Category Archives: religion

by | September 8, 2025 · 8:53 am

Finding Meaning in a Nihilistic World

Nihilism is the despair that comes when all higher meaning collapses and life is reduced to emptiness

  – Sören Kierkegaard­ –

The world sometimes feels as if it is unraveling before our eyes. Truth is no longer truth, values are mocked, and meaning itself is up for debate. Kierkegaard warned of this kind of despair and the disease that spreads when a higher purpose is abandoned. In this hollow space, populist narratives rush in, manipulating with outrage, stripping away nuance, and discarding the responsibility for a common humanity.

University of Virginia sociologist James Davison Hunter warns that a new common culture is emerging that is chillingly nihilistic. He defines this culture with the drive to destroy, observing how fear, demonization, and rigid divisions dominate political life, leaving many unable or unwilling to negotiate, compromise, or even recognize shared humanity.

“A nihilistic culture is defined by the drive to destroy, by the will to power. And that definition now describes the American nation,” Hunter writes.

Hunter points out that a politicized identity “is formed and sustained by way of negation. Its emergence as well as its persistence depend on an active and hostile enemy. What naturally follows is rage, hatred, and a thirst for “a capable and wide revenge” that, in a twisted way, becomes a source of meaning—a raison d’être—for those who see themselves as victims.”

In the same vein, Noam Chomsky emphasizes that meaning in life is built through lived experience and collective responsibility. Acts that reduce suffering, preserve dignity, or advance freedom create meaning in a world that can otherwise feel void. For Chomsky, moral clarity stems from recognizing our shared humanity and universal ethical standards, while moral responsibility entails choosing to act on them. Nihilism, despair, or relativism, in his view, are excuses that allow people to avoid this work.

He has also criticized postmodernism for being obscure, relativistic, and politically disengaged—warning that societies risk moral collapse if they lose sight of truth and responsibility.

Modern life compounds these challenges. Constant information, endless obligations, and persistent anxieties can erode spirit and energy. The solution isn’t hustling harder; it’s pausing, reflecting, and breathing deeply. It’s grounding yourself in love and acceptance, trusting that you are guided and protected by reconnecting with your spiritual self.

Recently, the words of American monk and author Brother David Steindl-Rast came to mind. He doesn’t argue against nihilism like philosophers do; he simply invites us to notice this: “It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” Gratitude, he reminds us, doesn’t depend on joy—it creates it.

In his book Gratefulness: The Heart of Prayer, Steindl-Rast describes gratefulness as “the inner gesture of giving meaning to our life by receiving life as a gift.” It begins with simple surprise—a rainbow, a warm smile, the sound of a bird—opening the door to joy. Being thankful awakens us to the blessings around us and becomes the linchpin of a life animated by faith, lifted by hope, and nurtured by love.

In an age dominated by nihilism, gratitude is an act of resistance. It stitches meaning back into life.

Here’s a simple, actionable antidote to nihilism:

Each morning or evening, pause and reflect on three things from the past 24 hours for which you are truly grateful. Feel the gratitude fully. Notice what shifts in your heart and mind. Watch how even small moments of appreciation counteract negativity, restore meaning, and reconnect you to the life that surrounds you.

Gratitude is more than a practice—it’s a rebellion against emptiness, a return to purpose, and a daily homecoming for the soul.

Reino Gevers – Host of the LivingToBe podcast

P.S.: If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in my latest book, Sages, Saints, and Sinners. Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever good books are sold.

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by | September 1, 2025 · 9:34 am

The Gift of Money: Spiritual Perspectives

Since the earliest days of organized religion, money has played a pivotal role. It has been used to “spread the word” and to entrench religious power, sometimes abused for exploitation, but also put to good use. It has funded countless schools, hospitals, and welfare that shaped much of our society today.

The Roman Catholic Church, for centuries, built its power on a system of tithes. People were taught that by giving money, they could buy tickets out of purgatory and into heaven.

My own family’s story is intertwined with the Lutheran tradition. My grandparents were hardworking farmers who managed to build some wealth through self-sufficiency and discipline. But extravagance was frowned upon. Any money not reinvested in the farm usually went to the church. Holidays, luxury clothing, and even the small consumer comforts that many middle-class families enjoy today were considered wasteful. The unspoken rule was simple: every cent could be put to “better use.”

Is money the root of all evil?

