Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue their discussion about healthy parishes by focusing on expectations that need to change if a parish is to grow. They use Carey Nieuwof's blog post; "7 Things Every Growing Church Struggle With" to frame their discussion.

Using Acts 6:1-7 as a springboard, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about the need to be intentional when it comes to organizing parish life. There is a huge temptation on the part of both priests and parishes to set it up around pastoral care. Listen and learn why this model is problematic for everyone involved.

In this episode, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony discuss extra-terrestrial beings. They discuss sightings, whether some of these beings may actually be "enfleshed" demons or even angels (which are themselves by definition extra-terrestrial), as well as the possibility of other sentient beings besides angels and demons, the possibility of humans on other planets, and whether such a discovery would change the nature of our Faith. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode our hosts discuss the phenomenon of mass violence and sociopathy, how to deal with it when major turmoil appears in the world, as well as identifying and dealing with narcissists and sociopaths in our own lives, including workplaces, homes, and parishes, from the perspective of our Faith and as responsible members of the Royal Priesthood

*Parental Warning: some of the items discussed are graphic in nature as they contain descriptions of some of the grievous sins of heathen nations and of Israel In today’s episode, our hosts discuss idolatries of old and how they relate to us, the idolatry of syncretism (mixing with other religions or mixing pure faith with the profane), the importance of not doing these things, the uniqueness of Christianity in the world and how it differs from “world religions,” and how we must keep our offerings, our homes, and our churches purged of idols. Lastly, they discuss how we must repent even of sins that we were unaware were sins because they still injure us and others spiritually.

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about the lure of idolatry, how the Israelites fell prey, and why we need to be especially valient lest we do the same (or worse).

We begin with the Beast of Revelation and his number etc., and with the concept of Antichrist and with the "not buy or sell" already being mentioned in the Gospels at the Temple with Christ overturning the money changers and those in the temple who would not take anything to purchase a sacrificial animal except a Tyrian Shekel which had the image of Heracles (Hercules) on it who was not a "hero" but rather a nephalim. So the final takeaway is that we have been given Solomon's dignity, let us not follow his path but rather heed his final warning and instructions. His heirs did not heed them, but they exist now so that we might heed them (the end of Ecclesiastes). This includes not joining any civil leaders in idolatry, since most of us won't personally multiply gold or horses (but maybe spouses).

Avoiding the sins against God’s definition of royalty in His Kingdom. More on avoiding the narcissism that our culture encourages. Here we look at Solomon, and the number of the beast! We also look at a divided Kingdom of Israel under Solomon and how Christ re-establishes and re-unites and expands it universally by His ministry on earth from conception to ascension, and how He is Christ both for the northern Kingdom and the southern Kingdom.

[Priestly Kingdom]: What it means for us to be chrismated Princes and Princesses of the Kingdom. Kill narcissism, and resurrect humility—from dust we are and to dust we must return. Here we discuss necessary aspects of being Royalty in God’s Kingdom. It is the opposite of being royalty in the world (Sts. Boris and Gleb, the Passionbearers; Sts. Katherine and Barbara of old who renounced Roman royalty; Sts. New Martyrs Elisabeth and Barbara who renounced Russian royalty to become full servants of God’s Kingdom).

Our hosts discuss what Orthodox phronema means and why it is important to understand it correctly.

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony finish their discussion of visiting the Holy Land, sharing the solemn joy of walking the way of suffering. Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about visiting the Garden of Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives, the Tomb of the Theotokos and other sites. Enjoy the show!

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue talking about their visits to the Holy Land, sharing their experiences at Mount Temptation and the Jordan River. Enjoy the show!

