225: Food, Creation and The Creator with Joel Salatin
Joel is known as the world’s most famous farmer both for his outspokenness as a “Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic” and for his brilliant farming techniques.
I had the privilege of interviewing Joel on the podcast this week to talk about food, God’s creation and God as the Creator. We discuss the interesting dichotomy between creation worshippers and Creator worshippers and how he has found himself to be a bridge between the two over the years. He calls Christians to the action of better earth, animal and body stewardship and says how we care for God’s physical stuff reflects how we care for His spiritual stuff.
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EPISODE 225: Food, Creation and The Creator with Joel Salatin
SHOW NOTES
Food, Creation and The Creator with Joel Salatin
Hello my friend, and welcome back to the club. How have you been? I am bubbling with excitement today because I have the incredible opportunity to introduce you to someone truly inspiring: Joel Salatin. My recent visit to his renowned Polyface farm in Virginia was nothing short of a dream come true. Nestled amidst the beauty of nature, this farm represents so much of what I believe in – stewardship, respect for animals, and a passion for sustainable living.
A Farmer Like No Other
If you haven't heard of Joel Salatin, you're in for a treat. Often dubbed the world's most famous farmer, Joel wears many hats. He identifies as a "Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic farmer." A mouthful, right? But each word captures a unique aspect of this multifaceted man. With 15 books under his belt, Joel's mission is clear – promote sustainable land and animal stewardship while generating profit. He's traveled globally with this message and has inspired countless individuals, including myself. But at the heart of it all, he remains a humble and genuine individual.
The Biblical Stewardship of Animals
There's a verse from Proverbs 12:10 that always comes to mind when I think of Joel: "The righteous care for the needs of their animals." It's the same verse that I associate with my husband. It speaks of a deeper connection between our spiritual beliefs and how we interact with the world around us.
Creation Worship vs. Creator Worship
One of the most profound insights I gained from reading Joel's book, The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs, was the distinction between those who worship creation and those who worship the Creator. I'd love for Joel to delve deeper into this, sharing his experiences and observations. The book sheds light on this dichotomy, challenging us to reconsider our priorities and values.
The Spiritual Significance of Food
Does God care about what we eat? While Jesus declared all foods clean, it's essential to recognize the broader context of our diet within our spiritual journey. Every morsel of food we consume is a manifestation of God's creation, a tangible reflection of His greatness. And just as we are called to honor and worship Him, we must also respect the physical world He crafted.
For Christians, this goes beyond mere sustenance. The way we interact with the tangible world around us defines our relationship with God. How we steward what's visible reflects our stewardship of the unseen. As believers, we're called to be the best guardians of God's creation. After all, if we care deeply for His spiritual blessings, shouldn't the same go for His physical gifts?
Reevaluating Our Priorities
In many Christian communities, there seems to be a disconnect. While subjects like sexual abstinence are prioritized in Bible studies, little thought is given to the food we consume. It's paradoxical that we can so easily indulge in junk food orgies while striving for spiritual purity.
Joel's The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs is a must-read for every Christian. It forces us to confront these inconsistencies in our lives and challenges us to be better stewards of God's creation.
Gratitude and Advocacy
I genuinely thank God for souls like Joel Salatin. His advocacy and example are guiding lights in a world that's increasingly detached from nature. Joel's life and work serve as a reminder of the harmony that can exist between spirituality, sustainable living, and stewardship.
In closing, I encourage each of you to reflect on your relationship with God's creation. Are you a responsible steward? Do your choices honor Him? Let's all strive to be better, to do better, and to walk in harmony with God's magnificent world.
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Thanks for listening! Have a healthy and blessed week!