In the July/August Reform we brought you the New Testament in 27 tweets (‘Twitter #Testament’). This month, Kim Fabricius has risen to the challenge of putting the Apostles’ Creed into limericks

I believe in the Father, Creator
of nice things like pets and potaters;
as for Marmite and fleas
and all sorts of disease –
dumb theodicies sooner or later.

I believe in the Christ, Lord and Son,
whose conception was second to none,
for the Spirit had plans
to omit Mary’s man –
so, alas, for poor Joseph no fun.

I believe in the Lord’s execution,
after torture by state Lilliputians;
and a grievous descent
to a place of lament
that was emptied without retribution.

I believe in the Lord’s resurrection
in a body that passed Tom’s inspection;
he returned to the stars
with his bruises and scars
to portray a new kind of perfection.

I believe in his coming as Judge,
not to raise hell or settle a grudge,
but to reconcile all,
even those who will bawl,
‘What, no brimstone? A liberal fudge!’

I believe in the Spirit and kirk
(though the latter can be such a jerk);
and forgiveness – it’s free,
unconditionally
(says the kirk, with a smile – or a smirk?)

To conclude: the communion of saints:
I’m not sure what it is; but it ain’t
only Christians like you
who believe as you do –
like the Lord’s under creedal constraint?

Oops, life – Life! – I almost forgot.
What’s it like? Well, I’ll give it a shot:
it’s like visons of Blake,
it’s like ice cream and cake –
it’s a lot, and a lot, and a lot …

Kim Fabricius is a hymnwriter, a retired minister and a former university chaplain

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This article was published in the October 2016 edition of  Reform.

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