What I want to say with this is that faith is OK. That belief in an invisible, humanly incomprehensible, supernatural being is OK when it ensures you a better quality of life. Keep believing, stay happy and keep hoping for better things to come. I think everyone has the right to hope and the search for happiness. However, do not confuse faith with science.
Religion has a deterministic influence on the current situation in Gaza. From both sides, the eternal unholy alliance between religion and state is unmistakably detectable in this crisis.
The War of the Gods:
The conflict between Israel and Hamas is, unfortunately, not a political conflict. If it had been a political conflict, it would have been resolved long ago. The solution to a political issue generally only needs two semi-intelligent leaders; one usually needs more money and the other more lebensraum. Capitalism comes to the rescue and Voila … problem solved. The problem in this case, however, is that the conflict between Israel and Hamas is, tragically, a religious problem.
The question is often asked: “If someone can prove to you that God exists, will you believe in Him?
My answer would be: “Absolutely, I will”.
I have come to realise that in its various shapes and forms, religion has become an integral part of life on Earth and may never vacate its space. Homo sapiens may as well be called Homo religiosis …..
Noah’s Ark – alias Atrahasis and the Flood – a fictional story created four thousand years ago by the Sumerians. Science is rational, permanent and constantly proved all the time. Faith, based on fiction and wishful thinking, is not – faith-based stories are emotional, short-term and disposable. Here’s an example :
When Einstein gave lectures at U.S. universities, the recurring question that students asked him most was:
“Do you believe in God?” And his answer was, “I believe in the God of Spinoza”. And according to Spinoza:
“If there is a God, he would say …”
“There are fairies living at the bottom of my garden.”
“You’re joking! Have you seen them?
“No, but I believe they do.”
“There’s a flying spaghetti monster orbiting Saturn.”
“You’re kidding! I’ve read no scientific articles or journals reporting on that.”
“Well, that doesn’t mean it’s not true …. I believe it is true.”
Video interview with VIJEV about Faith: Full Circle – the inspiration for and message of the book.
Ever since I walked away from my originally deeply held religious convictions, I wanted to write down my story. The opportunity came more than 15 years later, at the beginning of 2020, during the first lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic. It included the pact I made with God during my conscription year in the army.
