Reino Gevers's Blog, page 4

The Evolutionary Advantage of Empathy

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
– Maya Angelou

Empathy is our greatest evolutionary strength. While Social Darwinists argue that survival belongs to the strongest and most ruthless, history and science tell a different story. Humanity’s ability to connect, and to uplift one another has ensured our survival as a species.

Elon Musk’s belief that Western civilization’s greatest weakness is its empathy is not backed up by the science. Social Darwinism and much of the rightwing media ecosystem argue that the “strong” rise to the top and the “weak” fail, justifying economic inequality. Empathy is perceived as vulnerability and weakness in the competitive business environment.

Empathy is often confused with passivity and “people pleasing”. However, numerous studies confirm that empathy is actually a strength, fostering trust, enhancing decision-making, and building strong relationships.

Leaders with empathy are more effective

A study by the Center for Creative Leadership (Gentry, Weber, & Sadri, 2016) found that leaders who demonstrate empathy perform better and are more effective in managing teams. Employees who feel understood and valued are more engaged and productive.

Contrary to the belief that empathy clouds judgment, research shows it actually helps people make more ethical and fair decisions. A study published in The Journal of Business Ethics (Wang, Hackett, & Cao, 2016) found that empathetic leaders were more likely to make morally sound decisions that benefited both individuals and organizations.

A global study by the Businessolver 2021 State of Workplace Empathy Report found that 92 per cent of employees believe empathy is undervalued in the workplace, and 72 per cent of CEOs say empathy directly impacts financial performance.

Empathy as Strength

Rather than being a liability, empathy is a strategic advantage—helping individuals and organizations thrive through stronger relationships, ethical leadership, and enhanced decision-making. True empathy is not about weakness or passivity but about understanding others while maintaining boundaries and making informed, impactful choices.

A society based on Social Darwinism where the strongest, wealthiest and most powerful are venerated is a doomed society that is less compassionate, less caring, and less kind. It is the very opposite of value-based Western society based on the fundamentals of Christian values such as caring for the sick and needy and the most vulnerable in society.

Empathy has been a critical factor in the survival and success of the human species. While physical strength and intelligence played roles, our ability to cooperate, understand, and support each other has been one of the most significant evolutionary advantages.

Unlike solitary species, early humans relied on group survival. Anthropologists like Sarah Blaffer Hrdy (Mothers and Others, 2009) argue that empathy—especially in the form of cooperative child-rearing—was key to human evolution. Groups that cared for their weak, sick, or young had a higher survival rate than those that abandoned struggling members.

In the global happiness Index, Scandinavian societies, particularly Finland have consistently polled highest as the most happy societies. Finnish society is characterized by high levels of trust—both in fellow citizens and in public institutions. This trust is nurtured by subtle yet deep social bonds where empathy helps people understand and support one another, even in a culture that might appear reserved at first glance.

Finland’s robust welfare system amplifies these effects by ensuring that people feel cared for by society.

This creates a virtuous cycle—when people see their society as compassionate and responsive, their own empathetic behaviors are reinforced, further boosting overall happiness.

Research in positive psychology has linked empathy with higher levels of life satisfaction and emotional well-being. Empathetic interactions help reduce feelings of isolation and stress, which are key factors in long-term happiness.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor –Speaker

If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my latest book: Sages, Saints and Sinners to be launched globally on April 8th, 2025.

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Words matter

„False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil „ – Socrates

Socrates’ timeless warning about the power of words feels more urgent than ever in a world flooded with information overload much of it crafted to mislead and deceive.

When those in power use language to distort reality, the ability to discern truth from illusion becomes not just a skill, but a necessity.

Choosing your words wisely

The way we speak and the choice of words matter, revealing our true character with language a key tool in preparing the soul for truth.

Multiple studies confirm what the Ancient Greek sages knew all along: The words we speak and internalize can significantly impact our emotions, stress levels and body metabolism.

Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Newberg and communications expert Mark Robert Waldman found that even a single negative word can stimulate the brain‘s fear center, or amygdala.

Conversely, positive words stimulate the prefrontal cortex associated with logic and emotional balance.

Words that heal

Hearing or uttering positive words such as love, gratitude, support, strong, capable, resilient, brave, happy, vibrant, cheerful or warmth activates reward centers in the brain, leading to increased dopamine and serotonin levels.

