J. Matthew Sleeth, M.D.

What an amazing little book, I chose to read it because I love trees, and have a times mourned their loss.
When I think of how Trees played a part in the bible, of courses, the first thought for me is the cross, but wow was my mind expanded and most I never thought of.
A beautiful example is: Romans 11 17-24

17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

This book is a short 2oo pages, but is packed with interesting facts, I recommend this for anyone who wants to grow in knowledge and strengthen their faith.

I received this book through the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.… (mere)

A cursory glance around this blog should make it clear that I place a high value on God's creation. I would struggle to enjoy life without the lakes, rivers, granite outcroppings, and all the rest of the flora and fauna of Ontario.

As a pastor, I've struggled to preach on these issues. When I think about Christianity and ecology, I feel challenged on two fronts:

1) Any talk of environmentalism raises the specter of liberal theology.
2) I've only heard three main Biblical texts used to speak of "natural theology", and they all come with conservative rejoinders: Genesis 1-3 ("but the world be destroyed anyway"), Psalm 19 ("but the climax of this Psalm is on the written word") and Romans 1 ("Paul only speaks of the natural world to leave pagans without excuse").
The Gospel According to the Earth is the book I've been wanting to read for a long time.

Sleeth speaks about the relationship between the body of Christ and Christ's greater creation without getting caught up in such limited perspectives. He explores topics you wouldn't expect—like music, hospitality, and rest—along with the traditional categories.

I do have to note that some of his biblical quotes felt forced. He stretched the interpretation of a few verses to fit his framework. Overall, though, I was amazed at the sheer amount of scripture that speaks to our responsibility toward God's good creation.

This book is very easy to read and filled with practical ideas at the end of each chapter to put the message into practice. I'd recommend it highly to any Christian seeking to understand their role on our planet.… (mere)