I often heard the phrase: “Money is the root of all evil.” It shaped me more than I realized. Wealth, if earned at all, had to come through sweat, toil, and tears. Quick fortunes, whether through inheritance or the stock market, were regarded with suspicion. For years, I carried this heavy view of money as something dangerous, almost shameful.

But over time, I began to see that this idea rested on a mistranslation. Paul actually wrote: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Not money itself, but the love of it, the obsession, the addiction, the false security it promises. That realization was freeing. Money is not moral or immoral; it is neutral. It simply amplifies what is already in us.

Money amplifies character

I have seen this truth play out in my own circle. Friends who were always kind and generous only became more so when entrusted with wealth. They gave freely, they created opportunities, they lifted others up. But those who were by nature fearful, self-centered or controlling became even more so once money entered their lives.

I also found new meaning in the parables I had heard as a child. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) used to feel like a simple lesson about money and responsibility, but as an adult it spoke to me on a deeper level. In the story, a master entrusts his servants with sums of money before leaving on a journey. Two of them take risks, invest, and return with more than they were given. The third buries his portion in the ground, paralyzed by fear of losing it. When the master returns, he praises the first two as faithful and trustworthy, but calls the last one lazy and casts him out.

For me, this is no longer a story about coins or wealth. It is a metaphor for life itself. Each of us is entrusted with something: gifts, time, energy, relationships, and resources. To bury those gifts, to let fear dictate our choices, is to betray the trust of the One who gave them to us in the first place.

The ultimate sin, I have come to realize, is not failure: It is waste. It is letting your unique talents go unused, your light hidden behind a veil, your voice silenced. From the moment of birth, we are called to grow into the fullness of who we are meant to be. Ignoring that inner calling is not just a missed opportunity. It is, in a sense, a treachery against the soul itself.

Burying your talent, your voice, or even your capacity for love is just as wasteful as burying a coin in the dirt. We are meant to risk, to create, to step out in faith, even if it means stumbling along the way. For it is only in using our gifts, be it wealth, wisdom, or creativity that you truly live in alignment with our calling.

Another great example from scripture is the widow in the temple (Mark 12:41–44). She gave two small coins, all she had, while others gave out of their abundance. Jesus noticed her, not for the amount, but for the spirit of trust with which she gave. That story has always humbled me. It reminds me that generosity has nothing to do with size, but with the heart.

Money is a form of energy

Through these reflections, I began to form a new relationship with money. I no longer see it as shameful or corrupting, but as a form of energy. It can be something that can be directed toward building, healing, and serving. If invested ethically, money can create jobs, sustain communities, and bring hope. Used rightly, it becomes spiritual because it reflects love in action.

I hold onto these mantras now:

  • Money creates freedom of choice.
  • Money provides the means to be generous.
  • Money provides comfort and joy.
  • Money removes anxiety and fear.

When money is a gift, not a god, it can truly serve. As Proverbs 11:25 says: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

That decision to quit a safe job set me on an entirely new path into writing, podcasting, giving workshops, and exploring the realms of self-realization and spirituality. At first, it felt like stepping into a void, but slowly I discovered that the void was full. Every time I shared my journey, someone would come forward and say, “I needed to hear that.” Every time I gave a workshop, I realized that the experiences and lessons I had once considered private struggles could become bridges of connection.

And strangely, once I began to live into that calling, resources began to align with my purpose. Opportunities opened, doors I couldn’t have forced began to swing wide, and money itself flowed differently, less as something to chase, more as something that supported the work I was meant to do. It was as though life itself was saying: finally, you are using what I gave you.

But the inward and outward journey has shown me a different truth. Money, like talent, is a gift. It is neither evil nor good on its own, but it becomes holy when it is placed in service of something greater. It is energy waiting to be directed. To hoard it, or to bury our gifts in fear, is to shrink from the life we are called to live.

Jesus praised both the servants who multiplied their talents and the widow who gave her last two coins. The size of the gift never matters. What matters is the courage to release it, to trust that God can do more with it than we can ever imagine.

That is the lesson I carry forward: when money is a gift, not a god, it can be a force for freedom, generosity, and joy. And when talents are used, not buried, life opens in unimaginable ways and miracles.

I no longer see money as the root of all evil, nor do I see security as the highest goal. My prayer is simpler now: to be a faithful steward of what I have, to invest in love, to risk my gifts, and to walk each path with trust, knowing that even the detours are part of the journey.