Using positive affirmations or mantras have an even more powerful impact. Some examples:

– I am surrounded by kindness, compassion and love.

– My life is filled with gratitude, radiance and happiness.

– I am a magnet of abundance and prosperity.

– I am resilient, strong and full of courage

Mantras and prayers have been used for centuries to cultivate inner peace and spiritual strength.

Om Mani Padme Hung, with its emphasis on resonant vowels, carries a unique vibrational quality that makes its repetitive intonation especially powerful for cultivating inner peace and facilitating emotional healing. Its rhythmic chanting not only calms the mind but also helps release stress, fostering a deep sense of balance and spiritual well-being.

The Ave Maria whether sung or recited in prayer enhances comfort and protection, particularly during challenging times. It deepens feelings to the divine, reinforcing trust and surrender.

A 2001 study published in the British Medical Journal found that recitation of the Rosary including the Ave Maria synchronized breathing to about six breaths per minute, a rhythm particularly effective in reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional well-being.

Words and language fulfill their highest purpose when they uplift the soul and foster spiritual growth—when they seek truth through song, poetry, or storytelling, resonating with the deeper essence of human experience.

Powerfully chosen words illuminate the path to truth and freedom. Writers select them with care and intention. Storytellers and poets devote a lifetime to refining their craft. But when language is twisted for ulterior motives, it does more than deceive—it corrupts the soul, as Socrates warned.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor –Speaker

If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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The Illusion of Benevolent Authoritarianism

A rightwing media ecosystem has created the dangerous illusion that a benevolent authoritarian regime creates a more stable, equal, and prosperous society.

A common misconception is that strong, centralized rule brings order and stability. The reality is far bleaker. Having grown up in apartheid South Africa and visited communist East Germany multiple times, I’ve seen firsthand how authoritarian rule breeds fear, stagnation, and deep societal misery.

Police brutality and oppression of dissent are commonplace

Although a small minority of white people in South Africa benefited from apartheid, it came at a huge price. With growing dissent and unrest coming from the oppressed black majority, state-sanctioned police brutality and oppression of opposition movements were commonplace. Every young white South African male was conscripted for military service after graduating from school. Many, including some of my own family members, are still traumatized today from fighting a senseless war in Angola.

Both South Africa and more so communist East Germany relied on heavy policing and informant networks. Friends, neighbors and even family members spied on each other.

When I first visited East Germany in the late 1980s, I was struck by the pervasive presence of the Stasi secret police, whose surveillance began the moment we crossed the border. The atmosphere was stifling—grey skies, empty stores, and a palpable fear that made any interaction with locals feel tense and uncomfortable. The waiters in the restaurants were unfriendly and even rude.

Scars remain etched in the collective psyche for generations

After the fall of the Iron Curtain and the reunification of East and West Germany, the scars of the communist era remained deeply etched in the collective psyche. The loss of national identity, coupled with an education system that falsely pinned the blame for Nazi atrocities on West Germany, contributed to a resurgence of fascist nationalism in the former communist regions, leaving a legacy of division and disillusionment.

When power dominates over kindness and compassion, it can take generations for a country to heal. People often adopt a survival mindset, prioritizing self-interest over community well-being. Corruption becomes normalized, and moral considerations take a backseat to personal gain, particularly prevalent in the former Soviet Union and its satellite countries.

Democratic countries in the long-term are far more successful economically. Free speech encourages artistic creativity. Free societies and open markets create a competitive environment with new innovations and technological advancement.

Democratic freedoms create happy societies

It is not surprising that the Scandinavian countries with strong workers’ rights, excellent social welfare, and lower income inequality, also find themselves on the top of the global happiness index. Finland has maintained the top position for six consecutive years, reflecting its strong social support systems, high levels of trust, and overall quality of life.

It appears that strong community bonds and supportive communities play a crucial part when it comes to longevity, mental and physical health. People thrive in democracies that are more sustainable, innovative, and equitable.

A system where the powerful rule, without checks and balances such as free media and rule of law, typically are prone to corruption, mismanagement, and crony capitalism. Control over media and education stifles critical thinking and creativity, slowing technological progress. In Nazi Germany, scientific research was distorted by racial theories with disastrous consequences.

