Culture

The Earth Charter's Unholy Ark

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Berit Kjos
Contributing Columnist
April 22, 2001

"We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history," begins the Earth Charter, "a time when humanity must choose its future."

That may be true. But this global contract, which outlines the needs of the planet and the "responsibilities" of its human inhabitants, points to a mandatory choice that differs radically from the Christian position. "Fundamental changes," it tells us, "are needed in our values, institutions, and ways of living." The old ways are out. A new set of beliefs, values and behavior must unify "the one human family" and ensure lasting peace.

The Ark of Hope -- built to carry the Earth Charter -- fits this agenda well. In contrast to the original Ark of the Covenant which housed the Ten Commandments, today's imitation mocks God's truth and honors the world's spiritual alternatives. Now on a pilgrimage to inspire reverence for the earth and support for global socialism, this profane replica brings new images and affirmations to the spirit of Earth Day, April 22, which happens to be Lenin's birthday.^[1]

At first glance, the new Ark looks just like the familiar paintings of the Old Testament Ark of the Covenant. A 49" x 32" x 32" wooden chest with carrying rods on each side, it brings to mind the Israelites forty-year journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the promised land. Back then, God was teaching His precious people to understand His holiness and their need for uncompromising purity before Him. Only the Levites could carry the Ark, and this select tribe could only lift it by the attached poles. Nothing profane or unholy could touch God's sacred ark, for it signified His glorious presence among His people.^[2]

Aside from their shape and name, the two arks have little in common. The website for the Earth Charter Initiative tells us that "the carrying poles are fashioned like unicorn horns which, according to legend, render evil ineffective." Apparently, the ark's message is based, in part, on a Harry Potter-like faith in earthy magic and benevolent occultism.

The five painted panels of the Ark are decorated with "indigenous symbolism celebrating Earth and all her living elements." Like the Native American medicine shield or the quartered circle of contemporary witchcraft, "each panel visualizes a season, a direction [north, east, south & west], one of the five elements, and a universal symbol." The top panel celebrates the magical symbols of the world's earth-centered religions.

It all makes sense! In a world that hates Biblical absolutes and loves its own illusions of unity and peace apart from God, symbolic art becomes a powerful tool for change. For "image and form have the power to transform consciousness,” explains Sally Linder who designed and painted the ark. “The artwork the students created, and the Ark itself, carry a powerful message of peace, goodwill, love of Earth, and healing."^[3]

With today's emphasis on "honoring the past and imagining the future,"^[4] many see nothing wrong with redesigning the "memories" of the past to reflect their vision of the future. Many environmental visionaries have called for "new stories"^[5] that replace the old truths and redirect our values. The message of the counterfeit ark serves the purpose well. It puts new meaning into old memories and usurps the honor inherent in the original. But that's part of the UN plan. There is little appreciation for God's law and His treasured covenant (the binding agreement He made with His people long ago)^[6] in our pluralistic, postmodern age.

To fill the vacuum, even staunch Communists such as Mikhail Gorbachev call for spiritual revival. They envision a union of religions, all molded and conformed to a global, earth-centered spirituality. The gods, spirits and pantheistic forces of indigenous religions fit right in. Long a promoter of the Earth Charter and its socialist regulations, the former Soviet ruler knows well that strategic visual images inspire the masses and speed transformation. [See The State of the World according to Gorbachev]

So does Maurice Strong, the powerful founder and leader of the Earth Council. Though usually hidden behind the scenes, Strong is no minor player in this global contest for the minds of the masses. He led the UN Environmental Programme, directed the 1972 and 1992 UN Conferences on the Environment and Development,^[7] founded Planetary Citizens, directed the World Future Society and founded and co-chaired the World Economic Forum. He is a member of the Club of Rome, trustee of the Rockefeller Foundation and Aspen Institute, a member of the UN Commission on Global Governance, and Senior Advisor to the World Bank as well as to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. [See Towards A Rapid Reaction Capability for the UN].

