Sophia's Call Regarding Global Warming

Holy Sophia (the Holy Spirit), seems to be at work again. As reported on October 30th, Richard Muller, a scientist and long-time skeptic of global warming has experienced a revelation that will benefit the world. Based on his own study, funded in part by the conservative Charles Koch Foundation, he concluded that earth is 1.6 degrees warmer than sixty years ago. Dr. Muller’s research may shift the focus from debating about the reality of Global Warming to the steps needed to stop and reverse the trend.

According to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, titular head of world Orthodoxy, disrespect for nature and violence toward it is a “sin.” His effort to safeguard God’s creation has earned him the name “the Green Patriarch.” This environmental champion has said that those trying to protect and nurture it are doing “God’s work.”

As the Patriarch has rightly pointed out the earth – its lakes, oceans, forests, animals, and mountains are a divine creation. The earth has a holiness all its own that is often forgotten. It’s forgotten because humankind fails to seek unity with it.

Dr. Muller’s scientific revelation is perhaps another of Holy Sophia’s many invitations to walk with her. Sophia (the Holy Spirit) reminds us that she came first before the angels, the heavens, the earth, or humankind (Proverbs 8:22). She teaches us to “hear instruction and be wise” (Proverbs 8:33).

Wisdom is the “tree of life” (Proverbs 3:20). Sophia has been personified in rain, trees, fruits, and the wind, among other things. She is the earth’s soul. Hence, in ignoring scientific research, in ignoring what we can see, witness, and experience ourselves in the environment then we shun Sophia. Doing so is an invitation to spiritual death and potentially a physical one as well (Proverbs 8:36).