In this episode our hosts further discuss the recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land as Fr. Harry and the group went from Nazareth in northern Israel, ancient Galilee, down through what was the region of Samaria, down to the ancient land of Judea in southern Israel, and all the biblical meanings that this entails. More pictures and a description of the tour are available at: https://uocofusa.org/news_230605_1

In this episode our hosts discuss Father Harry’s recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land. They discuss whether pilgrimages are even necessary, and how some saints emphasized how they are not necessary. In this episode they discuss the beginning of the pilgrimage which began a trip from southern Israel on the coast at the airport up to ancient Galilee (northern Israel). Discussed are the beginnings in the Annunciation and the ministry of Christ that took place in the region that in the Old Testament was called the “Northern Kingdom” (of Israel), and in New Testament was called Galilee. Pictures and a description of the tour are available at: https://uocofusa.org/news_230524_2.

In this episode our hosts further discuss the victory of Pascha that we celebrate for 40 days, and contrast this with the preparatory period of fasting for 40 days, and discuss the contrast of Christ’s 40 days of temptation and Christ’s 40 days of walking in triumphal victory until Ascension, and how we walk with Him. They also delve into the history of this victory, where the “chief of the demons,” Baal, Beel or Bel, Satan himself, has a long history of seducing the people of God and in Christ’s paschal victory is overthrown and cannot be allowed to take root even if only under influence while he is bound and has people doing his bidding. Also, other basic questions, like “why does the devil have horns” in many depictions of him are answered here.

Our hosts discuss what Pascha and the 40-day period of Paschaltide mean to us in terms of giving us victory over the dark things of this world, and how this is the basis of deliverance from despair and fear in the face of uncertainty and from anxiety in the face of turmoil.

Christ is Risen! In this episode, our hosts discuss the Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom as well as Holy Resurrection Bright Week as the continuation of the Paschal Feast of feasts, and how all are to enjoy and partake of the feast and continue it and not just leave it on Pascha itself.

Our hosts discuss Holy and Great Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Pascha itself. They discuss its meaning for us as we do not just remember but participate in the death and resurrection of Christ itself in the liturgical services, and how it was during these days that Christ makes the Church His Kingdom as the eternal Israel of God, as He gives us to partake of Him as the eternal Passover.

Our hosts discuss Holy Week and its meaning to us as God’s Kingdom. They begin by discussing the important meaning to us as children of the Lord’s Kingdom of the feasts of St. Lazarus and of Palm Sunday, the Triumphal Entrance of the King of kings into Jerusalem. They further talk about the meaning of the “Bridegroom Services of Holy Week,” and their meaning to us as we look forward to Pascha and His coming “in the middle of the night.”

Fr. Harry Linsinbigler answers a listener question about self-defense.

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about the ontology of the priestwife and provide some guidance on the propriety and boundaries that should result from it. Enjoy the show!

Reviewing Forgiveness Sunday Vespers & Pure Monday Matins, and the nature of forgiveness and its necessary tie to repentance, what forgiveness looks like in the face of negative emotions (hence the mention of the battling of the passions).

Reviewing Forgiveness Sunday Vespers & Pure Monday Matins, and the nature of forgiveness and its necessary tie to repentance, what forgiveness looks like in the face of negative emotions (hence the mention of the battling of the passions).

In this listener mail episode, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about whether it is possible to prove the existence of God to an unbeliever and evaluate some different approaches. Enjoy the show!

After talking about the preparatory Sundays and how they relate to repentance, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony answer a listener's question about whether it is worthwhile to keep confessing the same sin. Enjoy the show!

Fr. Anthony is again left without adult supervision. The result is an exploration of how the structure and performance of music grows us into The Kingdom. It includes variations on that theme by Lewis, Tolkien, and Dostoyevsky. Enjoy the show!

In this episode, recorded by without Fr. Harry's supervision, Fr. Anthony starts at the beginning to explain how God's deeper magic is worked through His royal priesthood. Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Anthony and Fr. Harry address two more listener questions, the first about the Orthodox and patristic take on universal salvation, and the second on Calvinism and predestination. Enjoy the show!

In this episode, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony discuss the following listener question; 1. "In regards to humans being in the image/likeness of God: Does God have a ‘gender’? and 2. "If a priest is just a witness to confessions, could you use someone such as your spouse for confessions as well?" Enjoy the show!

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony finish up their series on the Baptismal service, discussion the scripture readings, the ablution, and tonsuring of the newly illumined. Enjoy the show!

