It turns out how it does and you have no qualms or say in it…it simply is what it is. What method of currency would you pay, if available, in which to change it? Leaves blowing in the wind. Sand thru an hourglass. No protest or complaint can change what will be or what is. Futile efforts given to try. Only fools filled with ignorance or arrogance claim otherwise…

Spinoza. Baruch Spinoza was a 17th Century Philosopher. Considered a heretic in his time; many thought him to be an Atheist, simply because he challenged the status quo of religious doctrine of his time. But Baruch was no atheist. Baruch believed in God…he just didn’t see God as a god that was present in his life. This feeling, this thought process put him on the outs with the religious fundamentalists of his day.

I’ve thought about him frequently. I can relate to Spinoza’s feelings towards god. What he must have felt to arrive at that conclusion. The conclusion that resulted in a belief system called “Spinozism“.  To be of something and yet be utterly in no control of it and to feel as if it has no positive influence on your life. In some ways I’m resigned to agree…afterall, how can we deny our limited ability to manipulate or bend the world around us to our will?

The god of Spinoza…are you asleep? How can one think otherwise when there seems to be no evidence of your presence? Is the inhale and exhale of breath the only measure in which you choose to proclaim your existence? Perhaps. Or is it just lost on our limited ability to grasp what it is that you are doing? Surely logic and reason are of God, are they not? So then what logic is there in this? What is the reason? 

A woman is in a tragic accident that claims the life her young son…the reason? Spinoza. The god who is asleep. The god that does nothing to influence or change the outcome of events. 

The loss of a home due to foreclosure…surely the one true god would will to save that? Spinoza. The father set to abandon children perceived as bastards. Why would He stay present for such a thing?

Diseases and ailments rampant in everyone unfortunate enough to succumb to them…are they hidden from your all seeing, all knowing eye? Are you simply too busy to be bothered by the request? Spinoza. The god who can not be bothered with such trivial matters.

Wars and human suffering…are these not something to take interest in? Do they not draw your attention? Spinoza. The ignorant god who is unable or unwilling to reduce itself to the concerns and suffering of humanity. Afterall, is not God above, in Heaven and are we not below…on His footstool? 

I take issue with the god of Spinoza

For it is a god that I do not know or recognize and if Spinoza were alive today I’d like to take him to task on it.

I don’t always understand the why behind the things that happen in this life. Sometimes things happen that truly leave me baffled. But I will say…I’d be lyin if I claimed that I didn’t see God’s hand in it. Perhaps it’s my age…But I have learned that some things deemed as bad things happening, aren’t actually so bad. Some things that seem impossible, are actually possible. Sometimes when the presence of God seems to be the farthest, it’s actually much closer. Sometimes things we need ta see, aren’t seen until we are ready. Sometimes God’s seemingly lack of involvement in a situation isn’t the problem, we are.

Baruch…Spinoza, how can you deny that? Speak to me from the grave and deny that it is so!

Copyright©2022 Jacob C. Larson All Rights Reserved

***There is a God that is very present and active in your life. He IS the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Your denial or rejection of Him doesn’t change or alter who He is. Your ignorance or lack of understanding of His works doesn’t change or alter His work. Your ONLY task…is to better understand Him, so you can recognize and acknowledge it. That’s it. So by all means, question it if you must, but be humble in your approach…for the arguments of fools are never tolerated at length. 

****It is written, that those that seek the Truth, shall find it. Doors that are knocked on shall be opened. Those are binding agreements. They HAVE to happen. If not, then God is a liar, and the Bible is wrong. The key to both require an action on your part. You. Must. SEEK. You. Must. KNOCK. Get it? There is no time limit to that. There is no measure of effort assigned. There is simply an implication of consistency and persistency. So…you want to know the “why” of such things? Seek, Knock…and don’t stop until you get your answer. 

*****You are free to lie to others, but be honest with yourself…you’ve seen it…you’ve felt it. Declare it. Speak the truth of it…or remain a coward. If you’re currently in the shit and you can’t see it, then hold your tongue until you can. Because you will see it.