Reino Gevers – Host of the LivingToBe podcast

P.S.: If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in my latest book, Sages, Saints, and Sinners. Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever good books are sold.

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by | August 4, 2025 · 10:33 am

The Sacred Principle of Diversity

There’s something quietly profound about spending time in a natural landscape that hasn’t been tamed or touched by human hands. Whether it’s in the African bush, a lonely walk in the Galician mountains, or on a mundane path in the Meseta. What strikes me every time is how life insists on diversity. Every insect, tree, bird, and creature is somehow interconnected in a grand, mysterious harmony. Nature doesn’t strive for sameness. It thrives because of its differences.

And I’ve come to believe the same is true for humanity.

Every different culture, cuisine, language, and spiritual tradition feels like a distinct fingerprint of life, carrying its own wisdom, colors, and cadence. They’re not threats to one another but complementary parts of a much larger whole.

When we try to flatten the world into one belief system, one way of being, one “truth,” we violate a deep principle embedded in creation itself.

So many of the “isms” we’ve inherited, such as nationalism, tribalism, and certain flavors of extreme patriotism, tend to dehumanize those who don’t fit neatly into the mold. When difference becomes a threat instead of a teacher, it often escalates into exclusion, oppression, and even violence.

And yet, the ancient sages and mystics remind us: under all these differences, there is unity.

The Baha’i Faith teaches that all religions stem from the same divine source, evolving like chapters in one great story of spiritual awakening with the great spiritual teachers from different religions appearing at a certain chosen time and place.

Mahayana Buddhism tells us that all beings possess Buddha-nature, regardless of the path they walk; the light within is the same.

In Christian Mysticism, creation is declared “good,” and every human made in the image of God, each of us carrying a unique spark of divine purpose. Meister Eckhart, the 13th-century mystic, wrote:

“The eye through which I see God is the same eye through which God sees me; my eye and God’s eye are one eye, one seeing, one knowing, one love.”

Another echo of this truth comes from the writings inspired by Julian of Norwich (c. 1342 – after 1416), an English woman who lived in quiet prayer and seclusion:

“Each soul is a unique expression of God’s love, as varied and wondrous as the colors in creation.”

This isn’t just theology. It’s a call to practice. A spiritual responsibility. If diversity is sacred, then how I relate to it matters. Am I listening? Am I open? Am I willing to be changed by what I don’t yet understand?

This can become a daily transformative spiritual practice:

  • What can I learn from the differences I perceive in others?
  • What is it that provokes my discomfort, anger, or fear?
  • Why am I drawn to some cultures and landscapes, and repelled by others?

These questions may serve as an invitation into a deeper clarity and humility.

In a world increasingly shaped by division, choosing to honor diversity is a form of sacred resistance. It’s a return to the original design of creation: not uniformity, but unity through difference. And when you lean into that, something holy begins to take shape both around you and within.

Reino Gevers – Host of the LivingToBe podcast

P.S.: If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in my latest book, Sages, Saints, and Sinners. Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever good books are sold.

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by | June 30, 2025 · 11:31 am

Reclaiming Democracy: A Call for Moral Action

Authoritarian movements are not historical accidents. They are the outcome of a long, steady erosion of the moral and spiritual foundations that once underpinned Western societies. The Judaic-Christian values that emphasized community, compassion, and responsibility have weakened, leaving a vacuum filled by grievance culture and divisive tribalism.

A growing number of people feel frustrated, aggrieved, and desperate as societies fracture between the privileged and the left-behind. Rapid technological disruption and sweeping social changes have upended long-held certainties. Entire communities have been dislocated, and the Covid-19 pandemic only deepened the sense of instability and loss.

Traditional institutions in education, religion, media, and politics have not addressed the alienation felt by millions. Students of history will recognize these conditions. Today’s authoritarian movements bear an uncanny resemblance to the turmoil and mass manipulation of the late 1920s and 1930s.

In A Preface to Morals (1929), Walter Lippmann foresaw the dangers of moral relativism and cultural drift:

“When men can no longer be the slaves of tradition, they must be the slaves of reason. If they will not be slaves of reason, they must be the slaves of their passions… And if each man is to judge for himself what is true and false, right and wrong, then we are already at the end of civilization.”

Authoritarian movements offer the illusion of safety and belonging. But instead, they further tear apart the fabric of civil society. Families, communities, and congregations fracture into warring factions, each loyal to its own tribe, and its own version of truth.

