pcoz- Elokus is indestructible. And a Jew is always connected (though how much varies). See Tanya, Iggeres Hatshuva, and specifically the end of Perek 5. Here’s a link:
http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=49432&st=&pgnum=192&hilite=
oomis- you’re right that it requires scrutiny, but i think you’ll agree that shmoel intended something that runs much deeper than utility and appreciation.