Virtually all of the sacred texts of the world's religions teach us to love and care for those who are less fortunate. Sermons about lifestyle changes for building a sustainable future and a more just and equitable distribution of the world's resources and caring for those who are unable to care for themselves are rarely heard. Token offerings to the poor box and the occasional canned food drive seem somehow sufficient to ease the conscience, despite the fact that thousands of children continue to starve to death daily while their helpless starving parents can do nothing but watch and wait for the end. In order for us to approach a spiritually improved state, we must come to terms with who we really are and what we really do and should be doing. As we enter the third millennium, we should recognize and keep in mind what is happening in the world around us.
Population growth is out of control.
Topsoils on arable lands are not being adequately protected. Rain forests are being destroyed. The oceans are being harvested at an unsustainable rate. The proliferation of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons of mass destruction and the will to use them is growing uncontrollably. The first step is to recognize, without judging and feeling guilty, the part we all play in creating or sustaining the problems.