March for Letters & Letters for March

Re: Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean
In addition to imagining that Oliver Cromwell re-admitted the Jews to England (Cromwell’s plan was obstructed under the leadership of Puritan parliamentarian William Prynne), in your March 1 outline of the book 
Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean, you write nary a word about the enormous epoch that was Jewish involvement in the black slave trade in the Caribbean. 
All good wishes,

Michael

Re: Lunatic Farmer documentary and discussion
I have been watching/listening to the Canon hosted stuff on Joel Salatin lately—the documentary, one of his posted lectures, the Doug and Friends video. As usual, he is a gifted salesman for his way of farming. Further, I agree with him on some of the big ideas, and admire much of what he has done with his farm, in his context—building/rebuilding soil health and increasing production. Congratulations are in order.
I am, however, a little perplexed about the seeming (?) wholesale endorsement of his teaching by Canon. Pastor Doug, I wonder how your take on his ideas now compares to your previous writings in “Confessions of a Food Catholic,” and your 2012 review of “The Truth about Organic Foods,” posted here on Mablog. It is true that Salatin has no time for the “government certified organic” racket, but it seems undeniable there’s some pretty significant overlap in his thinking and almost complete overlap in his methods. I appreciated your “distribution” question about the price of his products, which he largely sidestepped, except to admit they were selling eggs for $8.50/doz. Why are products from a supposed “scarcity” mindset available at lower cost than those from his “abundance” mindset? (It’s not just subsidies). Other questions that come to my mind:
Why are we validating the sensibilities of creation worshipers, and accepting their assumptions about the culpability of Christianity in particular for soil degradation and ecological harm? How many of those historic empires that he asserts fell because they depleted their lands and soils did so due to the influence of Christianity?
Why should we assume that giving God a good return on his investment categorically excludes raising tomatoes hydroponically? (Joel might find some pushback on that assumption from our friends in Israel.)
Why, for that matter, is it wrong to apply minerals God provided for us to the soil that he also provided?
If different parts of Joel’s own farm speak to him differently as to how they best express the abundance and bounty of their Creator, shouldn’t we consider the possibility that the Central Valley of California, the black prairie in Illinois and the rolling Palouse in Idaho and Washington might express their Creator’s abundance differently from Joel’s Shenandoah Valley permaculture—perhaps, for example, in raising produce, corn or wheat?
What is the justification for the assumption that glyphosate cannot be applied to the glory of God? Writing as that farmer in Illinois, we believe that is exactly what we are doing. As self-conscious stewards of the land, we use glyphosate to terminate our cover crops without tillage, allowing us to scavenge and retain soil nutrients, sequester soil carbon, promote biological activity, prevent erosion, capture rainfall, and build soil structure and organic matter—the same things he’s doing—while still raising crops in an economically competitive manner. Our observations have been that reducing tillage does far more good than herbicides do harm. (Remember, in our fallen world there are no solutions, only tradeoffs). And, God willing, we will continue to pay the rent and the bills while continuing to improve the land we’ve been entrusted.
Speaking of economically competitive, did you notice that Polyface farm did not provide a living to anyone until after the mortgage had been paid off? There is a huge difference in farming with inheritance/generational assets, and in trying to build them through farming. My brother and I call it the difference between farming with money and farming for money. I don’t begrudge it to him at all, it is a blessing of God!—But that fact ought to be taken into account when considering the competitive viability of his style of farming—the Return on Investment, to use the term Salatin prefers.
Also, a few comments on things he said: First, we as relatively more “conventional” farmers have no problem with the idea that there are better farmers and worse farmers. In fact, we’d like to see that reality acknowledged in Salatin’s regenerative community. They like to take the best of the regenerative guys (Salatin) and put them up against the worse conventional cropping guys. Well, yeah, the “regenerative” guy looks pretty good then. Let’s consider the more intentional and creative “conventional” (or at least conventional input) guys, and compare them with the better regenerative farmers…
Second, a clarification on what he said to the “Sabbath” or “fallow” question. While harvesting grain does remove nutrients or energy from the soil, there is not as much of a distinction between annuals and perennials as you might believe from his answer. In fact, haying or harvesting forage (removing all the fodder) from a field of perennials (grass, clover, alfalfa, etc.) can extract even more nutrients from the soil than just harvesting grain and leaving the fodder (like we do with corn or wheat). Salatin’s grazing regime does provide replenishment via animals on the land, but it is his grazing practices, and not the perennial nature of the crop, that keeps the soil from being depleted. Our cover crops are annuals, but since we do not harvest them, they, too, are putting energy back into the soil, rather than extracting from.
To wrap up, I’m not against people farming like Salatin. If you have local demand, the personality to direct market, and people willing to pay those prices, bless you. And good on him for stewarding both his farm and his notoriety to maximum effect. He is right that stewardship is moving toward creation rather than abandoning it. And I don’t buy a single word of anything Bill Gates is selling, either. But let’s be careful about whole-hog assumptions that Salatin’s practices ought to be normative for land stewardship in every context. Lets avoid the Wendell-Berry-esque cool kid syndrome. And not fall into the “this one weird hack will solve all your problems” way of thinking about life and agriculture in a world (last I checked) still groaning under the Curse.