Authoritarianism destroys human dignity

Authoritarianism may offer short-term order, but ultimately leads to oppression, destruction of all human dignity, social fragmentation, economic stagnation, and instability. Fear, oppression, and lack of autonomy contribute to widespread psychological distress. Political oppression, imprisonment, and violence leave lasting psychological scars, often lasting for generations.

Democracy despite all its flaws is the oxygen where humans thrive. The freedoms and values we enjoy in democratic societies are all too seldom cherished. To quote Martin Luther King: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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Finding Purpose: Know Thyself

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — Pablo Picasso

Every soul incarnates with a unique purpose, and life itself is a journey of becoming who you truly are. Yet, from an early age, societal conditioning often obscures the soul’s inner calling, leading to discontent and unhappiness.

The Oracle of Delphi, inscribed at the Temple of Apollo, imparted the timeless wisdom: “Know Thyself.” This maxim reminds us that true purpose and wisdom emerge through deep self-reflection—by peeling away illusions, pretenses, and the false identities imposed by the world, we uncover our authentic essence.

Several sages have expanded on the maxim of Delphi by adding: “Know who you are not”, aligning with the practice of Neti Neti (“not this, not that”) in Advaita Vedanta, a Hindu philosophy. It seeks to understand the self by negating all that is not the true self. Perceiving the divine comes after self-reflection of “knowing thyself” and then “knowing who you are not”. The Islamic hadith states, “He who knows himself knows his Lord.”

From early childhood, we are subtly shaped by influences that can obscure our true nature and pull us away from our unique path in life. The hidden traps come in the form of societal norms, expectations, and fears.

Social Conditioning & External ExpectationsFrom early childhood, we absorb the values, beliefs, and expectations of the family we were born into. Parents often make the mistake of carving out a career path for their child without sensing its deeper yearning. Many realize only later in life that the ladder has been placed against the wrong wall. This often occurs during a midlife crisis.Self-Deception & EgoThrough self-talk, we often construct identities based on what we want in life rather than who we truly are. Uncomfortable truths are avoided with the ego protecting itself with rational justifications. The mind creates stories, but identifying too much with them keeps us trapped in illusions.Fear of Change or TruthHuman beings are creatures of habit. Making fundamental changes like creating distance to family members or friends pulling us down to a lower vibrational level requires brave decisions and honest self-reflection.Seeking Validation from OthersWhen we rely on external approval, we shape our identity based on how others perceive us rather than our own inner truth. Social media amplifies certain images of “success” and “happiness” mostly by encouraging consumerism. Finding Stillness

To truly discover who you are, you must create space for stillness. In quiet moments, especially in nature, your senses open to the whispers of the soul. Here, you can seek guidance from God, a higher intelligence, or your higher self. Yet, these answers can only reach your heart when you free yourself from the endless noise of external distractions.

Without solitude, self-awareness remains shallow. Cultivating a meditation practice can help deepen your connection to your inner self. There is no single perfect way to meditate—it might be sitting in stillness, walking mindfully in nature, listening to spiritual music, or engaging in slow, flowing movements like Tai Chi or Qi Gong. The key is to find what brings you into presence and alignment with your true essence and purpose.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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Understanding Evil: Lessons from History

The devil is the shadow of God – Carl Gustav Jung

Since the dawn of time, humanity has grappled with the eternal struggle between good and evil. In confronting darkness you discover who you truly are, uncovering both the light and shadow within.

Within every human heart lies the shadow of darkness, but also the capacity for great good. You are granted the power of choice, and the external world is merely a reflection of the battles waged within.

In an age where values and truths are blurred by false narratives, clarity becomes essential. To understand where you truly stand, we need to look at history, myth, and legend for a deeper insight.

The Goddess of Chaos from Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, the goddess Eris embodies chaos and discord. With a single act of malice, she incites conflict among the goddesses Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite. She casts a golden apple inscribed with the words “To the fairest” into their midst, sparking a rivalry that no god dares to resolve.

Reluctant to face the wrath of the goddesses, the divine beings turn to a mortal—Paris, the prince of Troy—to make the fateful choice. Each goddess offers him a lavish bribe, but it is Aphrodite’s promise that sways him: she vows to grant him the love of the most beautiful woman on earth. And so, Paris presents the golden apple to Aphrodite, setting in motion a chain of events that will shape the course of history.

