure by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Radiant Christ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Gods Answer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Gethsemane by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- One In Christ by Henry Van Dyke
- Has Been by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The text is a poetic exploration of religious themes, specifically focusing on a hypothetical encounter with Christ and self-reflection on spiritual deeds.
- Christian Literature — The work centers on Christian themes, questioning personal contributions to faith and spirituality.
- Philosophical Literature — The text delves into philosophical questions about self-worth, morality, and the human condition in the context of religious belief.
- Inspirational Literature — The poem aims to inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and spiritual journeys, encouraging self-improvement and devotion.
Tags
Christianity · Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Religion · Inspirational · Motivational · Social Commentary · Moral Guidance · Ethics · Values · Beliefs