The Role of Media

Traditional media once acted as a civic compass, a watchdog of power. But in the digital age, social media algorithms amplify the most extreme, emotional, and divisive content. Outrage sells; nuance does not. Facts struggle to compete with feelings. In this climate, truth is no longer a shared destination but a weapon of personal or political gain.

The Sacrifice of Traditional Values

This is fertile ground for demagogues who distort Judaic-Christian values beyond recognition. Empathy is rebranded as a fatal flaw. Power is idolized; the weak and vulnerable are mocked as “parasites.” Even the medieval theology of ordo amoris—originally a call to rightly ordered love—is weaponized to justify a hierarchy of compassion: prioritize citizens over foreigners, neighbors over strangers. In this logic, cutting humanitarian aid for millions of people becomes not just acceptable, but righteous.

Yet most theologians, including Pope Francis, have challenged this interpretation. He reminds us that unconditional love lies at the heart of the Christian faith, and that true morality cannot be confined to borders or tribal interests. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches that love recognizes no boundary.

As former U.S. President Jimmy Carter once put it:

“It is the weak nation that must behave with bluster, boasting, rashness, and other signs of insecurity.”
Strong societies practice humility. They uphold compassion, generosity, and justice—especially toward the most vulnerable.

The Choice Before Us

With traditional norms under siege and authoritarianism corroding democratic institutions, the burden of responsibility falls on we the people, every one of us. Troubled times, however grim, present a profound opportunity for reflection and moral clarity. There will come the realization that there is no hero coming and no savior on the horizon.

Change begins within—when individuals reclaim their agency, resist distraction, and choose courage over comfort. But it cannot end there. Lasting transformation happens when people come together, organize with purpose, and hold power to account.

For democracy to endure, it must do more than preserve procedures. It must recover its soul and the shared commitment to truth, moral responsibility, and compassion.

A democracy worthy of its name serves all people, not just the powerful elite. It confronts inequality, ensures access to healthcare, housing, and education, and defends the dignity of every human being. It protects the environment not as an afterthought, but as a sacred trust, recognizing that the future of life itself depends on how we care for the Earth today.

Democracy ultimately is not merely a system of governance. It is an expression of our collective values. And its survival depends on whether we are willing to live them.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor –Speaker

P.S: If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my very latest book: Sages, Saints and Sinners Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and where all good books are sold.

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by | May 26, 2025 · 8:58 am

The peril of rigid belief

Throughout history, one of the most potent catalysts of conflict and war has been humanity’s deep-seated addiction to rigid concepts and beliefs, particularly those rooted in religion, ideology, and political affiliation. These mental fixations often block the path to growth, empathy, and the elevation of consciousness.

While society rightly highlights the dangers of substance addictions like alcohol and drugs, we often overlook an equally destructive force: the psychological and emotional dependence on fixed worldviews. This addiction becomes especially visible during periods of rapid social upheaval and crisis. In such times, people often cling even more tightly to their beliefs, seeking certainty in a world that feels uncertain.

At the heart of these belief systems lies a refusal to entertain alternative perspectives. Even when faced with overwhelming evidence or scientific data, those entrenched in ideological thinking will often reject reason itself. For many, admitting they might be wrong is more terrifying than death. They become prisoners of their own convictions.

Scapegoating and misinformation

The COVID-19 pandemic offered a sobering modern example. As the virus swept across the globe, so too did a parallel wave of conspiracy theories, scapegoating, and misinformation. Rational discourse was drowned out by fanaticism. In many places, especially the United States, this led to deepening political polarization and extremism. Civil debate between differing political camps has become virtually impossible.

During the lockdown, I delved into the social consequences of previous pandemics. One of the most harrowing was the Black Plague of the 14th century, which devastated Europe and left cities and countrysides empty for decades. Faced with unimaginable death, people sought easy answers. In Strasbourg, a vicious rumor claimed Jews had poisoned the water wells, leading to the massacre of the city’s Jewish population. Those who were different—whether in religion, race, or opinion—were blamed.

In my latest book, Sages, Saints and Sinners, I explore how two central characters respond to such a crisis. While some individuals rise to the occasion with compassion and courage, others descend into violence and hatred. This story, rooted in historical truth, offers a mirror to our turbulent times. I encourage you to read it as a call to self-reflection.

Just like substance addiction, ideological addiction often stems from unresolved trauma and fear. In times of economic uncertainty or personal crisis, people gravitate toward simple answers to complex problems. This is the moment when deceivers step in, offering an easy scapegoat: You are not the problem—it’s “them.” The others. The outsiders. Those who think, look, or believe differently from you.