The woman chosen was Helen, the queen of Sparta and wife to Menelaus. When Paris eloped off with her, Menelaus declared war on Troy, rallying all the Greek kings, and triggering the Trojan War.

Another Greek Goddess, Enyo, delighted in war and destruction, bloodshed, and the sacking of cities.

The fallen angel and the lure of power

Christianity describes the devil, Satan, as a fallen angel and the very personification of evil. He was expelled from Heaven at the beginning of time after attempting to become equal to God.

The archetypal motif of the fallen angel or Lucifer is found in Summerian folklore, Roman mythology, Germanic tribes, and the Vedas.

In popular culture, we find Darth Vader, a fictional character in the Star Wars series. He is the dark father and the personification of evil in popular culture, serving the empire as its chief enforcer.

The windows to the soul

Eyes are said to be the windows to the soul with the bible quoting several passages in this vein. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,” (Matthew 6:22). “But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:23).

Evil thrives where ignorance reigns

Evil often hides its true intent behind a smokescreen of lies, disinformation, and deception. Evil thrives where ignorance reigns and where truth is twisted to serve unchecked power. Common signs of evil include:

A total lack of empathy and compassion, particularly toward the vulnerable and weak.Dehumanizing minorities and those who think differently, branding them as a “threat” or the “enemy.”Spreading chaos and division through deceit, propaganda, and hateful rhetoric.Exploiting fear to control and manipulate, turning people against one another.Silencing dissent through oppression, censorship, and violence.Subjugating and persecuting opponents with all the means available

What does humanity have to learn from all this?

We need the enemy, and the opposite perspective to gain clarity on our own core values and choices. Often the question is asked:

“If there is a God, why does he allow evil?”

We cannot blame dysfunctional human actions on the Creator. God has often been seen as a strict father figure punishing his flock for sinful or bad behavior. The Mystics in contrast view God, the universal creator or the divine as “a state of Being” – the connection to pure love, kindness, and compassion. The manifestation of evil would thus be the opposite condition – the state of total absence of God.

Napoleon Hill once observed that every evil carries within it the seeds of its own destruction. His words served as a warning to students, political figures, and business leaders, urging them to reflect carefully on their actions and ambitions. When one’s pursuits are misaligned with higher principles and devoid of genuine benefit to others, the consequences inevitably return—like flames consuming their source.

These flames can manifest as profound self-disgust and regret, leading to self-destructive behaviors such as addiction or even severe illness. In the end, what is sown in discord and deception often returns as personal ruin.

The tragedy is that the character once held by the stranglehold of the shadow demons finds himself incapable of self-reflection.

Most suffering that we experience in our personal lives or that we witness in the external world is a result of bad choices carried out from a low level of unawareness.

The word “evil” is often used in a confusing context to blame, vilify or distract.

The wisdom of the ancient Mystics can be a good guideline. Basic human nature has not changed much over the centuries. There will always be a segment of people who don’t give any regard to the outcome of their actions. Meister Eckhart, the great Dominican friar of the early fourteenth century, warned against those whose “sole concern is how to gain honors, wealth, and pleasure.”

These people, according to Eckart, are those who lack all sense of humility by “running in front of God.” Inevitably their lives will be haunted by what they call bad luck or a bad hand. They will be blaming God, fate, people different from themselves, and basically everyone for what has gone wrong in their lives. They are filled with hate, resentment, and anger. They are the malignant narcissists of our age who seek only personal validation and glory.

Jung’s understanding of Evil

Carl Gustav Jung, the great Swiss psychiatrist, had a profound understanding of evil, viewing it as an inherent part of the human psyche rather than an external force. He believed that true evil arises when individuals and societies refuse to acknowledge and integrate their dark side.

Individuals often project this unconscious darkness onto others, seeing evil as something “out there” rather than within themselves, leading to scapegoating, prejudice, and moral self-righteousness.

Jung was deeply concerned about mass psychosis and the dangers of totalitarianism. Evil takes root when people act without self-awareness, reflection, or responsibility. He saw ideologies that deny individual responsibility—whether political, religious, or social—as fertile ground for collective evil, where people blindly follow destructive movements.

By acknowledging and confronting their own darkness, individuals become more whole and less susceptible to acting out evil unconsciously.