Matt

My fiancé and I each have our own history of sexual sins which we’ve confessed to each other and for which we have both forgiven each other. But my mind continually finds itself beset with images and thoughts of her with her past partners and it’s so painful and difficult to know that other men have “known” her, and this before even I have. I have to fight myself to not be bitter or resent her for her past, but these feelings come up often and it is so difficult to subdue. I don’t know if I am being unfair and hypocritical, and I don’t know if my bitterness is a sign of my not having truly forgiven her? My past sins consist of a pornography addiction, and inappropriate acts with my high school girlfriend that would certainly constitute “fornication,” but which never “went all the way.” My fiancé “went all the way” with three previous partners. I don’t know what to do to get this heaviness and weight off me, because I love her so much, but I am still so hurt and in physical pain when I think of her with those guys. But again, I don’t know if I’m a hypocrite for being so hurt, because my sins are so heinous too. Please help me know what I’m supposed to do.

Nathan

I hope you’re doing well. I’m curious, what are your thoughts on the City Beautiful Movement?

ON

I see you have a study guide for Calvin’s Institutes. Is there a particular edition/editor you recommend reading of the Institutes itself?
Thank you,

Richard

I appreciate your ministry and the unflinching stance you all have taken on so many issues of the day. You all have helped me to better see the water I swim in. I have a question I’m hoping you can address at some point, regarding the role (or not?) of women in teaching and culture-forming, particularly in the realm of writing.
I can see how some may criticize the church today for not allowing women to teach/preach Scripture and doctrine within the church, but allowing them to write books (and Bible studies) to be distributed to men and women of all ages across the nation, outside of the church’s governance. I am wondering what type of content women should and should not be aiming to write and publish. I see so many Bible studies written by women, along with a fair bit of apologetics and theological type books. I saw a students’ catechism recently that was co-authored by a woman. I have personally read and benefited from many wise women who have written books with theological content. Some of these books contain content not terribly unlike what could be heard from the pulpit. But I would struggle if those same women were asked to preach in my church. Do you see the tension? Then we can extend the discussion further into culture-building. I am seeing more and more how literature builds culture, and how doctrine and worldview is connected with everything we create. CS Lewis’ Space Trilogy may have impacted my spiritual life more than any book other than Scripture. So when a woman is participating in culture-building through creative and intellectual writing, is her role any different from that of a man’s? Obviously many women in your family are published authors. How do you see their responsibility as an author as similar and different to yours?
I hope that question is clear enough to be answered. Thank you for your time!

Nancy

I appreciate your candor, laughs, and seriousness about hard things. I am not inquiring about a certain post, but about seeking to court a young lady (I am 21, she is 18). I have read “Reforming Marriage” and Covenant Household,” and have a question in regards to courting. Say her father has since passed away, and she still lives under her mother’s authority, would she be the one to whom I would ask for approval to get to know her daughter better? I have been asking older married brothers in my local church that I meet with on a weekly basis, and they have been so helpful. I also know that you have studied this topic extensively, and could possibly give your opinion from a different angle.
In Christ,

Ben

On the subject of Kash Patel’s swearing in and CN would it be safe to say that a precursor to any conversation about CN in America might be acceptance of our Constitution? Regardless of what a politician (or even new citizen) is holding in their hand if they don’t accept the political foundation of our country then they are a visitor with no right to stay, let alone serve in a political office.

Jim

Thanks for the post on Kash Patel. I am wondering how it would look different or be different under Christendom 2.0. We would still find him qualified, right? We would still confirm him, right? Would we make him swear on a book he doesn’t believe? I wouldn’t think so. Would we let him swear on a book he DOES believe? I imagine. Well, didn’t all that just happen? Cheers . . .

Warren

On Kash Patel’s use of the Gita:
Interesting and insightful take. Goes right along with everything you’ve been saying for decades . . . not whether but which. It used to be that the Bible was the Standard and the only book upon which someone swore his Oath of Office. The appeal then was to a recognized higher standard—the Word of the Living God. Perhaps the words weren’t as pointed then—a mere “so help me, God” would suffice—because everyone actually knew and understood what that meant.
But a new god has been enshrined; namely, Demos. And Demos is fine with the Bible sitting on a shelf of collected holy texts. Swear upon whichever one you want. As you said, Demos doesn’t see himself as neutral; he sees himself as in charge.
So, Christians must up the ante, raise the stakes, refuse to compromise an inch of ground. What was once understood is forgotten, and our duty is to pull that Bible down from the collection and place it atop the statue of Demos, until that statue crumbles beneath the weight of its truth and our proclamation: “Hear, O America! Jehovah our God; Jehovah is one!”