This narrative is tragically familiar. It has fueled genocides, invasions, land thefts, torture, witch hunts, and pogroms. History is littered with the consequences of belief systems weaponized against fellow human beings.

Healing begins within

Ideological fixation poisons the mind. The path to healing begins with honest inner reflection. We must each ask:


What lies beneath my anger, my sadness, my resentment?
How can I transmute these emotions into love, compassion, and understanding?

The responsibility rests with each of us. Our highest calling and our divine purpose is to cultivate and spread love. Love that transcends division. Love that sees the humanity in all beings. Love that embraces life in its fullness.

This is the true revolution. And it begins within.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor –Speaker

P.S: If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my very latest book: Sages, Saints and Sinners Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and where all good books are sold.

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by | May 19, 2025 · 10:46 am

The Hoopoe and life’s quiet invitations

There’s a bird that has fascinated me since childhood—the hoopoe.

With its elegant crown, zebra-striped wings, and quiet mystery, it’s always felt like more than just a bird. Here in Mallorca, a whole family of them lives in my garden, and I often watch them flit from tree to ground, moving with purpose and poise. But just the other day, one came unusually close—right up to my window.

We looked at each other for a moment. Still. Silent.

There was a sense that something was being exchanged without words. A subtle pause in time.

Was it a blessing? A message?

The Hoopoe as Spiritual Guide

In ancient literature and spiritual tradition, the hoopoe is no ordinary bird. It is said to move between the seen and unseen realms—a spiritual guide and messenger of deeper truths.

In the Persian classic The Conference of the Birds, the hoopoe leads a group of birds on a perilous inner journey, urging them to face their fears and seek union with the Divine. It doesn’t offer easy answers—it calls them to transformation.

That moment at the window made me wonder:
What is the hoopoe inviting me to see?
What fear am I being called to face?
What truth am I being asked to follow?

The Noise of the World and the Power of Whispers

We live in a world where the loudest voices often get the most attention. Where urgency, anxiety, and constant stimulation pull us in every direction. It’s so easy to be swept into the maelstrom of noise, to live in reaction rather than reflection.

And yet, life doesn’t always speak in volume.

Sometimes, the most important messages come not with noise—but with presence. Not in shouting—but in whispers.

These whispers can take many forms. They are gentle nudges that awaken something within us and guide us back to our soul’s purpose:

  • A sudden encounter with an animal or bird rich in symbolic meaning
  • A word, song, or conversation that strikes a deep, unexpected chord
  • A chance meeting with a stranger who feels like a messenger
  • A chapter in a book that completely shifts your path

A Whisper That Changed Everything

That last one happened to me.

Years ago, I picked up The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho. I read it in one night. And something inside me stirred awake. That book became a whisper—a gentle push that led me to walk the Camino de Santiago for the first time in 2006.

At the time, I was living in a dysfunctional marriage, navigating a stressful job, and anchored in a place that never truly felt like home. But that quiet invitation—a story—shifted the course of my life.

Becoming Who We Truly Are

I’ve come to believe, deeply and wholeheartedly, that every soul is born with a purpose.

Life is not about becoming someone new. It is about remembering who we truly are. We are sculpted by experience, softened through struggle, awakened by beauty. The adventure of life is the gradual unfolding of the self.

As Carl Gustav Jung once wrote:

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”

But this becoming doesn’t happen in the noise. It happens in stillness—in the quiet space where truth can finally reach us.

An Invitation to Pause

So, today I invite you:
Step away from the noise.

Take a walk in nature. Open your senses to the miracle of sight, smell, and touch. Breathe deeply. Sit in stillness. Offer gratitude—for your breath, your being, and the mystery of your life.

You are not random.
You are not alone.
You are part of something vast and sacred—a web of meaning, love, and purpose.

And sometimes, all it takes to remember that… is a whisper.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor –Speaker

P.S: If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my very latest book: Sages, Saints and Sinners Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and where all good books are sold.

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by | March 3, 2025 · 4:32 pm

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 Expectations

  • From 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 & Ego

  • Through 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 Truth

  • Human 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 Others

  • When 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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by | February 24, 2025 · 2:48 am

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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    by | February 11, 2025 · 4:25 pm

    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 soul
    • You 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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    by | February 9, 2025 · 11:31 am

    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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