The Good Shepherd with the Kid
The poem explores themes of salvation, forgiveness, and the dichotomy between the saved and the unsaved. It begins with a reference to Tertullian, a Church Father known for his strict views on sin and redemption. The speaker reflects on Tertullian's harsh stance that those who have sinned after baptism cannot be forgiven, contrasting it with the more compassionate perspective of the early Church. The infant Church, embodying love and hope, finds solace in the figure of the Good Shepherd, who represents Christ. In the Catacombs, a place of refuge for early Christians facing persecution, the Church draws an image of the Good Shepherd carrying a kid instead of a lamb, symbolizing a broader understanding of salvation that includes all, not just the innocent. As the poem progresses, it delves into the complexities of faith, the struggle for redemption, and the nature of divine love. The Good Shepherd becomes a metaphor for Christ's willingness to embrace all, regardless of their past, emphasizing the transformative power of love and forgiveness. The imagery of the Catacombs serves as a backdrop for the Church's resilience and hope amidst adversity. The work ultimately challenges the rigid interpretations of sin and salvation, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of divine grace. It reflects on the journey of faith, the importance of love, and the belief that redemption is available to all who seek it, regardless of their past transgressions. The poem concludes with a reaffirmation of the Good Shepherd's role as a protector and savior, embodying the essence of unconditional love and forgiveness.
By Matthew Arnold · First published 1855 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Christian Literature, Lyric Poetry · 171 words
First lines
He saves the sheep, the goats he doth not save!
So rang Tertullian's sentence, on the side Of that unpitying Phrygian sect44 which cried: "Him can no fount of fresh forgiveness lave, "Who sins, once wash'd by the baptismal wave!"
So spake the fierce Tertullian. But she sigh'd, The infant Church; of love she felt the tide Stream on her from her Lord's yet recent grave.
And then she smiled, and in the Catacombs, With eye suffused but heart inspired true, On those walls subterranean, where she hid Her head in ignominy, death, and tombs, She her Good Shepherd's hasty image drew; And on his shoulders, not a lamb, a kid.
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The Good Shepherd with the Kid is listed on Textopian as a poem by Matthew Arnold, dated 1855 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Matthew Arnold
- Date: 1855 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Christian Literature, Lyric Poetry, Symbolism, Historical Poetry
- Length: 171 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem explores themes of salvation, forgiveness, and the relationship between the divine and humanity, central to religious poetry.
- Christian Literature — The work reflects Christian themes, particularly the imagery of the Good Shepherd and the infant Church, which are significant in Christian literature.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's emotional expression and personal reflection align with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the Good Shepherd and the kid, conveys deeper meanings related to faith and redemption.
Tags
Poetry · Literary Work · 19th Century Literature · English Literature · Religious Theme · Shepherd Metaphor · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Allegory · Moral Lesson · Fable · Mythological Reference