11.30.2005
Good Conversation Is a Good Thing
I had some nice conversations with family members over the Thanksgiving Holiday. One such conversation was with an Uncle and involved two differing topics.
The first was regarding agrarianism, without using the term. This uncle know of our family's plans to relocate and wanted to know more. He asked great questions and was very supportive of our goals. I acknowledged that it is going to be a great shock for us to make such a significant change in our lives, but that we were taking steps to prepare ourselves. This uncle, not being the type to let comments like that just slide, asked me exactly what that meant, what were we doing.
I thought about it a minute and then outlined some ideas, and practical steps that I see as preparation for our change. They may be a bit naive, but they are honestly held beliefs. I first told him that we are trying to be more deliberate in our thinking. That means for us that we try to become producers instead of consumers. Before we buy something we should ask ourselves "Is this something I can make myself?" I explained to him that while this is not the most efficient or cheap alternative, it suits our long term goals by training our children how to produce items over and over again, instead of throwing away our money. I told him that we are doing simple things, like using cloth diapers, trying to incorporate solar energy, and starting a garden. These are small steps, but I think changing your mindset has to be the first step. We want to reduce our dependence on man-made systems and increase our reliance on God and the natural things that he has provided for us.
Another interesting conversation I had with this uncle, who has recently become Orthodox, was regarding the use of icons. I tend to a pretty strict interpretation of the second commandment, so I obviously disapprove of the use of icons. It was interesting to hear his side of the conversation though, and it was done in pleasant tones (which is always nice). The way I understood him, was that he believes that there is a heavenly realm and an earthly realm (me too so far). He believes that the icons of saints are representatives of the saints that are present in heaven and are there to remind us that we are not individuals but rather a body (which I am also all about, but not the icon part). His very reasons for using icons are my very reasons for rejecting them. I believe that God forbids representations of heavenly things to be made by earthly human hands. He used the idea of Christ being an icon as a defense of the use of icons, but I thought it only bolstered my argument. Christ is not a man-made object. I know where this thinking takes me, and I'm not sure I want to go there just yet (no pictures, movies, etc). I am young and don't have any answers.
I have been loosely following a similar discussion regarding idols, icons, portraits and worship over at BaylyBlog. I am glad to see others struggling through this issue, especially during the holiday season, when so much image worship usually takes place.
So...good times over Thanksgiving, lots more to tell, but I probably won't.
I had some nice conversations with family members over the Thanksgiving Holiday. One such conversation was with an Uncle and involved two differing topics.
The first was regarding agrarianism, without using the term. This uncle know of our family's plans to relocate and wanted to know more. He asked great questions and was very supportive of our goals. I acknowledged that it is going to be a great shock for us to make such a significant change in our lives, but that we were taking steps to prepare ourselves. This uncle, not being the type to let comments like that just slide, asked me exactly what that meant, what were we doing.
I thought about it a minute and then outlined some ideas, and practical steps that I see as preparation for our change. They may be a bit naive, but they are honestly held beliefs. I first told him that we are trying to be more deliberate in our thinking. That means for us that we try to become producers instead of consumers. Before we buy something we should ask ourselves "Is this something I can make myself?" I explained to him that while this is not the most efficient or cheap alternative, it suits our long term goals by training our children how to produce items over and over again, instead of throwing away our money. I told him that we are doing simple things, like using cloth diapers, trying to incorporate solar energy, and starting a garden. These are small steps, but I think changing your mindset has to be the first step. We want to reduce our dependence on man-made systems and increase our reliance on God and the natural things that he has provided for us.
Another interesting conversation I had with this uncle, who has recently become Orthodox, was regarding the use of icons. I tend to a pretty strict interpretation of the second commandment, so I obviously disapprove of the use of icons. It was interesting to hear his side of the conversation though, and it was done in pleasant tones (which is always nice). The way I understood him, was that he believes that there is a heavenly realm and an earthly realm (me too so far). He believes that the icons of saints are representatives of the saints that are present in heaven and are there to remind us that we are not individuals but rather a body (which I am also all about, but not the icon part). His very reasons for using icons are my very reasons for rejecting them. I believe that God forbids representations of heavenly things to be made by earthly human hands. He used the idea of Christ being an icon as a defense of the use of icons, but I thought it only bolstered my argument. Christ is not a man-made object. I know where this thinking takes me, and I'm not sure I want to go there just yet (no pictures, movies, etc). I am young and don't have any answers.
