The relationship between man and nature (Christianity)

In this stage, all this world is not a deception nor is it absolute reality. It is the condensation of the two enormous powers of the universe permeated with the will of God. The one power descends and wants to disperse and die. The other ascends and strives for freedom and immortality. All the rich, endless flow of appearances is the visible sign of the eternal collision of these two forces. It is man's responsibility to help the spirit of God on its course, to impose order on chaos, to contend with the powers of nature. If he is a labourer, then he is to till the earth, to build a house and in doing so sets free the spirit. If he is a warrior, he is to be pitiless, do battle without mercy. If he is a man of learning, he is to kill ideas and create new ones. If a mother, she is to choose the father as austerely as possible and give blood and milk to the next generation that the spirit might ascend. Every aspect of this world is part of one to be hailed as a comrade in arms.

The third stage in the action for the spiritual exercises of Nikos Kazantzakis.