Andy

I am dazzled by your hubris and even more so by the fact that you have followers. May your feckless suckers never wake up.

Kimberly

If you’re an example of what Jesus brings to the table, you can keep him.

David

I read this Dec 2024 First Things magazine article about your book “Mere Christendom.” Just wanted to be sure you saw it, too. I’m glad R.R. Reno took time to read and comment on it.

Robert

Mr. Henry Abbot:
Debate in North Carolina Ratifying Convention 30 July 1788
“Many wish to know what religion shall be established. The exclusion of religious tests is by many thought dangerous and impolitic. They suppose that if there be no religious test required, pagans, deists, and Mahometans might obtain offices among us, and that the senators and representatives might all be pagans” (Political Polytheism: The Myth Of Pluralism Book By Gary North).
In 1787, every nation on earth was openly religious. There was only one exception to this rule in all the earth, one isolated political experiment that had affirmed the possibility—even the moral necessity—of avoiding all public references to religion in its covenantal charter. Its founder believed that no city, not state, and no nation should ever publicly affirm the existence of any particular god or religion. This was the first public experiment in secular humanism. In 1787, it had been in operation for a century and a half. That experiment was called Rhode Island.
 Three and a half centuries after its founding, Rhode Island’s vision of political order has conquered the Western world.

Max

From your latest article.
“So Christians who are asked to serve in this administration should certainly place their hand on the Bible and swear . . . in the name of the God of all gods, the Lord of all lords, the King of all kings, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
How does this line up with Mat 5:34? Is this swearing different than what Matthew is talking about? I’m a part of a church that encourages us to not swear oaths. We don’t place our hands on the Bible or any other document. If we sign legal documents we amend them to simply say ‘I will do xyz’ rather than ‘I swear to do xyz’. If we testify in court, we don’t swear to tell the truth, we just affirm that we are truthful. Maybe we are misapplying this verse? But the concept of “you can’t count on me to tell the truth unless I swear by a higher power” is something I’ve always appreciated. What think ye?

Nate

Why the names Blog and Mablog? Doesn’t Gog and Magog refer to all the enemies of Christ and his people, both secret and open?

Julie

I am facing the prospect of early onset dementia. I am still at the stages where I am cognizant of it and my surroundings (for the most part) and can still process information. I know what is going to happen to my mind over the next few months/years, and I am terrified of forgetting God, forgetting how to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, forgetting how to resist sin, forgetting His Word, the Bible, forgetting my friends, etc. I have failed miserably in life but have held God and His Word dear to my soul for many years now. What would you say to these fears? My only consolation is that I may forget God, but I don’t believe He will forget me, but I will end up forgetting even that.

AW

I’m a young theologian from Seattle, WA. I would love to receive some advice from you, if you have the time and if you’re willing to offer it.
I want to write a book about masculinity in the life and theology of John Calvin. Knowing that the topic of masculinity has been and continues to be of interest in your work, and that Reformed theologians are representative of your ministry, how do you view the idea of this book?
If you think the idea is welcome, do you believe I would have enough resources on Calvin to write a serious work on the subject, or will it turn out to be more of a pamphlet?
Thank you for your time, and I would be grateful if you could guide me in this matter.

Daniel

My wife and I have been studying topics of covenant theology and baptism over the past years and have come to the reformed conviction that we should baptise our children.
Having navigated the question of “Why baptise?”, we are now trying to navigate the “How do we baptise them?”, question.
We have several children aged 12 down to 1 . . . all of them are willingly and eagerly involved in the spiritual and worshipful aspects of family life like family worship, catechism and church. The eldest 3 or 4 have a sound belief of the rudiments of the faith.
Would you advise a standard Presbyterian paedobaptist approach where we answer the pastors’ questions on behalf of them all, or should the eldest few answer the questions themselves as believers? (Our pastor doesn’t have a firm conviction either way).
Any wisdom on this topic would be appreciated as we think through why.

Jimmy

Hope you’re doing well.
I was wondering if I could get your advice on something I’ve been wondering about recently?
How do I decide when to speak up if someone at work is talking about something evil as though it was a non-issue? For example, suppose a co-worker is talking positively about how a family member is gay or about a filthy show but not directly addressing me or asking what I believe? Is it better to straight out tell them that’s wrong or remain quiet and seek to win them over with a non-combative attitude? People have been telling me the work place is not the place to debate those things or that people are more likely to ask a gracious person for advice, but I also feel like I have a duty to speak up in many of those situations. Of course I don’t want to do this in a way that’s deliberately poking others in the eye either.
And related to that, how would you recommend going about witnessing at work?
Thanks so much!

Sophia