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Is it acceptable to have in our own heart the kind of brutally honest language and sentiments that are in the Psalms of lament? Why or why not?

a) Yes, because it's important to express our true emotions to God.
b) No, because such language is offensive in prayer.
c) Yes, but only in private prayers, not in public.
d) No, because it shows a lack of faith.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Authentic expression of emotions, similar to the creation of poetry, is considered acceptable in many religious traditions and exemplified by the Psalms of lament. Importantly, it's essential to consider the manner and context in which these emotions are expressed. Private prayers provide the space for unfiltered honesty, while public prayers often reflect a more refined expression.

Explanation:

Authentic Expression in Religion:

The question invites reflection on the appropriateness of expressing raw emotions in religious contexts, as exemplified by the Psalms of lament. Firstly, it's essential to recognize that poetry and prayer both serve as outlets for intense emotions. Authentic expression is a common thread between the two. William Wordsworth highlighted the importance of emotion in poetry but also the need for that emotion to be processed before it is expressed in its final form. This notion can reasonably be extended to prayer.

In many religious traditions, it's believed that communicating our true feelings to God is both acceptable and beneficial for spiritual growth. This honesty helps maintain a genuine relationship with the divine. The Psalms of lament show that such expression has a historical precedent and is a natural part of spiritual discourse.

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