Born Again Dirt: Farming to the Glory of God by Noah Sanders was published a few months ago, and I devoured it immediately. I don’t consider myself a writer, and so it has taken me a while to review it. (Sounds like a strange thing to say for someone with a blog, but my posts are more a chronicle of what I do, that don’t require a lot of writing skill). But the book is frequently on my mind, and I thought it valuable enough to force myself to do it.
Noah is young, in his early 20’s, I presume, and is himself thinking out how to farm in a way that gives glory to God. He does this without dogma or legalism, although that is not to say that he is without opinion. He makes good observations regarding one’s worldview and how that affects one’s method of farming. (Noah defines farming as “a piece of land – regardless of size – that an individual is responsible for.”)
For example, industrial farming  reflects a worldview “whose ultimate source of wisdom is science”. He sees this method as fruitful, but not sustainable. And, Noah says, environmental agriculture reflects a worldview that worships nature; this method is sustainable, but not fruitful. He wanted his farming methods to reflect his biblical worldview. His dirt needed to be “born again”.
He concludes that the biblical worldview of farming is to be “sustainably fruitful”. I wholeheartedly agree that God desires our farming methods to be both fruitful and sustainable. Environmentalism, and perhaps some farming methods of the past have been unfruitful. But I’m not sure that I see the present organic farming movement as just sustainable, and not fruitful. When I think of organic farmers like Michael Phillips in New Hampshire, Eliott Coleman in Maine, Sepp Holzer in Austria, and Joel Salatin in Virginia, I see both the face of modern day organic farming and much fruitfulness.
Noah says much that I have believed, but have only recently heard other Christian writers say (ie. Joel Salatin). But he has also opened my eyes to new ideas. This young man is a breath of fresh air! I don’t know of another book on farming/gardening that has both practical, how-to information and shows us that God cares about our hearts as we farm. He says, “If we want to glorify God we must be Christian farmers, not just farmers who are Christians.” He takes 1 Corinthians 10:31 seriously and believes that “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” includes farming.
In order to be better stewards of our land, Noah recommends walking our property with the Owner. He suggests that we give the Lord a tour and an accounting of how we have cared for His possessions. During this tour, he suggests that we repent of failures, and talk to God about problems we are experiencing.
Praying in my garden comes very naturally to me. Perhaps all that kneeling is just conducive to prayer? But, I have to tell you, I never once thought to show God around my yard, or even talk to him about that area that is flooded after a rain and bone dry the rest of the time. Or about the slugs that are eating my broccoli. But now I find myself asking Him if and where we should plant apple trees, or how to protect our garden from forecasted hail. Honestly, the book, to me, is worth the price for that one piece of advice alone.
Thank you for visiting Learning And Yearning. May "the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Num 6:24-26
Laureen Naylor says
wow…i am very interested in reading this book!!!! i have “liked” Born Again Dirt, on FB, and have already “liked” your learningandyearning blog!!! Thanks for this chance!!!
Laura @ Laura Williams Musings says
I would love to read this. I have never thought about showing my Heavenly Father around our property either. Think I’ll do that tomorrow.
I liked both FBorn Again Dirt and learningandyearning on Facebook.
Thank you for the chance to win this.
Kendra Tishhouse says
I have like Born Again Dirt on FB. This sounds like a very interesting book to read, especially as my husband and I have just started getting into gardening this year (follow our progress at http://www.permahoue.wordpress.com).
Kendra Tishhouse says
I have now liked learning and yearning on FB as well!
Shelley Oswald says
I’ve liked learning and yearning on FB. I’m very excited about reading the book Born-again Dirt. I’ve also enjoyed all of your articles so far.
leah says
Morning Susie!
ok – I am “in” for 4 entries! hehehe I loved his blog – was just going to scan – and then found myself reading 3 of his blogs in a row. Another blog to add to my list of favorites! hehehe
his method reminds me of Paul Gautschi’s in Back to Eden! I love their concept of walking with the LORD in their gardens. Very cool!
Regardless if I win the contest or not… I will be reading this book! hehehe
Le 🙂
Kara says
I “liked” both your Facebook as well as Noah’s. I’ve been to his blog, but have not yet commented!
Mrs. Z says
I “liked” Born Again Dirt on FB!
Mrs. Z says
And I “liked” Learning and Yearning! 🙂 Thanks for this chance to win!
Debbie says
I liked both on Facebook. I already subscribe to Yearning and Learning and I also left a comment on Noah’s blog! I sure hope I win!
debbie says
loved your review!
debbie
Buttons says
Wow this book sounds very very interesting. B
Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says
My family recently toured Joel Salatin’s farm. This book sounds rather interesting.
