Food, Farming, and Faith

Gary W. Fick is Professor of Agronomy at Cornell University.

"Fick succeeds in writing a thought-provoking book that is a worthwhile read for everyone interested in sustainable agriculture and its relationship to the Bible. He reminds us of our connection to the past. His clear, warmly personal style that is free of scientific jargon, invites even the skeptic to consider his valuable perspectives as we seek solutions toward a more sustainable future." — Journal of Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems"…an insightful book … It is impossible to categorize this unique book, but it will be valuable to readers interested in the future of food production viewed from the perspective of biblical teachings … The extensive chapter notes and bibliography could make this volume useful for academic curricula or for the start of further research." —CHOICE"Fick's thoughtful book adds fresh perspectives to the growing number of books about the centrality of food in American culture." — ForeWord Magazine"In case you thought environmentalism and Christianity were at odds, here's a book that makes clear, in great and rewarding detail, just how closely allied they actually are. This will be a useful primer for the blossoming green religious movement." — Bill McKibben, author of The Comforting Whirlwind: God, Job, and the Scale of Creation"This book represents a good juxtaposition of the author's personal story and life experience with both agricultural principles and biblical analysis, making for both a pleasant and valuable reading experience." — John E. Carroll, author of Sustainability and Spirituality

• ForewordPrefaceIntroduction 1. It Is All about FoodThanksgivingOther Food AssociationsA Matter of Life and Death 2. The Foundation of StewardshipMotivationIn the BeginningBiblical StewardshipLoving What God Loves 3. Ecology in the BibleLiving in the Central FlywayHolistic ThinkingThe Christian EnvironmentalistGenesis 1 The Population ProblemHumans and NatureBiological Diversity and Species ExtinctionOther Ecological IssuesConclusions 4. Land and ClimateThe Best Land in the WorldGood LandGod's LandSabbath Rest for the LandThen What Should We Do? 5. Soil and WaterBuried FencesSoil in the BibleWaterWhat Is Essential?Essentials for Soil and WaterConclusions 6. Crops, Seeds, and FoodGardening Runs in the FamilyKinds of CropsSeeds Are the SourceNurturing the CropHarvesting, Storage, and CelebrationThe EssentialsConclusions 7. Livestock and AgricultureCowboy DaysAre Livestock Really Good for Us and the Environment?Livestock in the Ancient WritingsOther Aspects of Animal WelfareEconomic and Religious FactorsThe EssentialsConclusions 8. Farming Systems and the Practices of AgricultureA Good MentorSystems ThinkingSoil TillageNutrient ManagementThe Wisdom for FarmingSoil Tillage in the BibleNutrient Management in the BibleThe EssentialsConclusions 9. The Culture of AgricultureTeaching and LearningFarmers in the BeginningLand TenureLabor and Financial MattersFood and CultureEthics and MoralityThe EssentialsConclusions 10. Abuse, Poverty, and WomenPoverty, Women, and AgricultureA Personal View of PovertyProverbs on PovertyThe Abuse of WomenWhat Is Essential Here? 11. Food, Starvation, Obesity, and DietThe Idealism of YouthHunger and StarvationObesityThe Biblical DietA Different Model of Food ProductionChange 12. Agricultural SustainabilityComplex Concepts of Agricultural SustainabilityMetaphors of AgricultureSimple FactsAppendix 1 Abbreviations and Citation of Books in the BibleAppendix 2 An Overview of the BibleAppendix 3 The Essentials of Agriculture NotesBibliographyIndex