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue going through the baptismal service. Today they discuss the actual immersion and chrismation of the believer. Enjoy the show!

In this episode, Fr. Harry further explores the healthy and growing Church as properly and intentionally functioning as a body. He delves into Romans where it mentions ministry systems that also correspond to bodily systems in our own bodies, and how healthy outcomes depend upon faith-based structure and action.

Join Fr. Harry as he speaks about parish health and growth.

In this episode, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony finish of their discussion about the making of catechumens and go into the actual service of the baptism. Along the way, the talk about the limits of liturgical geography, the beauty of the Baptismal Liturgy, and the simple joy of being in Christ. Enjoy the show!

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony take a break from their series on the services of reception to offer a reflection on the relationship between Thanksgiving, gratitude, language, St. Peter's mother-in-law, and the Eucharist. Enjoy the show!

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about exorcisms and go over the three exorcism prayers at the beginning of the rite of making a catechumen. They finish by reinforcing the need to take spiritual warfare seriously. Enjoy the show!

Our hosts talk about how they prepare inquirers for baptism/chrismation, the logistics of "making catechumens" a set period of time before chrismation/baptism, and some of what we've lost by sorting into parishes. Enjoy the show!

Today our hosts continue the conversation about lived ecclesiology, focusing on the need for cooperation and order in the local parish - none of which is possible without the grounding and graceful operation of Divine Liturgy, worship, and prayer. Enjoy the show!

Today our hosts use the updated version of Holy Protection's (Dover, FL; the parish Fr. Harry serves) statement of purpose, mission, vocation, vision, and values as grist for the mill of talking about lived ecclesiology. It includes talking about why repentance is necessary, how we should (and should not) minister to one another, and why proper perspective about the relative size and importance of Church and world is so important. Enjoy the show!

In this episode, Fr. Harry talks tells us what the heresy he sees most commonly on the internet is (subhumanism) and manages to work in Ichabod Crane while doing so. They then segue into the need for a Eucharist and parish-based ecclesiology and to avoid the division of politics and jurisdictionalism. Enjoy the show!

In this episode, recorded in two parts before a live studio audience, Fr. Harry shares his experience at the recent meeting of canonists in Serbia. Fr. Anthony uses this as an opportunity to get Fr. Harry to explain what a canon isn't, why we could probably use more canons (and why Fr. Anthony can't write them), and the impropriety (but not non-canonicity) of using whole wheat flour for prosphora. Enjoy the show!

Today we wrap up our series of discussions about some of the findings from psychology that describe patterns of thought that incline us towards sin. We organize our discussion around the article from Aeon (12/5/2018), "The bad news on human nature, in 10 findings from psychology" by Christian Jarrettis, the deputy editor of Psyche, and edited by Pam Wintraub. Enjoy the show!

Today we continue to talk about some of the findings from psychology that describe patterns of thought that incline us towards sin, organizing our discussion around the article from Aeon (12/5/2018), "The bad news on human nature, in 10 findings from psychology" by Christian Jarrettis, the deputy editor of Psyche, and edited by Pam Wintraub. Enjoy the show!

Today we begin a series about some of the findings from psychology that describe patterns of thought that incline us towards sin. We organize our discussion around the article from Aeon (12/5/2018), "The bad news on human nature, in 10 findings from psychology" by Christian Jarrettis, the deputy editor of Psyche, and edited by Pam Wintraub. Enjoy the show!

Building on the last episode, today's episode is about sins that keep us out of the Kingdom unless repented of, namely sins unto death, and some distinctions that are pertinent to understand in our day. Some sins are so grievous that they require a longer "time to return" to communion, as St. Gregory of Nyssa informs us. In this episode, we learn about those sins and what forms we might find them in today.

What is sin? Do all sins have eternal consequences? [the railway echo continues on and on] Are all sins equal—do they have the same eternal consequence? If I have bad intentions, are my good actions still good? Do even our small sins have an eternal consequence? If we are innocent of the sins that we commit, are we still not affected by them? Sin and culpability. Our hosts tackle these questions and more. Enjoy the show!