As the architects of evil weave their narratives of hate, division, and destruction, one truth remains: evil is inherently self-destructive. It exists in opposition to the fundamental laws of the universe, ensuring that the energy it projects—through thought, word, and action—inevitably returns to consume its source.

Here is what you can do:

Choose your path wisely. Reject fear, hatred, and division. Instead, embody love, compassion, and unity. Be a force for good in a world that desperately needs it. Every thought, word, and action you put into the world shapes your destiny. Stand firm in truth, uplift others, and become an instrument of divine purpose.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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This too shall pass

“Like river tides and autumn leaves,
All things must drift, all things must weave.
No hand can hold the fleeting dawn,
For what is here will soon be gone.” — Unknown

External events, such as elections and economic cycles, can easily consume all your attention, pulling you away from your true purpose and inner joy. You may perceive the world as chaotic, making it harder to focus on the person you are meant to become.

If recent political events have left you feeling disheartened, powerless, or overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. Take comfort in the timeless wisdom: “This too shall pass.” Challenges are temporary, and no moment—good or bad—lasts forever. Stay grounded, keep perspective, and trust in your resilience.

The origins of the expression are unclear. According to Jewish folklore, King Solomon is said to have asked his advisors for something that would keep him grounded. They presented him with a ring inscribed with “Gam zeh ya’avor” (גם זה יעבור), which translates as “This too shall pass.”

The phrase has also been linked to several other traditions and later gained popularity in Western culture, and was famously quoted by Abraham Lincoln in a speech in 1859.

Lincoln made his remarks at the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee, at a time of looming civil war, and rising political divisions over the slavery issue. He referenced an Eastern monarch who sought a phrase from advisors that would always be true in both good and bad times.

The answer he received was “This too shall pass away.” Lincoln used this phrase to highlight the idea that all circumstances—whether good or bad—are temporary.

The phrase serves as a powerful reminder to the wealthy, the powerful, and the arrogant that humility is essential, and success can be fleeting.

Just as nature moves through its cycles, life is impermanent, with good and bad times constantly shifting. Those who remain attached to power and wealth are especially vulnerable to these unpredictable forces, much like the changing seasons. They cannot be controlled.

Seizing back control when life becomes challenging

In the winter season of life, external events can at times be very challenging. But there are ways of how you can seize back control by focusing on those things that you can control:

Accepting a reality does not mean that you approve of itYou can control your response and your emotions to external eventsRemind yourself that nothing lasts forever including challenging times

You can reframe your perspective into a question:

What can I learn from this and what opportunity may arise from this situation?

This is a time to build resilience by strengthening body, mind, and spirit. Falling into despondency and negativity will not serve you well. Try limiting your exposure to negativity such as negative social media and news events. Surround yourself with positive people and do things that boost your vibrational energy.

Practicing Gratitude

Being grateful for those things that are going well in your life can be a powerful tool of reframing emotions and feelings. Write down every day three things you can be truly grateful for.

Letting go of attachments to beliefs, perspectives, and emotions is a journey. Realigning with the rhythms of nature—listening to the wind, the rustling leaves, birds singing or the gentle flow of water—can be profoundly healing.

A deep walking meditation in nature allows for a reset, grounding yourself in the present moment. Whenever you feel weighed down, shift your focus to your breath. With each inhale, reconnect to your true self; with each exhale, release what no longer serves you.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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The Power of Forgiveness: Doing it the Right Way

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.“

– Mahatma Gandhi-

Many misconceptions surround the act of forgiveness, especially when it involves those who have caused you the most pain. However, when practiced with true intention, forgiveness is not about excusing harm but about freeing yourself from the emotional weight of resentment and anger. By embracing forgiveness the right way, you elevate your vibrational energy, fostering inner peace, and a greater sense of emotional and spiritual well-being.

Holding onto a grudge, hate or resentment creates stress while forgiveness creates inner peace and restores the trust in human connections.

Most spiritual traditions emphasize forgiveness as a path to enlightenment, inner peace, and a sense of purpose but there are many misconceptions about forgiveness, often amplified by religious doctrine.

Studies show that forgiveness can lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and reduce chronic stress. The body and mind are deeply connected, and forgiveness can lead to measurable health improvements.

It does not mean that you have to restore a relationship with the person who has caused you much pain but releasing yourself from the toxic emotions related to that incident.

