The above phrase is one that I come across quite frequently as I read and research about farming in an unconventional way. Some people talk about it as if it is a movement sweeping across the nation (I'm not sure I want to be a part of a movement because movements always come and go), some people are calling it a way of life (a way of life is a good thing ... but I would rather just call my way of life a Biblical worldview with Christ above all and through all and in all), and The Deliberate Agrarian Blogger says, "it's all about repentance and redemption" (those are two words I can get along with). So, what is "Christian Agrarianism"?The reason I'm thinking about it today is because I ran across the blog post linked above and found it very interesting. I do have a hard time trying to attach the word "Christian" to something in order to make it more holy. Things like Christian author, Christian band, and Christian artist make me kind of wary. It is almost like if we place "Christian" in front of the occupation or thing then we will automatically make it more appealing to other Christians. I believe that as a follower of Christ, He should influence everything I do ... not just the "Christian" things. So, if that is the case, then Christ will influence my farming. But, does that mean that I need to label myself as a "Christian Agrarian" and sell at a "Christian Market" only to "Christians"? No, no, and no. And I'm pretty sure that isn't even what the Christian Agrarians are saying, but I do see it as a possible outcome, just like we now have our own publishing houses, music labels, clothing lines, and so much more.
I thought one quote from the blog post was possibly a good description of Christian Agrarianism,
"God is clearly moving in the hearts of many of His people in this day. He is leading them away from the bondage of a centralized, industrialized, materialistic, soul-deadening, God-hating, earth-destroying world system. He is leading them back to the land, back to simplicity of life and faith in Him, back to something that was almost lost in the shuffle of the industrial era."If this idea of Christian Agrarianism interests you .... or even angers you .... allow me to breakdown this quote for a moment and give a few thoughts.
"God is clearly moving in the hearts of many of His people in this day." Okay, that is just obvious. God does work in the hearts of people to conform them more to His likeness through repentance and redemption. I'm down with that statement!
"He is leading them away from the bondage of a centralized, industrialized, materialistic, soul-deadening, God-hating, earth destroying world system." Wow, that is a loaded sentence! Let me just speak specifically to myself here, because I think that is a rather large generalization, and I don't know how complete it is. I believe God is always drawing me away from the bondage of anything. He desires me to be away from the bondage of the world - period. He did not create me for this world, He created me for eternal life with Him, so of course He desires me to be apart from bondage. But, on a more practical note I don't know if I want to be part of a people movement at all. I do want to get away from a materialistic world, and I wouldn't mind it at all if our world was de-centralized. Does that make me a Christian Agrarian? I'm not really sure!
"He is leading them back to the land, back to simplicity of life and faith in Him, back to something that was almost lost in the shuffle of the industrial era." Obviously God isn't leading everyone back to the land ... there were plenty of cities in Biblical times, but He may be leading certain people back to a connection with His creation and His people when it comes to agriculture. There are things that were almost lost in the industrial era, but that doesn't mean that it is a completely bad thing. I can see God's hand working in the industrial revolution, and I can also see people messing up God's creation during the same time ... so, what does that mean for me? Basically, I am down with simplicity in life because that allows me to focus more on my God and my family. I believe for me that means a move to the country, but not for everyone.
So, what is my final verdict? Right now I am in full-time ministry because I believe that is where God has called me and placed me. I would like to be able to live a farming life because I believe that God has given me a passion and drive for that, but I am going to work inside of His will and timing. I don't really want to take on a label though. I would like to be a farmer, doing things the way I feel passionate about doing them, and doing everything from a the standpoint of Christ preeminent in all things. Whether I am moving chickens, working cattle, growing crops, being a leader in my church, or playing ball with my family. It isn't about placing the word "Christian" in front of what I do, it is about placing Christ at the center of my life and doing things well for His glory.
