Religion or God?

Israel has abandoned God and turned to worship the idol Baal. Now the chastening hand of God has fallen upon them by means of the infidel Philistines. In desperation Israel begins to grab at every straw of hope, but our carnal minds by nature avoid spiritual things. We much prefer external aides and ritualistic duties instead of subjection to God's will. Humanity will bow their backs to the lash of religion rather than submitting their hearts to the will of God.