Bobbie says
Thanks for linking. I will be reading this. Have you watched “Back To Eden” online? My husband and I really enjoyed it.
Bobbie
Nancy says
Thank you for the great review. Sounds like a useful book. 🙂
Jen says
I liked you and B.A.D on FB (under Real Food Freaks). I love this book already. I watched Back to Eden and this sounds similar to the idea there. Thanks for the review. I am excited to read this book!
Kerri says
Count me in for all 4!! I ‘liked’ you on facebook, along with B.A.D. I also subscribed to your blog and left a comment for Noah. Regardless of winning I plan on getting a hold of this book.
Blessings,
Kerri
Shannon says
I liked both your fb page and B.A.D. Thanks for reviewing this book. Can’t wait to read it!
Lyn says
Thanks for the great review can’t wait to check it out! I’ve liked the blogs above. 🙂
Kathy says
Hello and thank you for the introduction to a new blog! The book sounds wonderful. I have followed both of you on Facebook and left a comment on Noah’s blog. Can’t wait to read more.
Rachelle says
I have been so excited to read this book! I liked the born again dirt fb page. hope to win it!
Rachelle says
Found you through the Barn Hop! Liked your fb page. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
Rachelle says
After looking around for a few minutes I also signed up for your e-mail updates. Ican’t wait to read this book.
Jennifer Brandon says
Thanks for the chance to win a great giveaway! The book sounds awesome. I love the concept of giving a ‘tour’ around your property to the One who entrusted it to us in the first place. Neat.
1. I have “entered” all four ways. I have already “liked” Learning and Yearning on Facebook. (LOVE, btw)
2. I have “liked” “Born Again Dirt” on Facebook.
3. Signed up on your email list to receive your posts! (Which I was glad to know of, didn’t realize that was there before…so super excited about that.)
4. I also left a comment on Noah’s blog.
Thanks for writing the review. Your writing is fabulous. Your blog is the place to go when one needs a good dose of inspiration.
Farmlife Chick says
Thanks so much for sharing! I doubt I will win it since I do not have a facebook account, but I sure will buy it! Sounds great! Thanks for the review!
Bethie says
I just discovered your blog this morning…so, so cool. I had heard of this book last week so I hope that by signing up to follow your blog by email, I am now in your drawing. I don’t do Facebook. I am going to go to the author’s blog and leave a comment there too. I love your list of recommended books as I have many of the same. I hope to add Born Again Dirt as we too are farmers.
Blessings and peace,
Beth
Bethie says
Thank you for sharing the link to author Noah Sanders’ site. His blog is so cool. I left a comment and more than that, I left blessed to see such wisdom from a young man. It is encouraging to see God raising up young men and women who are living with grace.
Blessings and peace,
Beth
Cheryl says
I liked “Born Again Dirt” on Facebook. The book sounds interesting and after I post this I’m off to explore your blog. Thanks!
Quinn says
I liked both the facebook pages… I have been looking forward to reading this book for some time, but others in my pile have been demanding my attention (reading The Holistic Gardener right now by the aforementioned Mr. Phillips- amazing book) I’ve commented on Born Again Dirt in the past… not sure if you were looking for new comments only. Anyway, thank you for the opportunity by hosting such a wonderful giveaway.
Lois Welsch says
I enjoyed your review so much! The book sounds wonderful, and I love the idea of taking a walk around my property with God, as well! Our lot was owned by former farmers from back east who prepared different areas for desert gardening that we utilized the first few years we lived here, and I have been inspired by your blog to start again next fall! Thanks for sharing, Susan.
Tami Lewis says
I like Born Again Dirt on FB.
Lois Welsch says
Congratulations for winning Born Again Dirt, Tami!!!!!
Tami Lewis says
I like learningandyearning on FB.
Tami Lewis says
i sub to you.
Tami Lewis says
I left a comment on Noah’s blog.
Tina says
Liked learning and yearning on FB
Tina says
liked born again dirt on FB also
Tina says
I also commented on Noah’s blog. I enjoyed reading his article and am excited to read his book whether by winning it here or by getting my hands on it at a later date.
Amber says
Good morning! This book looks awesome! I love gardening, and I often find myself in prayer as I tend to the plants. Something about digging in the dirt and tending the plants and flowers draws me into the presence of God. I liked your blog on facebook!
Amber says
Also liked Born Again Dirt on facebook!
Amber says
Left a comment on Noah’s blog.
Lisa Priest says
Liked Born Again Dirt and Learning and Yearning. I also signed up for your email blog. I am excited about reading this book, as gardening is my passion, and I do connect the serenity I receive from it with God.
Amy McMann says
I read about this book before it was published. I can’t wait to read it!
Amy McMann says
I liked learning and yearning on Facebook. I also liked born again dirt on Facebook:)