I don’t take my kids to church
It’s not a place I want to be
For ministers protect themselves
And not once protected me.

I don’t take my kids to church
It’s filled with gossip and with lies
And loose-lipped friends who mean well
But end up being spies.

I don’t take my kids to church
I’d rather teach them to be good
To love mercy, peace and justice
As God tells us that we should.

I don’t take my kids to church
For they were taught by watching, stunned,
That when you dare defend yourself
You are punished and are shunned.

I’d rather that my kids find God
In grass and dirt and tree
Than in pew and hymn and pulpit
And be wounded, just like me.