Common misconceptions about forgiveness are that you are excusing the behavior of the person who has hurt you or that you must reconcile with the offender. Forgiveness is not weakness but takes takes strength and courage in facing your own shadow.

In a recent conversation on my Living to BE podcast with forgiveness expert Katharine Giovanni we delved into the typical misconceptions about forgiveness, many of them stemming from early childhood patterns. The key takeaways from her new book “The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness”:

Emotional freedom and harmony is a long-term process Forgiveness is a step-by-step process that can transform the soulYou can practice forgiveness without physically meeting the person who has caused you pain and even with those who have long passed.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

You can watch the podcast interview with Katharine Giovanni here and also on the Youtube channel Living to BE

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Stupidity and Evil: Bonhoeffer’s Insights

“Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice, because malice can be exposed and prevented by the use of force, but against stupidity we are defenseless.”- Dietrich Bonhoeffer –

The German theologian and dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer is renowned for his unwavering faith, ethical convictions, and reflections on what it means to be a Christian in times of crisis. Sentenced to death in a sham trial by the Nazis, his philosophy on stupidity and evil remains strikingly relevant today, amid the resurgence of rightwing extremism.

In the weeks leading up to his execution, Bonhoeffer deeply reflected. He considered how ordinary, decent people abandoned independent thought and passively accepted horrific evil.

Bonhoeffer was arrested by the Nazis in April 1943 and held in a Berlin prison until his execution in April 1945 only weeks before the end of World War II. During his time in prison he outlined in his Letters and Prayers from Prison, a compelling view on the moral failings of a society leading up to authoritarian rule.

It is a stark warning to developments in today’s world marked by misinformation and the erosion of democratic norms and values in Western democracies.

Stupidity is more dangerous than evil?

He argued that stupidity was even more dangerous than evil because people were blind to reason and resistant to correction. Unlike an evil person, the stupid person is unaware of his own ignorance and can easily be manipulated by dark forces. A stupid person or a person stuck in an ego personality will also never admit that they made a mistake.

The theologian observed that individuals become even more foolish when becoming part of “group-think”, especially under authoritarian regimes. When individuals surrender independent thought to a group they become incapable of critical self-reflection, making them susceptible to propaganda.

People become particularly susceptible to stupidity and evil if they surrender their moral and intellectual independence to an external authority.

To resist this, according to Bonhoeffer individuals must be liberated through self-reflection and self-work:

Develop a strong ethical foundation based on conscience rather than blind obedience. He warned that authoritarian regimes manipulate people by dulling their moral senses. Behavior that would never have been tolerated under normal circumstances becomes the norm. As a Christian theologian, Bonhoeffer emphasized that faith in God should lead to courage and resistance against injustice. True discipleship means refusing to be complicit with evil.In oppressive systems people stop thinking for themselves. Encouraging education, open dialogue, and debate can counteract this.

Developing internal and external freedom

Bonhoeffer also recognized that internal liberation needed to be aligned at the same time with external freedom. He advocated for:

A just society required strong institutions that upheld justice and human dignity.Bonhoeffer himself took direct action against the Nazi regime, arguing that when a state becomes oppressive, Christians and moral individuals must resist, even at great personal cost.Oppressive systems isolate individuals to maintain control. Bonhoeffer emphasized the importance of ethical communities that support and empower individuals to act against injustice.

Bonhoeffer deeply believed in the interconnection between internal and external freedom. A society that values fundamental democratic freedoms will create conditions where moral and intellectual independence thrive.

People who are empowered by taking personal responsibility will challenge unjust systems rather than surrender to conformity. It is a powerful argument for the role of ethics, faith, and personal responsibility in protecting democracy.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

You can watch the podcast interview with Katharine Giovanni here and also on the Youtube channel Living to BE

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When power is worshipped and mercy is a “sin”

You may call God love, you may call God goodness. But the best name for God is compassion.

– Meister Eckart 13-th century Mystic –

A society has lost its moral compass when the powerful are worshiped and calls for “mercy” and “compassion” provoke anger, hate and death threats.

Yet, showing mercy and compassion toward the weakest in society are fundamental to Jewish and Christian teachings.

Jesus’ words in the Sermon of the Mount: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy,” (Matthew 5:7) is a call on the faithful to demonstrate a higher standard of moral and spiritual practice.

