Final Prompt: Please write a 4-5 pages essay in response to the following prompt. The paper should be double-spaced, standard font, standard margins, references in the text in parenthesis, as in below. An idea discussed in the beginning of the course was environment & science and technology. Technological advancement at a rate never before seen in human history is for many, exhilarating, and a sign of unprecedented prosperity. Against this backdrop, we read the works of what Foltz call "modern-day prophets" (with data) forecasting a disturbing alternative for humans and the rest of nature. Currently, 1 billion people worldwide live on less than one dollar a day. Close to another billion earn 2 dollars a day. Even within the United States, the average American is working longer hours for less pay (considering the inflation factor) than in 1970. Our economists' figures do not calculate the costs onto the ecological systems. "In fact, negative indicators such as cancer, lawsuits, and pollution even count as positive additions to the gross national product, because they generate economic activity.” (Foltz, 1) What matters in their calculation of prosperity is solely economic activity. That is why the philosopher David Loy suggests in his essay (see "The Religion of the Market" pages 66-74 of your text book) that the market is not just an economic system but a religion. In fact, the most an economic system but a religion. In fact, the most dominant religion in the world today is consumerism, and the advertising agencies are its missionaries. He deplores the fact that the most important issues about human livelihood are decided solely on the basis of profit for transnational corporations. People of all religions behold the religion of the market as a priority, to the point that speaking against it is labeled as unintelligent. Later in the semester, we read about eco-poetics of Sohrab Sepehri, Liberation theology of Leonardo Buff, and sections of Pope Francis' Laudato Si. We saw documentaries on use of science and technology in the exploitation of countries and their sources such as oil (e.g., in Nigeria and beyond), banana (in Guatemala, and beyond), etc. Consider the above material in writing your essay, following the steps below: 1. A few lines of intro about environment and religion without getting into specific religions. 2. Explain briefly (in 4-5 lines) David Loy's proposition on religion of the market. 3. Compare and contrast Loy's proposition with S. H. Nasr's views on science and technology as a big part and parcel of religion of the market in contrast to spiritual attainment that all other religions seek. (two paragraphs) 4. Compare and contrast Leonardo Boff's liberation theology and option for the poor with Loy's and Nasr's. (two paragraphs) Laudato Si'reference (e.g., in Nigeria and beyond), banana (in Guatemala, and beyond), etc. Consider the above material in writing your essay, following the steps below: 1. A few lines of intro about environment and religion without getting into specific religions. 2. Explain briefly (in 4-5 lines) David Loy's proposition on religion of the market. 3. Compare and contrast Loy's proposition with S. H. Nasr's views on science and technology as a big part and parcel of religion of the market in contrast to spiritual attainment that all other religions seek. (two paragraphs) 4. Compare and contrast Leonardo Boff's liberation theology and option for the poor with Loy's and Nasr's. (two paragraphs) Laudato Si'reference would be good. 5. Bring in the eco-poetics of Sohrab Sepehri (see Canvas modules for both the chapter and the PowerPoint) on both the religion of the market and the negative ramifications of science and technology in their capacity for destruction, in contrast with spiritual attainment and peace and harmony. (two paragraphs) 6. Tie all of this to the native philosopher Vine Deloria and his position on science and technology. (4-5 lines) 7. Your own reflection and conclusion on use and abuse of science and technology using the terms/concepts/ideas from Christianity and Islam and the above readings. (6-7 lines)