During the course of our interview, my guest, Brigitte Jaensch, repeated the following words: “If Abraham did exist…” It turns out that most of the expansion of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank is a direct result of the belief that this land was given to Abraham by God. In addition, Israelis are discouraged from going into the west bank perhaps because the truth would be too difficult for people of conscience to witness. But it got me thinking…
There are three religions, some might say the world’s largest, who rely on the belief that Abraham existed. So I started researching on the Internet to find out what were the facts behind his existence. Just about everything I saw quoted the Bible. The only argument for his existence that did not quote the bible was that we could not prove he didn’t exist. Besides the difference in timelines between the fact that we’ve existed as a species for millions of years, and that the bible denies this, it is difficult for me to accept that we can murder and abuse and oppress people based on a belief and a faith which urges us not to kill, among other things.
I believe there is a greater force at play. Our lives are a constant lesson in humility. We are an infinitesimal portion of the universe. I have been fortunate to meet and know loving and kind followers of every religion, and yet we cling to our turf and covet to be wealthier, smarter, and younger looking than our neighbors. We heap scorn on those who think or look differently. We disregard science as we forget to stand and speak for the weaker, the poorer, and the voiceless.
There are signs of goodness everywhere. From the individuals who choose to do anything they can to make this world a better place, to the new generation of involved and aware activists. There is enough food and wealth to share and our hearts are definitely capable of increasing in acceptance of others. In the words of the great John Lennon, who would’ve just turned 70, "Imagine."
