Remember that when you leave this Earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received — only what you have given.

— St. Francis of Assisi

At times, reason and spirituality might seem to be in conflict, and either of the two might see the world in different terms. However, spirituality anchors itself in the deeper rhythms of our existence, and although we could misinterpret it and act with selfish intent, the truth of spirituality and its greatest gift to us is its constancy. How do we know this constancy is real? Recognition of climate change and humankind’s contribution to the deterioration of the environment offers an interesting perspective for understanding this constancy.

First, let us put aside the issue of religion. Spirituality does not equate with religion. When spirituality and religion are in alignment, religious people will act with selfless compassion and strive to make the world a better place. People of all religious beliefs are capable of such actions, and people of all faiths, in their spirituality, contribute to the benefit of the human race and to the environment in which we live. But we all know of the abuses of religious doctrine that motivate wars, promote intolerance, and justify evil acts. Spirituality does not harbor such inconsistencies.