Maurice Strong has been working closely with Steven C. Rockefeller, professor emeritus of religion at Middlebury College.^[8] Rockefeller has chaired the Earth Charter Drafting Committee since 1995 and has, apparently, linked a part of the Rockefeller fortune to the promotion of the Earth Charter's Initiative. If the Charter wins the consent of "the people," it would only be a matter of time before its rules would replace the rights granted by the U.S. Constitution. American sovereignty and our treasured liberty would fast fade. It's happening already. [See Trading U.S. Rights for UN Rules]

Few globalists have advanced the Earth Charter and its message more zealously than Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary-General of the UN. He led the design team for UNESCO's Global Education Project and helped pave the way for "lifelong learning" -- a cradle-to-grave education system embraced by the United States through Clinton's Goals 2000 and the Bush administration's "Leave No Child Behind."

Muller's World Core Curriculum, used as a pattern for learning in nations around the world, matches the spiritual message of the Ark of Hope. Inspired by occultist Alice Bailey's spirit guide, it calls for schooling in planetary citizenship long before a child learns his or her national or local identity.^[9]

I first heard Muller promote the Earth Charter on June, 21, 1995 at a UN celebration at the University of California at Berkeley. In his keynote message he described three stages in the history of the United Nations:

"The first period took up human rights.... By 1980, suddenly climatologists warned us that climate might go berserk.... This is the third period. Now Earth is number 1. ... [W]e must deal with rights of the planet.... There will be an Earth Charter.... We need ... a universal declarations of duties and responsibilities."

He admitted that the charter must be flexible, one that can be interpreted according to the world's changing needs and perceptions. For "what is right today may not be right tomorrow."

When Muller finished and prepared to answer questions, a man asked, "In a pluralistic world, would a centralized institution tend to become insensitive to ideas other than its own? If the UN becomes involved in spirituality, could it cause church-state violations?"

Though the man sounded polite, his questions triggered strange reactions. An angry woman in audience shouted: "In Oklahoma we saw the result of men who hate our central government." She stormed out.

Then Muller's showed his irrational intolerance and deep resentment toward U.S. sovereignty: "The US behaves like the first 13 states behaved in the days of Washington. Diversity is beautiful, but these differences cannot condone saying as the US says, 'I'm right and all others are wrong! ... To h___ with it!"

Enraged, he turned away from the platform and refused to answer any more questions. Could such arrogance be the norm among the champions of the Earth Charter? Will the oppressive spirits of the new world order lead to a unity based on absolute compliance to totalitarian standards?

Throughout the Bible, God warns us that man's timeless pursuit of pagan gods and demonic spirits will bring disaster:

"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. Be careful that you do not forget... Otherwise... your heart will become proud.... You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.'... If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods...you will surely be destroyed." (Deuteronomy 8:10-20)

Does that "good land" sound like America today? This warning was given to ancient Israel, but God tells us in Corinthians 10 that these principles hold true for us today. Re-inventing the Old Testament's most sacred treasure and using it to promote “other gods” is outright blasphemy (a politically incorrect word that few dare use today).

But our mighty "God will not be mocked." (Gal 6:7) We don't know how He will work out the details of His final plan, but those who trust Him can count on His promises. When the King of the universe tells us, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," we can reply with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Heb 13:5)

Endnotes:

1. See Saving the Earth and http://www.earthcharter.org/earthcharter/charter.htm

2. http://www.earthcharter.org/events/arkofhope/release2.htm

3. Ibid.

4. President Clinton, 1997, State of the Union.

5. Go to Chapter 1: Under the Spell of Mother Earth and "find" Thomas Berry.

6. Jeremiah 31:31-34

7. In His opening speech at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development, Maurice Strong said, "...current lifestyles and consumption patterns of the affluent middle class - involving high meat intake use of fossil fuels, appliances, home and work-place air-conditioning, and suburban housing - are not sustainable. A shift is necessary, which will require a vast strengthening of the multilateral system, including the United Nations."

8. http://www.earthcharter.org/events/arkofhope/release1.htm

9. Read about Muller's occult beliefs and influence on education in Brave New Schools, Chapter 2