I have been loosely following a similar discussion regarding idols, icons, portraits and worship over at BaylyBlog. I am glad to see others struggling through this issue, especially during the holiday season, when so much image worship usually takes place.
So...good times over Thanksgiving, lots more to tell, but I probably won't.
We attended a fundraiser last night for a local Classical Christian School that had Chuck Colson as the key speaker. While I have heard Mr. Colson on the radio before, I have never paid too much attention to him. But I must say that he is a very dynamic and powerful speaker. He spoke on the importance of training our children to defend truth. He hammered the modern postmodern mindset that will not define truth, and emphasized the importance of Christians participating in the ongoing dialogue. He is big into Biblical Worldview and stated that his dream is to be able to argue the case for a biblical worldview in the US Supreme Court. He was confident that he could argue that the Biblical Worldview is the only way of living that is logical, and that he could beat out any opposing views. He did chide that with the present court he would still probably get a few dissenting votes, but not with any fair court. I was impressed with his passion for a Godly generation to take over and found him to be very knowledgeable and articulate.
One interesting thing about his speech was that he devoted about five minutes to outlining the importance of the church's battle against Islam. He came out so strong against Islam that I think most people were a bit taken back. There is a serious flaw in the modern church's thinking towards Islam (and judaism to an extent) to the point that many "evangelicals" (think George Bush) believe that Christians worship the same god as the muslims. Anyways, I was very encouraged by Mr. Colson.
One interesting thing about his speech was that he devoted about five minutes to outlining the importance of the church's battle against Islam. He came out so strong against Islam that I think most people were a bit taken back. There is a serious flaw in the modern church's thinking towards Islam (and judaism to an extent) to the point that many "evangelicals" (think George Bush) believe that Christians worship the same god as the muslims. Anyways, I was very encouraged by Mr. Colson.
11.22.2005
Be Thankful!
I'll be away from the blogosphere a few days, so have a joyful Thanksgiving Holiday! Go read Scott's post.
I'll be away from the blogosphere a few days, so have a joyful Thanksgiving Holiday! Go read Scott's post.
11.16.2005
Purpose of the meeting of the church
I have been thinking the past few days about the purpose of the meeting of the church. Basically there are two options on why the church meets together:
1) To worship the Lord
2) To encourage, teach, and edify one-another
I think the scriptural evidence is highly in favor of the second option (it's been awhile since I studied it), yet it seems that I, like so many of my brothers (especially those associated with "high-church"), want to believe that the meeting is mainly to worship our Lord. I think that maybe the reason for this is that we feel guilty.
Since we do not worship the Lord throughout the week as we ought, we feel like we should at least do it on Sunday. Do you see the repercussions of this?
I have been thinking the past few days about the purpose of the meeting of the church. Basically there are two options on why the church meets together:
1) To worship the Lord
2) To encourage, teach, and edify one-another
I think the scriptural evidence is highly in favor of the second option (it's been awhile since I studied it), yet it seems that I, like so many of my brothers (especially those associated with "high-church"), want to believe that the meeting is mainly to worship our Lord. I think that maybe the reason for this is that we feel guilty.
Since we do not worship the Lord throughout the week as we ought, we feel like we should at least do it on Sunday. Do you see the repercussions of this?
Acts 29 Network
I found out about the Acts 29 Network will looking around on John Barlow's Blog the other night. It is an interesting organization, if you can call it that. I looked through a lot of the articles, and there is so much that I really like and could get excited about, and some other things that I am confused by and even concerned about.
