It's been a long time since I've read such a sensible comment from this situation.
To OP, I don't know how to put it, but I feel there's no real side to pick, expect for zealots and fanatics. A colonizing oppressive state is 150% wrong. Execution of civilians and exploiting your people misery to lead them to a theocratic disaster is 150% wrong.
I'm from a both jew and muslim family and.. I'm glad they feel the same way.
Also, if I may add and as other have stated, some do not see consciousness as the most complex layer of the human being. Some even consider it as an off-product of our highest functions.
À very interesting questions. I've long felt there was two possible answers to this. You can see a more complex layer at the level of the relationship we have with other beings or even objects (Me + My Favorite Song would be a being of n+1 level of complexity). I call it the Deleuze/Spinoza hypothesis.
Then, you could see it as a kind of personal truth you're embodying, not as a creator but just as an operator, a tool. Although "personal" wouldn't be the right word. You would embody, express, a fraction of a deep truth which is specific to each being.
Hey!
It's actually quite funny because I'm writing a short story,about Spinozism titled "The Rosace". It will take me ages and I don't think I'll ever finish it, but I couldn't help but mention the resembling names :)
As in... Mother Therisa? Lol gottem