Fr. Harry talks about the need to foster a healthy culture now and laments that we were not better at it sooner. Fr. Anthony agrees but notes that the previous century atrophied some of the institutions that make such an approach seem natural. They also note the way our weakness and the dire state of the world combine with social media to turn the usual Orthodox approach to discernment on its head. Enjoy the show!

This episode delves into the question of the relationship of culture to salvation. Items discussed include the Gospel message from St. Peter on the day of Pentecost and its relationship to our encounter with culture today.

How do we as the Kingdom “not of this world” deal with things in this world such as the culture wars? Our hosts discuss how to tackle the matter of our relationship to culture and in this case a culture “post-Christendom.” How do we deal with it in our homes, or in the workplace? How do we know when to “make a stand” and when not to do so? Whence do we get our barometer, from hierarchy or from monastic prophets? These and other topics are discussed.

Here our hosts discuss how our “worldly” jobs, be they one career or many different callings throughout life, are not worldly at all for the Orthodox Christian, but are part of our sacrificial and royal calling as members of the Royal Priesthood

The place of vacation and leisure in the lives of children of God’s Kingdom. How do we strike a balance? Often vacations are not restful. How do we fit in rest?

The Christian family is the primary way most of us grow the Kingdom of God. We are called to make disciples of all nations but that also means in all nations, in the place where we are. We fulfill this calling by reciprocally nurturing our spouses and raising children to be followers of the Creator and Redeemer of all. The hosts also discuss the role of the family in satisfying Christ's calling to minister to "the least of these" (St. Matthew 25:45). Enjoy the show!

The hosts talk about the logistics of family prayer and individual prayer and the role these prayers play in growing us in The Kingdom. The topics addressed include variations of prayer rules and the extent to which listening to recorded prayers are useful. Enjoy the show!

We often compartmentalize our lives. Last episode we talked about how just as your parish priest is a priest to the faithful, so also are the faithful priests to the world and its people. Just as the church functions as priests for the world and all its people—Orthodox Christians, other Christians, and even heathens, so also in our families, at least in our extended families, we have all these partitions, and we are called to be priests for them—intercessors before God. Today we talk about the act of eating together makes us into a priesthood. Eating is a religious act. Eating together even more so. At the center of the iconostasis above the holy doors are two images, both of which depict communal meals. Eating together is a royal act and a priestly act. We need to regularly eat together with our families and have it covered in prayer, asking God each time to bless us and the food which we are about to eat, and to thank him for these things. Enjoy the show!

Being part of the Kingdom requires repentance; today the hosts talk about some of the ways of thinking (even about Orthodoxy!) that have to change in order for us to better fulfill our calling as the Royal Priesthood. For example, we often think of ourselves as what we are not rather than what we are (i.e. we are “not them.”). That, however, is quite different from what God thinks of us and our calling. We are to be priests of “them,” other Christians and non-Christians, animals and the entire world, as the most basic level of human brotherhood mentioned by St. Gregory Palamas in his first homily. Enjoy the show!

It's easy for us to think of the Divine Liturgy as a participation in the New Covenant because of its ties to the Mystical Supper (and Passion/Resurrection), but our hosts describe how it is also tied explicitly to Pentecost. They also talk about the beauty and utility of exploring the Old Testament Pentecosts (and they did not even cover them all!).

Our hosts continue their discussion of Old Testament Pentecosts with the promise of Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob and the ladder and the promise is the Messiah, Joseph and the salvation of Israel. Hosts also discuss how blessings precede curses in many of these cases, the latter also to benefit the faithful, and how all of these things inform us today of our mission as the Royal Priesthood.

Our hosts almost allow themselves to devote the episode to aliens, but somehow manage to pull themselves back to the notes and talk about language, the gift of tongues, and the danger of heresy. However, the focus of their discussion was the epiphany of the Trinity(!) to Abraham and Sarah at Mamre. You won't want to miss this one!