Up until about a year ago, I was involved in the homechurch movement for about 4 years. So coming from that background I still hold onto certain things that I learned that I still believe are valuable, and other things I see as not so good. Although Acts 29 is not a "homechurch" deal, I can see a lot of the principles behind it driving what they are doing. Some good, and some bad, in my opinion.
I saw that Acts 29 is very up-front about being reformed, and I like that they were very clear about what the DON'T believe, but a cursory glance at some of the churches shows that his is not a requirement for the churches that are planted.
Take a look around the site and let me know what you think, or if you have any experience with one of the churches.
I found out about the Acts 29 Network will looking around on John Barlow's Blog the other night. It is an interesting organization, if you can call it that. I looked through a lot of the articles, and there is so much that I really like and could get excited about, and some other things that I am confused by and even concerned about.
Up until about a year ago, I was involved in the homechurch movement for about 4 years. So coming from that background I still hold onto certain things that I learned that I still believe are valuable, and other things I see as not so good. Although Acts 29 is not a "homechurch" deal, I can see a lot of the principles behind it driving what they are doing. Some good, and some bad, in my opinion.
I saw that Acts 29 is very up-front about being reformed, and I like that they were very clear about what the DON'T believe, but a cursory glance at some of the churches shows that his is not a requirement for the churches that are planted.
Take a look around the site and let me know what you think, or if you have any experience with one of the churches.
Failures of the Megachurch Movement
Some readers may find this page to be a helpful resource in understanding the problems with the megachurch movement. It is a compilation of articles exposing the dangers and faulty foundations of the seeker-sensitive, church growth movement.
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/topic/seeker.html
Tip 'o the hat to BaylyBlog
Some readers may find this page to be a helpful resource in understanding the problems with the megachurch movement. It is a compilation of articles exposing the dangers and faulty foundations of the seeker-sensitive, church growth movement.
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/topic/seeker.html
Tip 'o the hat to BaylyBlog
11.15.2005
Humble Musings
I wanted to give a welcome to any readers who stumble across my blog via Amy's Humble Musings, and a thanks to Amy for any readers she sends my way!
Most of my referrals come from Amy's site, so thank you!
Most of my referrals come from Amy's site, so thank you!
11.14.2005
Ah, the influence of Christians on politics
On Sunday morning before church my wife and I were preparing for our Sabbath meal that we were planning on enjoying with a couple from church (I know, we should have done it on Saturday). Well, as it turned out my wife had left a few things at my mothers house and so I needed to go to the grocery store. I really do hate buying things on the Sabbath, for reasons that I will save for another day, but there I was at the local Publix anyways.
Fall is the time for the finer things in life for me. I bring out my pipe and I get a nice bottle of Port to last me through winter. Since I don't frequent the liquor store, I figured my trip to the grocery store would be a nice time to finally get my bottle. I spent about 5 minutes looking at all the different kinds of port and trying to figure out what I might like and then I picked up my wife's items.
As the check-out lady is scanning my items, she picks up my bottle of port, stuck it under the counter and looked at my with an evil and said "Un-un, not yet honey." You see, in my county you cannot buy alcohol until after 11:00 on Sunday mornings. I felt like such a pagan! I'm sure I have some Christian prude to thank for that little bit of legislation. I mean, what if your short a bottle of wine for communion: tough luck!
In other news: I found our cat laying in the middle of the road this morning on my way to work. He had not come in last night, and since my daughter was not at home, I wasn't forced to go looking all over for him. It was a very sad experience to get him out of the road and bury him. I have to break the news to my daughter, who is thoroughly in love with her kitty. What's harder is that the three year old little girl actually gets what it means to die.
The cat had no claws and would not have been able to make the move with us when we go to the homestead, so I guess it all works out.
On Sunday morning before church my wife and I were preparing for our Sabbath meal that we were planning on enjoying with a couple from church (I know, we should have done it on Saturday). Well, as it turned out my wife had left a few things at my mothers house and so I needed to go to the grocery store. I really do hate buying things on the Sabbath, for reasons that I will save for another day, but there I was at the local Publix anyways.
