So our salvation lies not in an escape from this world but in the transformation of this world. Everything good and true and beautiful in history is not lost forever but will be restored and directed to the worship of God. All our human activity (in the arts and sciences, economics and politics) and even the nonhuman creation will be brought to share in the liberating rule of God. [Romans 8:18-21]... You will not find hope for the world in any religious systems or philosophies of humankind. The biblical vision is unique. That is why when some say that there is salvation in other faiths I ask them, 'What salvation are you talking about?' No faith holds out a promise of eternal salvation for the world the way the cross and resurrection of Jesus do. - Vinoth Ramachandra, The Scandal of Jesus

I've always liked that about being a Christian, that our goal isn't to transcend the world, but rather to transform it. This transformation occurs, in part, as each of us works every day to better the world around us. Even though we will never be able to rid the world completely of poverty or suffering or injustice, we are called to strive to effect change where we have been placed. And we have faith that our work will not be in vain, that one day Jesus will return to bring creation back to its former and future glory.

Romans 8:18-21:

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.