Author or Holy Mess, Exploring The Israeli Palestinian Conflict From an Atheist Angle
In recent years, it has become trendy to say that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has no solution. I beg to differ. Here’s a thought experiment to prove my point: Two hundred years from now, the situation in the Middle East will unquestionably be radically different. There could be two states, a single bi-national state, or a... The post Thought Experiment: Is There a Solution? appeared first on…
Many factors prop up the conflict, allowing it to persist for so many decades. Here’s a thought experiment that can help elucidate the core one. What is the one factor that, if eliminated, will make the conflict significantly easier to resolve? None of the often-discussed issues, if solved on its own, will end the conflict.... The post Thought Experiment: Take Away Religion appeared first on Amir…
When discussing the conflict, both sides choose to minimize or ignore the root cause and instead point the finger at more recent events. Here’s an example and some food for thought: Why did a war break out in the Gaza Strip in October 2023? The Hamas attacks of October 7th. That’s where Israelis would prefer... The post Thought Experiment: Dig Deeper for the Root Cause appeared first on Amir…
Imagine you are on the ground in the region. Look around you. What do you see? Depending on your whereabouts, you may see hills, trees, fields, buildings, or people. Almost everyone around you is religious, whether or not it is evident from the way they dress, talk, or associate. Now imagine that all these people... The post Thought Experiment: Imagine No Religion appeared first on Amir Canaan .
What would happen if a developed European country enacted an apartheid government that discriminated against a portion of the population? It would not be the first time this happens, of course, but let’s imagine it taking place in the twenty-first century. What if Italy, for example, decided that the entire Campania region – with Naples... The post Thought Experiment: Unique Privilege? appeared…
Readers will have strong feelings for and against the positions I expressed in this book. While I can’t anticipate every single objection, here are some preemptive replies to potential pushback. “All in all, religion does more good than harm.” I’m not sure how to measure the amount of goodness religion brings to the world and... The post Preemptive Replies to Pushback appeared first on Amir Canaan…
Avoiding certain actions and habits can be as important as reducing dependency on religion. Organized religion got everyone used to giving them the reins and paying them money in various ways, but that’s no more an obligation than spitting when a black cat crosses your path. It is easier said than done for those living... The post What Not to Do About the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict appeared…
As individuals, we can do very little to help nudge the Middle East toward a better future. Protests hardly make a dent, and other forms of nonviolent resistance are largely ineffective as well. For those living in the region, civil or uncivil disobedience doesn’t do much. Middle Eastern governments are known for their forceful suppression... The post What Can You Do About the Israeli-Palestinian…