Belshazzars Feast - past extinctions = extra-terrestrial causes, i.e.

episodic meteor collisions - current extinctions = shift from stable exchanges between various biotic communities to runaway exponential growth for a small sub-set of the species mix: humans and their biological symbionts and associates. - accentuated parasitism & predation of other species deemed useful - creation of anthropogenic biological environs that drove 100s of other species into extinction over a few centuries or even decades - right to life right to human life - exponential growth, and the rise of cities - list of conflicts - millennial long waves (MLW) 1. highly unstable (variation in popn highs and lows) and highly resilient (resurgence after each demographical catastrophe with higher reprod. rates) 2. frequency between each collapse and rebound occurrence is getting shorter and shorter. - human popns tend to expand to the levels supported by the supplies of energy that they can mobilize with available tech. - pervasive character of the public faith in growth - the good life according to Western standards gluttony, Wall Street growthism - cant be solved simply with a new dose of messianic triumphalism

- more is better; growth is good VS enough is enough; balance is best

- all should be wary of overly domesticating God and re-creating Him too much in our image

Gods Beloved Creation human activities are ravaging & depleting the world 2 major engines: Overconsumption by a small portion of populace (20%); overpopulation due to exponential multiplication carrying capacity is overloaded; every facet of environment is being polluted from the rivers to the forests to the ozone layer; untold numbers of species are being wiped out Respect for Life Extends to Earth late Pope John Paul IIs message: humanitys lack of respect for life, placing economic profit ahead of common good and well-being of future generations we need a morally coherent worldview, grounded in religious convictions drawn from [biblical] revelation, i.e. creation, sin and redemption Respect for life and for the dignity of the human person extends also to the rest of Creation. Three Responses 1. Contemplative response : gazing upon the world with eyes of love instead of an arrogant utilitarian stare appreciates the beauty of nature; renders the world sacramental the earth is the primordial sacrament, the medium of Gods presence and blessing

2. Ascetic response: practices discipline in using the things of Earth; sacrificial acts of doing/abstaining that remove what blocks our sensitivity to the Spirit, i.e. fasting fast (from shopping), contribute money & time to ecological works living more simply with greater reverence for the earth & its creatures, out of religious conviction

3. Prophetic response: moves us to action on behalf of justice for Earth via care, protection and restoration If nature is the new poor, than our mandate of protection should extend to the entire natural world, with the moral goal of vibrant life for all creatures.

Learning Spontaneity The point of Christianity is to show that our lives are pointed towards an ultimate end. we are invited to a peculiar freedom and happiness that swims against the expectations of our culture, which is to share in Gods own vitality; hope is sustained by this taste of the goal of this journey. Common view of the Church as a repressive institution + Western ambiguity about freedom (constitutional ideals vs. reality of prisons and poverty) Reflection on JCs freedom of choice: His betrayal and loss of freedom, and how He transcends victimhood. Betrayal it is wrong to think that Judas sought political freedom while JC offered spiritual freedom In truth, JC offers a freedom from all that oppresses humanity, whether mental, political, individual, social or spiritual: a radical revolution that reaches down to the depth of bodily life and which therefore means death and resurrection. Choices JC as the innocent victim of hatred and fear Yet, even with his life in others hands and faced with very limited options, He still chooses to have the Last Supper with His disciples and confront His foes rather than flee