The hosts continue their conversation about the Old Testament connections with Pentecost. This time, they focus on Pentecost as the healing of Babel's divisions AND the sickness that preceded it. They also talk about why it is the perfect remedy for our own age, which is both divided and sick. Enjoy the show!

In this, the first of several episodes on Pentecost, our hosts introduce the many Old Testament Pentecosts, focusing on God's covenant with Noah. It's a connection that may be new to some listeners, but that is sure to resonate. Enjoy the show!

The hosts finish up their conversation on the services of Pascha and Paschaltide by talking about some of the other traditions and rituals that put us into the Paschal pattern. This includes a discussion of keeping various doors open during Bright Week and Paschaltide. Enjoy the show!

The hosts continue sharing the joy of Paschaltide by talking about services and food, including the tradition of blessing and sharing Paschal baskets. Fr. Harry talks more about how the practice of his parish follows syncs with the ancient one at the Holy Sepulcher. Enjoy the show!

The hosts share the joy of Paschaltide by talking about how awesome the services were at Holy Protection in Dover, Florida. They also talk about the fast-free time of Pentecost. Enjoy the show!

In this episode our hosts discuss what exactly it means - and doesn't mean - that Satan was bound at the death and resurrection of Christ.

In this episode, our hosts further explore our participation in the burial and resurrection of Christ in the Liturgical services extending from the end of Holy Week through Paschaltide.

In this episode which continues a discussion of the way the two Kingdoms are present in the theology of Holy Week, Fr. Harry blows Fr. Anthony's mind with his presentation of the way the Mystical Supper brings all Christians into the death and resurrection of Christ. So awesome.

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony make a deep dive into the two Kingdoms, their gates, (e.g. Matthew 7), and the Harrowing of Hades. They cover a lot of ground, including a review of the services of Holy Week, setting the stage for deeper discussions in the next few episodes.

In this, the second of a two-part series, our hosts continue discussing materialism and secularism, and how they separate us from God. The episode begins with a discussion of debt and how tithing works to open our noetic faculties and ends with them undermining the faith/works debate.

In this, the first of a two-part series, our hosts discuss materialism and secularism and how they poison us against God on a practical level. They talk about how salvation is not transactional and how we as faithful children of the Kingdom must not have two separate lives; our whole life can and should be integrated and committed to Christ our God, even in our secular jobs (secular does not mean separated from God—even parish priests are “secular” by one definition).

In this episode, our hosts discuss judgment and the confusion that arises as to whether judgment is good or bad in the Christian worldview. They discuss relevant passages, including the much famed “judge not…” The need for personal accountability in our walk with Christ is also discussed.

Orthodox Christian ethics are revolutionary to the world, and have never been found prior to Christ’s giving them nor since in any other philosophical or religious framework. In this episode, our hosts discuss why Christ’s ethics, the moral principles that govern behavior and activity, are crucial for the faithful to understand and practice. Their origin, purpose, and function are distinct from any other ethics derived from ancient times until today in any other philosophical or religious systems.

In this episode, our hosts discuss the third of the royal and priestly practices given by Christ to the children of the Kingdom. In the past few episodes, they discussed works of love (Almsgiving) and prayer, and in this episode, they discuss fasting. They discuss why fasting is important, what it accomplishes, and why it is especially important to understand this in our day.

All Orthodox Christians are called to exercise this priestly ministry of prayer which impacts our lives and bears a positive impact on the world. Prayer is synergy with God. He talks to us as we talk to Him. We speak of the four kinds of prayer listed in Scripture: supplications, requests, intercessions and thanksgiving, and what that means for us, and how we produce the fruits of the will of God thereby with a transformative power for ourselves, our households, our communities, and beyond, with a change of orientation toward God.

Our hosts discuss our ministry (service) in God’s Kingdom and some of the duties and responsibilities that comprise this ministry, including the Christian duties given by the Lord in Matthew 6 and other places and how they are priestly ministries. Our hosts then go on to discuss the first Christian duty of Charitable work (aka Almsgiving or Works of mercy) as priestly powers given by God to all of His faithful for the perpetual sanctifying and transforming the world around us.

