From this perspective, it would seem evident that the REAL cause of global destruction is not a particular economic system or cultural phenomenon, nor is the REAL solution a series of “green” behaviors. (At the risk of repetition, even the most radically “green” person might cleanse the world and still lose his soul.) Rather, the REAL cause of environmental distress is . . . sin. (In fact, it is hard to imagine any theological insight into life that does not recognize that the “root cause” of almost every social crisis – whatever its form “du jour” – is ultimately sin.) This is not to diminish to value of particular policies or political solutions, but it is to recognize their limits. Scripture, however, makes the diagnosis particularly clear in this case:

“For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the first fruits —we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:20-23)

This, it seems to me, should be immediately apparent to a Christian, let alone a Christian leader. Moreover, if one understands that the real cause of the “corruption” of the earth lies in sin and the real solution depends on conversion and theosis, then one must also recognize the surpassing importance of the pastoral call in fostering conversion and theosis.

When our leadership makes the political crisis “du jour” the basis of a rare visit, it calls into question the character of their priorities and the value they give to their pastoral mission.

Christ calls all of us – but especially His leadership (who, like all genuine leaders, must lead by example) – to give up everything else for the “pearl” of the kingdom of God, and yet promises that when we do this we will gain everything else besides. Wouldn’t this apply – for the Christian – to “green” agenda as well?

Thus, if our leadership were to give wholehearted focus solely to the spiritual formation of those in their charge, fostering in them the acquisition of the spirit, then, as St. Seraphim said, thousands will be saved. If St. Maximos and St. Paul are correct, then the cosmos, too, will be transfigured. Presumably this includes the earth.

Anyway, I thought: “OK, I’ll bite.” Anyway, I ambled over there and asked them why they were against hunting. I couldn’t get a straight answer except something along the line of “it’s inhumane.” So I tried a different tack. I asked, “do animals hunt?” That threw them for a loop. So then I went in for the kill: “Well, aren’t humans animals?” This totally discombobulated the person. I went on: “Since we’re all products of evolution and there is no God, then why can’t human beings hunt? Aren’t we part of nature?”

The poor guy (I think he was a guy) said, was “well, maybe we’re the wrong part of nature.” I kid you not. He said it with a sneer. For the first time I think I looked into the face of a true misanthrope, a human who hated humans. It was a diabolical look on his face. I shooked my head and walked away.

I should have said, well, “if we’re so bad, why don’t you just go on a shooting spree, kill as many people as possible and then turn the gun on yourself?”

What’s my point? Why in God’s holy name would we want to ally ourselves with this demonic fringe?

Thus, your insight is a good one. You are asking why don’t they take into account human creativity? Doesn’t the re-fashioning of the material creation count — especially when things of beauty and utility are created? Their answer, ultimately, is no.

Further, the Ecumenical Patriarchate is making an alliance with a political ideology that, when pressed, is quite hostile to the moral precepts of traditional Christianity unless it can throw the entire package into that bucket that levels all religions as essentially equal — and thus equally irrelevant.

Is this why Constantinople is silent on almost every other moral issue facing Western civilization?

Because of our fallen nature, one of the unpleasant facts of life is that you often have to “pick your poison.” Unlike our beloved president, we don’t have the option of voting “present.”

And try to find the words “Jesus”, “Christ”, or “Gospel” in any of the activities planned. Notice also the one-sided manner in which these symposiums reflect the biased and subjective views of AlGore and virtually all radical-environmentalist groups. These groups, BTW, only criticize America and western democracies for their “sins” against mother nature, but say nothing of the massive pollution and destruction of nature that goes on in all communist countries and other totalitarian regimes; not to mention the killing and torture of human beings who are part of that very same nature these neo-pagan worshipers glorify.

Interestingly enough, polar bears, whales, monkeys, and trees are to be protected at all costs, but the lives and liberties of innocent men, women, and children don’t deserve the same protections it seems.