Fall is the time for the finer things in life for me. I bring out my pipe and I get a nice bottle of Port to last me through winter. Since I don't frequent the liquor store, I figured my trip to the grocery store would be a nice time to finally get my bottle. I spent about 5 minutes looking at all the different kinds of port and trying to figure out what I might like and then I picked up my wife's items.
As the check-out lady is scanning my items, she picks up my bottle of port, stuck it under the counter and looked at my with an evil and said "Un-un, not yet honey." You see, in my county you cannot buy alcohol until after 11:00 on Sunday mornings. I felt like such a pagan! I'm sure I have some Christian prude to thank for that little bit of legislation. I mean, what if your short a bottle of wine for communion: tough luck!
In other news: I found our cat laying in the middle of the road this morning on my way to work. He had not come in last night, and since my daughter was not at home, I wasn't forced to go looking all over for him. It was a very sad experience to get him out of the road and bury him. I have to break the news to my daughter, who is thoroughly in love with her kitty. What's harder is that the three year old little girl actually gets what it means to die.
The cat had no claws and would not have been able to make the move with us when we go to the homestead, so I guess it all works out.
11.10.2005
Friendship with the world
Here is a story about a liberal church in Pasadena, CA that is danger of losing its tax-exempt status as a 501(c)3 for an anti-war sermon that was preached last October. The IRS is investigating the church because of a sermon that was delivered by a guest rector denouncing George Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq.
So many churches have taken the carrot that the government has dangled in front of them, and consequently found themselves in a precarious place. While we can debate how involved the church should actually be in politics, there is NO debate over who has biblical authority over the church. We have only one head, and it is not caesar. When churches incorporate as a 501(c)3, they become, by definition, creatures of the state. The state grants them the right to be a corporation. The church submits to casear and is bound by his laws. How can the church serve two masters?
Now the irony in all this is, by my understanding, that the state has told churches that they are not obligated to submit to it anyways! The IRS automatically exempts churches. I'm sure that is not new information for most, but for those that are new to the conversation, www.hushmoney.org is a great site for information on taxation and the church. Here is an article on the facts of 501(c)3 incorporation. From the article:
Do you know if your church is incorporated? Our PCA church is. When I asked one of the elders before we joined if they were a 501(c)3 and why, he answered that they were, and that the elders had honestly never thought about the issue. In fact the PCA as a denomination long ago decided that it must be incorporated. Here is the 1983 position paper on taxation. We need to be deliberate in our thinking as Christians.
It seems that quite a few people get upset about the government getting involved in church affairs. They talk about free speech and the like. But it is the same thing as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling against parents. If you want to be friends with the world, then you play by their rules. If you give your children to the state, then you give them your authority and must submit to it. If a church seeks the favor of the state by applying for 501(c)3 than they must play by the state's rules.
Matthew 22:21 "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Why do we give to casear what is lawfully God's? The state has no right to my children, and so I won't give them to it. And the state certainly has no claim on the church of Christ, and that is why the church must say no to becoming a creature of the state.
IRS Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations
Hushmoney.org
Here is a story about a liberal church in Pasadena, CA that is danger of losing its tax-exempt status as a 501(c)3 for an anti-war sermon that was preached last October. The IRS is investigating the church because of a sermon that was delivered by a guest rector denouncing George Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq.
So many churches have taken the carrot that the government has dangled in front of them, and consequently found themselves in a precarious place. While we can debate how involved the church should actually be in politics, there is NO debate over who has biblical authority over the church. We have only one head, and it is not caesar. When churches incorporate as a 501(c)3, they become, by definition, creatures of the state. The state grants them the right to be a corporation. The church submits to casear and is bound by his laws. How can the church serve two masters?
Now the irony in all this is, by my understanding, that the state has told churches that they are not obligated to submit to it anyways! The IRS automatically exempts churches. I'm sure that is not new information for most, but for those that are new to the conversation, www.hushmoney.org is a great site for information on taxation and the church. Here is an article on the facts of 501(c)3 incorporation. From the article:
In the words of Steve Nestor, IRS Sr. Revenue Officer (ret.):
"I am not the only IRS employee who's wondered why churches go to the government and seek permission to be exempted from a tax they didn't owe to begin with, and to seek a tax deductible status that they've always had anyway. Many of us have marveled at how church leaders want to be regulated and controlled by an agency of government that most Americans have prayed would just get out of their lives. Churches are in an amazingly unique position, but they don't seem to know or appreciate the implications of what it would mean to be free of government control."