Our hosts discuss how Christ brought death to an end as separation from God and from Life. He transforms natural bodily death to a necessary stage in life whereby the person is freed from the passions of their earthly walk. As Orthodox Christians, we celebrate that fact in the funeral service, which is connected to its celebration on Holy Saturday. It is a personal Holy Sabbath for the person, and they are still alive in Christ.

In this episode, our hosts offer reflections on the Church’s teachings and the centrality of the Sanctity of Life in the salvation plan of God, and in the doctrinal and liturgical life of the Church. They discuss also the recent March for Life and our place as Orthodox Christians in such efforts using the prayer offered at the opening to the March to frame the discussion.

Today Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue to share their personal testimonies on the importance of continual repentance for priests and parishes. The main takeaway is the need for us to stop trying to control things, serve well, and let God live through us.

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony talk about the relationship between repentance and belief and how both are required for us to fulfill our calling. They also begin a very earnest conversation about personal and communal conversion and its relation to parish growth health.

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue celebrating the joy of Christmastide as the discuss Theophany and unpack Revelation 5. The main takeaway is that time is fulfilled in the Divine Liturgy; eternity is experienced in the moment.

Join Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony as they continue their conversation about the joys of the Christmas season, including the Circumcision and Baptism of our Lord. Christ is born! Glorify Him! Merry Christmas!

Join Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony as they talk about the celebration of Christmas (forty days!) through the lens of Isaiah 9:2-7. Christ is born! Glorify Him! Merry Christmas!

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue their conversation about 1 Peter 2:9, this time focusing on the third and fourth set of attributes, "a holy nation" and "a people for his own possession." But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. They explore what it means to be citizens of heaven, how this relates to earthly citizenship, and what “nation” ultimately means for a Christian. They remind us that while we have sacred responsibilities to our earthly home we remain sojourners on our way to our heavenly home. Enjoy the show!

Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony continue talking about 1 Peter 2:9, this time focusing on the second set of attributes, "a royal priesthood." But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. They answer the questions; "What does this mean?" and "Are we royalty?", describing what it means to share in the royalty of the King of kings and what it means to share in the priestly role of offeror with the Great High Priest. Enjoy the show!

In this episode, Fr. Harry and Fr. Anthony dig into 1 Peter 2:9, focusing on the first set of attributes, "a chosen race." But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. They discuss how, in the light of Christ’s coming, we are (and aren't) to understand the term “race.” Scripture sees all humans as being one race, the human race. Political shifts cannot affect this truth. They also talk about how the term “chosen” relates to Christ as the “Chosen one” and the Church as the result of her being engrafted into Him, into His Body. Enjoy the show!

Many people still tend to think of the Orthodox Church as the “true denomination” rather than as the manifestation of the fullness of the Heavenly Church of Christ on earth. We see this even with the terminology we use. “I used to be Catholic but now I am Orthodox.” Or “I used to be Episcopalian but now I am Orthodox.” This seems to indicate that the person still has a view of denominationalism. I was one denomination but now I am another. This should stop. We are the continuation of the ancient Church of Christ. This whole idea of denominations came with the protestant reformation. The Orthodox Church is the House of the Fullness of the Faith.

We are not all ordained priests, but we are all priests. In the Old Covenant, priests were made priests with chrism, and there were very few. In the Old Covenant kings and queens, and inheriting royalty were made kings and queens with chrism, and they were very few. In the New Covenant, all are chosen to a royal priesthood, known as the Church, with Holy Chrism. When we say royal priesthood, we are simply talking about Christ’s Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church, of which we are all a part.

Each of us as an Orthodox Christian is set apart and sealed to be a royal and priestly intercessor for our family and neighborhood, circle of friends, and our parish, and our land. Many are very unaware of this, especially in specific terms, and are unaware of the impact it has and the great connection of generations accomplishing this renewing of our local circumstanced by God through us. However, what is more widely unknown is that we are all in a very direct sense intercessors not only for these local circumstances but also for the human race and for the entire world, and furthermore how the world would look without us fulfilling this role and how the world DID look without it.