Layered words of meaning

Mercy is not just about forgiving others but also about showing compassion and kindness to those in need. Jesus spoke the ancient language of Aramaic and the original text reads: “Tubwehun lamrachmane dalehun nechwun rachme.”

They evoke a nurturing, active compassion rooted in the divine nature of God and mirrored in human relationships. By living mercifully, individuals not only transform their communities but also open themselves to God’s mercy and love, embodying the heart of Jesus’ teachings.

The words “lamrachmane” and “rachme” are richly layered in meaning:

Mercy is reciprocal: when you show rachme to others, you align yourself with God’s nature, and His rachme flows back to you.Mercy is not merely about forgiveness but encompasses a way of being that prioritizes compassion and care for the vulnerable.Being merciful is a daily commitment to help those in need—feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, or welcoming the stranger.

How we treat others mirrors who we are

It offers guidance to all human interactions. Believers are called upon to actively embody God’s mercy by being patient, forgiving, and generous in all their relationships.

Mercy is also central to teachings in the Jewish tradition of the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms and Prophets.

Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

“Psalm 103:8: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

The absence of God and the manifestation of evil can generally be understood as the absence of goodness, moral corruption, or harm done to others. Sin is separation from God, leading to spiritual darkness, alienation, and suffering.

When individuals, a society or groups of individuals turn away from God’s moral law, they lose the moral compass that aligns with goodness. It leads to selfishness, violence, and neglect of others.

A society where the all-powerful define “truth and values”, there is inevitably moral and ethical decay. A survival of the fittest philosophy does something to the moral fabric of society as a whole.

Whether from a religious or philosophical perspective the presence of evil is a call to reflect on one’s own fundamental values and ethics, by resisting harm to others, promoting justice, and cultivating love, kindness and compassion.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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Spiritual Resilience and Life’s Challenges

Throughout my life, I have grappled with the tension between religion and spirituality. Organized belief systems can so easily devolve into intolerance, hypocrisy, and hatred of those who look, think, or act differently. Ideology in all its forms fractures societies, breeding division and animosity.

Yet, creation thrives in diversity. God’s garden is a vibrant spectrum of colors and forms, each plant and flower enhancing the other in a harmonious beauty that can only be fully appreciated when seen in its entirety.

At its best, religion provides meaning and purpose to life. It offers solace and sanctuary during life’s most challenging moments—times of grief, loss, despair, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Religion at its best and at its worst

Religion can unify communities, fostering a spirit of collective goodwill that transcends individual needs. Throughout history, faith-based inspiration has unleashed humanity’s most profound creativity in art, music, philosophy, and architecture. The masterpieces of Michelangelo, the compositions of Bach and Beethoven, and the enduring grandeur of centuries-old cathedrals and temples stand as testaments to the power of faith to inspire and elevate. At their core, all major religions share a universal message of love, compassion, kindness, and peace.

Yet, at its worst, religion has been wielded as a tool for manipulation and abuse. It has perpetuated discrimination, financial exploitation, fraud, and instilled fear and shame in innocent victims, leaving lifelong scars.

Over centuries, countless lives have been lost in wars waged over dogma, with individuals persecuted or executed for deviating from “the true gospel.” Such hypocrisy has driven millions to turn away from institutionalized and denominational religion, creating a vacuum often filled by a trash culture of alternate ideologies, political extremism, or addictions to external gratification. The consequences of this disconnection are evident in the growing epidemic of depression and spiritual emptiness.

How spirituality creates resilience against life’s challenges

Recent research highlights a significant link between spiritual belief and resilience to depression. Those who believe in a higher power are often better equipped to navigate life’s challenges, finding balance and purpose more easily than those disconnected from spiritual practice.

Experiential spirituality, unlike externally imposed beliefs, emerges as a deeply personal “knowing.” As Carl Gustav Jung famously stated when asked if he believed in God: “I don’t believe. I know.” This kind of spirituality arises intuitively, often in moments of awe—walking in nature, contemplating a masterpiece, listening to music, or engaging in creative flow.

This prompts profound questions: Is religion merely a pathway to spirituality, or is it an end in itself? Are we transitioning into a post-religious era? How can we bridge the divide between organized religion and personal spirituality to cultivate deeper, more authentic connections with the divine?

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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