Do you know if your church is incorporated? Our PCA church is. When I asked one of the elders before we joined if they were a 501(c)3 and why, he answered that they were, and that the elders had honestly never thought about the issue. In fact the PCA as a denomination long ago decided that it must be incorporated. Here is the 1983 position paper on taxation. We need to be deliberate in our thinking as Christians.
It seems that quite a few people get upset about the government getting involved in church affairs. They talk about free speech and the like. But it is the same thing as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling against parents. If you want to be friends with the world, then you play by their rules. If you give your children to the state, then you give them your authority and must submit to it. If a church seeks the favor of the state by applying for 501(c)3 than they must play by the state's rules.
Matthew 22:21 "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Why do we give to casear what is lawfully God's? The state has no right to my children, and so I won't give them to it. And the state certainly has no claim on the church of Christ, and that is why the church must say no to becoming a creature of the state.
IRS Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations
Hushmoney.org
11.09.2005
Passive Solar Energy, etc.
OK, so I am working my way through Natural Solar Architecture, by David Wright, and it is getting a bit meaty for me. Maybe I am just not as much of a science guy as I thought, but this book is starting to be a little over my head.
For those who are really interested in implementing solar power into their homestead or burbstead, I would still highly recommend this book, in fact it should be required reading. I am pulling away some good principles, albeit probably the most basic, and totally missing the author's point.
I think the person who is trying to retrofit their house to take advantage of passive solar energy will face many more challenges than someone who is designing or building their own home. One of the main concerns that my wife brought up though, is that the houses that are designed by these solar architects are usually ugly. In order to be efficient that must have strange angles and are best suited to boxy houses. Nonetheless, the clever agrarian will take advantage of the good and learn to simplify his life by incorporating the principles of solar energy in to his home and work.
The most basic principle I have been able to glean is that of heat storage and transfer. Heat from the sun is collected in a thermal mass during the day, and then transferred to the home at night. To give you an idea, I am going to try a little experiment when the weather gets a little cooler. I am going to take some milk jugs and paint them black and fill them with water. Our bedroom windows faces the South (full-sun), so I will set the jugs on the window sill during the day. At night I will put the curtain between the jugs and the window to provide insulation and prevent heat loss back out the window. The jugs should transfer the heat and energy that has been stored to the cool air in our room. This is a radically simplified way of doing things, but it's a start. Hopefully I haven't misinterpreted any of the principles, and we'll see if it works at all.
Passive Solar Heating for Farmers and Ranchers
Energy & Agriculture
OK, so I am working my way through Natural Solar Architecture, by David Wright, and it is getting a bit meaty for me. Maybe I am just not as much of a science guy as I thought, but this book is starting to be a little over my head.
For those who are really interested in implementing solar power into their homestead or burbstead, I would still highly recommend this book, in fact it should be required reading. I am pulling away some good principles, albeit probably the most basic, and totally missing the author's point.
I think the person who is trying to retrofit their house to take advantage of passive solar energy will face many more challenges than someone who is designing or building their own home. One of the main concerns that my wife brought up though, is that the houses that are designed by these solar architects are usually ugly. In order to be efficient that must have strange angles and are best suited to boxy houses. Nonetheless, the clever agrarian will take advantage of the good and learn to simplify his life by incorporating the principles of solar energy in to his home and work.
The most basic principle I have been able to glean is that of heat storage and transfer. Heat from the sun is collected in a thermal mass during the day, and then transferred to the home at night. To give you an idea, I am going to try a little experiment when the weather gets a little cooler. I am going to take some milk jugs and paint them black and fill them with water. Our bedroom windows faces the South (full-sun), so I will set the jugs on the window sill during the day. At night I will put the curtain between the jugs and the window to provide insulation and prevent heat loss back out the window. The jugs should transfer the heat and energy that has been stored to the cool air in our room. This is a radically simplified way of doing things, but it's a start. Hopefully I haven't misinterpreted any of the principles, and we'll see if it works at all.
