The obvious can sometimes be illuminating when perceived in an unhabitual way.

We're straying from the path of salvation because we remember that we once belonged to the world and were content in that belonging.

But why? Why do you need prophets to tell you how you ought to live? Why do you need anyone to tell you how you ought to live

Yes,I'm afraid you're right. Trial and error isn't a bad way to learn how to build an aircraft,but it can be a disastrous way to learn how to build a civilization.

five severed fingers do not make a hand

Within your culture as a whole, there is in fact no significant thrust toward global population control. The point to see is that there never will be such a thrust so long as you're enacting a story that says the gods made the world for man. For as long as you enact that story, Mother Culture will demand increased food production today- and promise population control tomorrow.

If the world is saved, it will not be saved by old minds with new programs but by new minds with no programs at all.