Now that the war in Gaza has brought chaos to college campuses across the United States and in Europe too, whose God will bring the solution that works for everyone?
Andrew- This is one of the most accurate observations I've read so far this week: "One also wonders if the God of Moses would condone the genocidal attacks on Gaza. Or whether the founder of Islam would have ordered the October 7th attack on Israel. If so, then the solution to the current “War in the Holy Land” comes down to whose God is bigger—Isaac’s or Ishmael’s. But none of these conflicts is about God. They’re about the will to power. They’re about who has the loudest mouth and the biggest guns." If everyone had enough care to be as observant and keen as you are in thought---all of these atrocities may not have happened. I appreciate your thought-weaving here. Very well-rounded and balanced. Hope you're well this week, Andrew?
Thank you very much, Thalia, for your kind response. It's gratifying to know my observations in resonated with you. It would certainly be nice if we could all step back a little before emotions and ancient quarrels rule the day. Perhaps I was preaching to the choir in this piece, but I'm glad to know you're in it. Your stories are also thoughtful and balanced. So I'm honored by your reaction. All is well with me, Thalia, and I trust that you and yours are doing well too.
I remember reading about studies done with rats and overcrowding. When the numbers got high enough, they turned on each other violently. The continuous wars between countries/differing.religions/differing factions within religious feels like humans are acting out the rat experiments. Using God as the reason is a handy excuse. Listening to Imagine made me cry - A beautiful image I will never live.to.see.
Your comparison to the rat experiment feels spot on. Makes you wonder if humans really are higher up the food chain. I love this UNICEF version of Imagine. I watched and listened a few times while writing this piece. It chokes me up too. Thanks so much for reading and adding your insights. I really appreciate it.
I agree with everything you say here, except I would turn that last sentence around. "God is love" is an abstraction. "Love is God" is a call to action.
That’s a brilliant turn of phrase! A call to action is much more powerful. Thanks for that—and for taking the time to read and comment. Much appreciated, as always.
Andrew- This is one of the most accurate observations I've read so far this week: "One also wonders if the God of Moses would condone the genocidal attacks on Gaza. Or whether the founder of Islam would have ordered the October 7th attack on Israel. If so, then the solution to the current “War in the Holy Land” comes down to whose God is bigger—Isaac’s or Ishmael’s. But none of these conflicts is about God. They’re about the will to power. They’re about who has the loudest mouth and the biggest guns." If everyone had enough care to be as observant and keen as you are in thought---all of these atrocities may not have happened. I appreciate your thought-weaving here. Very well-rounded and balanced. Hope you're well this week, Andrew?
Thank you very much, Thalia, for your kind response. It's gratifying to know my observations in resonated with you. It would certainly be nice if we could all step back a little before emotions and ancient quarrels rule the day. Perhaps I was preaching to the choir in this piece, but I'm glad to know you're in it. Your stories are also thoughtful and balanced. So I'm honored by your reaction. All is well with me, Thalia, and I trust that you and yours are doing well too.
Absolutely, Andrew.
I remember reading about studies done with rats and overcrowding. When the numbers got high enough, they turned on each other violently. The continuous wars between countries/differing.religions/differing factions within religious feels like humans are acting out the rat experiments. Using God as the reason is a handy excuse. Listening to Imagine made me cry - A beautiful image I will never live.to.see.
Your comparison to the rat experiment feels spot on. Makes you wonder if humans really are higher up the food chain. I love this UNICEF version of Imagine. I watched and listened a few times while writing this piece. It chokes me up too. Thanks so much for reading and adding your insights. I really appreciate it.
I agree with everything you say here, except I would turn that last sentence around. "God is love" is an abstraction. "Love is God" is a call to action.
That’s a brilliant turn of phrase! A call to action is much more powerful. Thanks for that—and for taking the time to read and comment. Much appreciated, as always.