Passive Solar Heating for Farmers and Ranchers
Energy & Agriculture
11.07.2005
Agrarian Criticisms
In reading the various criticisms of agrarianism, it seems the thrusts of these arguments seems to be along the lines of "there's nothing inherently righteous about farming." Well, my first question is: who said you have to be a farmer by vocation to be agrarian?
Not that I am any kind of spokesman for agrarianism, but my vision of what agrarianism is, as an ideal, encompasses much more than just vocation.
Hopefully I can explain this a little more in the future, although there are more abler writers than myself who have already done so.
In reading the various criticisms of agrarianism, it seems the thrusts of these arguments seems to be along the lines of "there's nothing inherently righteous about farming." Well, my first question is: who said you have to be a farmer by vocation to be agrarian?
Not that I am any kind of spokesman for agrarianism, but my vision of what agrarianism is, as an ideal, encompasses much more than just vocation.
Hopefully I can explain this a little more in the future, although there are more abler writers than myself who have already done so.
Appreciate the Quote
I appreciated the following quote by Thomas Chalmers, who I am presently fascinated with, on Kerry's Homeschool Blog, found via Google Blogsearch:
An excellent observation, in my humble opinion!
Perhaps the greatest gift any father can bestow upon his children, apart from the covenant blessings of parish life and a comprehension of the doctrines of grace, is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives a knowledge of the world, and it offers experience of a wide kind. Indeed, it is nothing less than a moral illumination.
Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847)
An excellent observation, in my humble opinion!
Calling all poets, artists and essayists
A call to all agrarian, semi-agrarian, and wanna-be agrarian poets, artists and essayists
I feel that due to the low readership of my blog, this post will be almost completely ineffective in accomplishing this post's purpose, so I will be contacting certain bloggers personally as a result, but nonetheless, here it goes.
I would like to compile a collection of musings on the agrarian life in a form of a handcrafted book. The book will contain your poems, essays or sketches on the good life. If you are interested in participating in this project please contact me at schooloftrout-dot-gmail.com and let me know that you would like to submit a poem, short essay or piece of art. We will go from there.
The purpose of this project should be self-evident to all who enjoy the good life, so I will not waste time explaining it (so there!)
I should also make it clear that this is an open invitation to anyone who is interested in the agrarian ideal.
A call to all agrarian, semi-agrarian, and wanna-be agrarian poets, artists and essayists
I feel that due to the low readership of my blog, this post will be almost completely ineffective in accomplishing this post's purpose, so I will be contacting certain bloggers personally as a result, but nonetheless, here it goes.
I would like to compile a collection of musings on the agrarian life in a form of a handcrafted book. The book will contain your poems, essays or sketches on the good life. If you are interested in participating in this project please contact me at schooloftrout-dot-gmail.com and let me know that you would like to submit a poem, short essay or piece of art. We will go from there.
The purpose of this project should be self-evident to all who enjoy the good life, so I will not waste time explaining it (so there!)
I should also make it clear that this is an open invitation to anyone who is interested in the agrarian ideal.
11.04.2005
Natural Solar Architecture
My wife picked up a book for me at a garage sale the other day called "Natural Solar Architecture: a passive primer" by David Wright. The book is a very neat book, with a hand written font and lots of funky drawings on every page. Mr Wright seems to write from the "mother earth" perspective, so there is some chaff to sift through, but not much. I have been looking through the book tonight, and if my agrarian brothers are not already familiar with this book, I would highly recommend it. It is not a "how-to" book, but rather a "principles-of" book. I may just be a little slow, but some of the things he is pointing out are really enlightening. I think this is a great resource for those who are seeking a sustainable life. For me, it's not that important to be "off the grid" in the next few years. But I want to be able to pass on land to my children, (not to mention skills), that is capable of being run independently and efficiently. I don't want to leave them tied to antiquated ways of doing things. That's kind of a funny sentence, but I do believe that man's "progressive" ways will prove to be out-dated and not well thought out as we move back towards a responsible stewardship. Reminds me of this writing by Doug Wilson.
