I AM THE BASTARD.

in a world where God is known as an über-capitalist, misogynistic, backwards, fag-hating pig, maranatha is addressed from one hypocrite to all hypocrites.

maranatha does not exist to project hatred or judgment. this project is a call to a community from directly within it. a call to act justly. to love mercy. and to walk humbly.

if you are reading this and you have a deep disdain for God—one that has its roots in a deep disdain for christians—maranatha does not seek to invalidate your convictions, or even change your mind. what maranatha does seek to do is contend that the god you experienced wasn’t real in the first place.

“i came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — john 10:10

MAN-GODthere is no God in the kingdom you speak of.

a false eternity of condemnation,fueled by shame and lost humanity.your “holy scriptures” speak only death—and you long for its masochistic sting.

the god of your kingdom is full of hate. the god of your kingdom has damned you.

woe to you, lover of ignorance.you are the only one who is condemned.damned to suffer in your own personal hell.

the god of your kingdom is you.

IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIPi can smell the fire on your breath.we give the same tired responses. we’re hiding behind godly words,condemnation in sheep’s clothing.

we are slaves to false humanity.we bury our emotions, but are much too arrogant to see them die in the first place.

i can smell the fire on your breath.

where is the line between authority and arrogance?

it ends here. this fallacy dies with our fathers.

ASCEND/DESCENDthis is not a call to arms.lay down your weapon.lay down your crown.get off your cross.

we declare restoration in this age of injustice.this division must be reconciled.

we declare war on this age of arrogance. join in the song of the true war cry:“come, oh LORD! maranatha!”

this is a call to act.to act justly. to love mercy.to walk humbly.

get off your cross.

GOD OUT OF THE MACHINEGod is dead. and his blood is on our hands.

we’ve replaced him with the perfect lie. nothing but a justification, suited to meet all of our selfish needs.

a god of oppression.a god of injusticea god of ignorance.a god of prejudice.

we are the bastard children of a dead father.we are the bastards.i am the bastard.

VADE RETRO SATANAlet the holy cross be my light.let not the dragon be my guide.

step back satan.

never tempt me with vain things.what you offer me is evil.you drink the poison yourself.

Note: This song is a “spoken amulet,” used to ward off evil in Catholic tradition, dating from as early as 1647. There’s just something so simply strong about it.

INCARNATEdo you do well to be angry?do you do well to give yourself to hatred?where is the grace in your truth?

salvation was already yours. all hail the one who is merciful and compassionate!all hail the one who is slow to anger!all hail the one who is filled with unfailing love!all hail the one who relents from destruction!

turn from the way of ignorance!turn from the way of death!turn toward the way of abundant life!repent! for the kingdom is at hand!

all hail the incarnate Son of Man!all hail the crucified Son of God!all hail the resurrected Christ!

All music and lyrics written and performed by Collin Simula between June 2011 and February 2012. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Collin Simula. Art direction and design by Collin Simula. Additional vocal arrangements on Ascend/Descend by Joshua Ashworth.

©2012 Maranatha. All rights resereved.