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Further Response to AMR and Kenny...
author: RC
Maybe i should just write an article, and quit responding here. However, I think it is important to say some things, since i have the format within this posting.
Kenny, I do not believe that the assumption that there will be another holocaust, and we should create our realities around that assumption, is a good way to go, (with all due respect, as you know.) This implies living in a state of paranoia, which does not make for an open and creative and life affirming way of being in the world. Or within oneself.. That is why you feel the conflict about suggesting that israel needs to be a world military superpower. You know intuitively, that it doesn't really sound right, but if you hold to that innate belief about the future, it would seem you have no choice..
I believe, however, what you said about positive outcome of a free and peaceful Israel/Palestine is much more accurate..As you said, no need for harsh sanctions and measures from the rest of the world, to 'keep everyone in line'. Because the benefits will keep everyone invested in keeping peace and cooperation going. And i believe this is absolutely true..
As far as how to prevent antisemitism and another 'Jewish' holocaust, which both of you seem to fear. Start with doing unto others as you would have them do unto you..No special privileges..No one is exempt from Universal Law. No loopholes for anyone. It is not 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'..That is not justice. That is 'getting even', in a very primitive way. And I will promise you that this will never work in the long run. Justice comes from truly learning the deeper lesson from experience, and growing from it..That is our 'redemption'..Evolution and growth. And these are very Divine qualities of Gd.
As long as we do not relate to each other based upon how we are alike (reflections of the nature of Gd), rather than splitting hairs about how we are different, then we are all in trouble. I do not believe that the Gd of the Jews is unique..Yes, I believe that all spiritual paths and teachings each have their own unique expressions and qualities. Jeremiah said that in the future, the words of Gd would be printed within the hearts of each individual human being. And there would be no need for anyone else to tell us how to live, because each one has the capacity to search his own heart and 'know' what is right. I believe we have reached that time.
AMR, if i understand you, you are saying that being Jewish is not a race, but an ethical and spiritual way of being in the world and seeing life. Even converts have reflected these values, you said. So then, really, anyone who is in search of understanding and justice and truth, and respects his fellow human beings, etc., can be considered a Jew. And he can also be a Christian or a Moslem at the same time?? I would say, yes. They all have the same foundation, do they not?
Now, also, I feel that there is a conflict when you believe that if we are truly 'moral', we could be destroyed..I must , in all respect, say that i do not agree. If this were true, why would Gd have given us this Law? Gd would not have given us this understanding, if it would cause our destruction..So, something needs to be understood here, i feel, in a deeper way.
I believe that if we truly followed the Law, in creative ways, and creativity is by nature, infinite, then we would all do much better. And we will not be destroyed, i am very certain of this on many levels of my being. Plus, it makes sense. Realism need not be pessimism. We can see much to prove this point, if we shine a light on the positive actions of human beings, now, and throughout history..o.k. I will stop here..Shalom