Here's a portion of the introduction to the book:
And another quote:
I have always been a bit weary about solar energy, because it seems so complex and expensive. I am looking forward to finishing this book, and hopefully having a better grasp of being more responsible with the energy and resources that God has given me.
Here's another thought I have been thinking about all week. So simple, yet it has such a great impact on everything you do: cancel the trash service (thanks Wrights). I am simply amazed that Americans exert so much energy and materials to produce packaging that is used for such a brief period and then thrown out. I have been keeping a stash (hidden from my wife at this time) of just such packaging, things that are just too good to be thrown away.
Hmm....some more food for thought! Have a productive Saturday and a restful and joyous Sabbath!
My wife picked up a book for me at a garage sale the other day called "Natural Solar Architecture: a passive primer" by David Wright. The book is a very neat book, with a hand written font and lots of funky drawings on every page. Mr Wright seems to write from the "mother earth" perspective, so there is some chaff to sift through, but not much. I have been looking through the book tonight, and if my agrarian brothers are not already familiar with this book, I would highly recommend it. It is not a "how-to" book, but rather a "principles-of" book. I may just be a little slow, but some of the things he is pointing out are really enlightening. I think this is a great resource for those who are seeking a sustainable life. For me, it's not that important to be "off the grid" in the next few years. But I want to be able to pass on land to my children, (not to mention skills), that is capable of being run independently and efficiently. I don't want to leave them tied to antiquated ways of doing things. That's kind of a funny sentence, but I do believe that man's "progressive" ways will prove to be out-dated and not well thought out as we move back towards a responsible stewardship. Reminds me of this writing by Doug Wilson.Here's a portion of the introduction to the book:
Prior to the fossil fuel age and the Industrial Revolution, people depended on fire, animals, sun, wind, water and themselves to get work done...and things got done. With the development of petroleum fuels, steam engines, electricity and the like, people used these means to do work for them...much, much more work got done and no end was in sight for these relatively cheap tools. Fossil fuels, originally derived from the sun's energy, were used to heat homes, run automobiles, light cigarettes and even produce suntans! People forgot about the things that they could do and nature could do for them. They concentrated on isolating themselves from nature's forces, allowing the machines and fuels to do as much as possible...many things were forgotten.
And another quote:
The key to long-range survival is to minimize impact by balancing all things in the web of life, while maximizing the potential of the natural elements. We need not go to the extreme of clear cutting a forest for material or fuels; neither is it necessary to treat forests, fields and stream as inviolate. A happy balance is to use just enough to encourage proper regeneration. We should farm carefully, letting nature provide irrigation, fertilization, and insect control. Man's heavy-handed dominance seldom works in the long run.
I have always been a bit weary about solar energy, because it seems so complex and expensive. I am looking forward to finishing this book, and hopefully having a better grasp of being more responsible with the energy and resources that God has given me.
Here's another thought I have been thinking about all week. So simple, yet it has such a great impact on everything you do: cancel the trash service (thanks Wrights). I am simply amazed that Americans exert so much energy and materials to produce packaging that is used for such a brief period and then thrown out. I have been keeping a stash (hidden from my wife at this time) of just such packaging, things that are just too good to be thrown away.
Hmm....some more food for thought! Have a productive Saturday and a restful and joyous Sabbath!
There's Always Room for Satire
PHOTOGRAPH QUESTIONS EXTINCTION OF BIBLE-TOTING SPECIES
Take a look around, seems to be an interesting site.
If you think today's Christianity isn't producing fruit, think again!
PHOTOGRAPH QUESTIONS EXTINCTION OF BIBLE-TOTING SPECIES
Take a look around, seems to be an interesting site.
If you think today's Christianity isn't producing fruit, think again!
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