When the Green Bible was published eleven years ago I was perplexed by the highlighting of some questionable "green" verses and the omission of other more likely candidates. While I was underwhelmed by that part of the project I was impressed by several of the introductory essays, including one by Dr. Matthew Sleeth called The Power of a Green God. Sleeth is a physician and an evangelical Christian who writes passionately about the God of Creation. In his introduction he reminds us of the many references to trees in both the Older and Newer Testaments of the bible. As an unapologetic tree admirer and occasional hugger I appreciate what he wrote.
I see that Dr. Sleeth has written a new book (he's written several others) which appears to expand upon that aspect of his Green Bible intro. It won't be released for a few months. Here is a portion of the description of the book.
About Reforesting Faith
The Bible talks about trees more than any living creation other than people. Perhaps you've missed the forest...and the trees.
In this groundbreaking walk through Scripture, former physician and carpenter Dr. Matthew Sleeth makes the convincing case why trees are essential to every Christian's understanding of God.
Yet we've mostly missed how God has chosen to tell His story--and ours--through the lens of trees. There's a tree on the first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation. The Bible refers to its wisdom as a Tree of Life (Proverbs 3:18). Every major Biblical character has a tree associated with them. Jesus himself says he is the true vine (John 15:1). A tree was used to kill Jesus--and a tree is the only thing the Messiah ever harmed.
This is no accident. When we subtract trees from Scripture, we miss lessons of faith necessary for our growth.
This is the rare book that connects those who love the Creator with creation, and those who love creation with the Creator. It offers inspirational yet practical ways to express our love for God--and our neighbors--by planting spiritual trees and physical trees in the world.
I'm not sure that I'll purchase the book, but it is a worthwhile reminder of the importance of trees in scripture and their essential role in the health of the planet.
In this groundbreaking walk through Scripture, former physician and carpenter Dr. Matthew Sleeth makes the convincing case why trees are essential to every Christian's understanding of God.
Yet we've mostly missed how God has chosen to tell His story--and ours--through the lens of trees. There's a tree on the first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation. The Bible refers to its wisdom as a Tree of Life (Proverbs 3:18). Every major Biblical character has a tree associated with them. Jesus himself says he is the true vine (John 15:1). A tree was used to kill Jesus--and a tree is the only thing the Messiah ever harmed.
This is no accident. When we subtract trees from Scripture, we miss lessons of faith necessary for our growth.
This is the rare book that connects those who love the Creator with creation, and those who love creation with the Creator. It offers inspirational yet practical ways to express our love for God--and our neighbors--by planting spiritual trees and physical trees in the world.
I'm not sure that I'll purchase the book, but it is a worthwhile reminder of the importance of trees in scripture and their essential role in the health of the planet.
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