Bookish Bits: Reforesting Faith
I’m a tree girl. I’m not a tree worshipper, but I’m not too uppity that I won’t hug them. Trees do something for my soul. They attune me back toward my Creator in awe and peace. They comfort my anxious soul when I need calmed. They fill my heart with delight and joy. If I’m not walking among them, the next best thing is driving underneath a “tree canopy” in early spring, vibrant fall, or a snowy winter.
I first learned of Reforesting Faith on The Unhurried Living podcast. The hosts, Alan and Gem Fadling, were interviewing Dr. Matthew Sleeth about his book, and I immediately was hooked. A book about trees? Wait, a book about trees and the Bible? A book weaving a trail of trees? Yes, please. (You can listen to that interview here. Worth it.)
The timeliness could not have been more perfect. We were weeks out from a cross-country trip to Yosemite, Sequoia, and King’s Canyon National Parks. Giddy would be an understatement, and yes, I did break down in tears upon seeing the majestic beauty of “nature’s cathedral” as John Muir would say. There’s just something about trees!
“Only God can make a tree.”
Reforesting Faith is a soul-filling read cover to cover. It will walk you through the Biblical landscape of Creator and creation, literally from Genesis to Revelation. Much like the rings within a tree chronicle their lifespan, so too does Dr. Sleeth mark the trail of his own faith journey in these pages. (His story is gripping, so no spoiler alerts here. Personal tragedy, a search for why evil exists, and a stolen Bible will keep you page-turning for more. Just do yourself a favor and read it!) With his questions quelled, Dr. Sleeth soon discovered a trail of trees woven throughout the Bible’s pages.
“Christianity is the only religion that weaves trees from one end of its sacred text to the other. Every important character and every major event has a tree marking the spot.” “There are no coincidences in Scripture. God had a plan when he authored the Bible, and from beginning to end, he used trees to mark the trail.” (65)
And just in case you’re thinking, “Prove it,” Dr. Sleeth will walk you through the forestry of faith.
There are some books I read twice. I’ve read this book multiple times, and I’ll read it multiple times more throughout my life. Why? Because each time, Reforesting Faith reminds me of the intricately-designed creation only possible because of an intimately-involved Creator. As Dr. Sleeth writes, “God is everywhere, but it seems he is easier to find near trees.” Yes, and amen.
Lastly, let me also say that being a Jesus-follower is not a prerequisite for enjoying this book. Dr. Sleeth writes for anyone with a heart inclined toward creation. An introduction to the Creator in the process would be the icing on top. However, I recommend this book to people of various faith traditions, or none at all.
Quotable Favorites from Reforesting Faith:
“For those with ears to hear and eyes to see, the enormity of the gift of trees impresses itself upon us anew each day. Only God can make a tree.” (4-5)
“The apostle Paul asserted that if we have gone for a walk in the woods, we are without excuse for knowing God (Romans 1:20).” (17)
“We know this much: trees point toward who God is, who we are, how the world works, and why evil exists. God devoted a considerable amount of biblical real estate to trees.” (26-27)
“By definition, planting a tree is the only thing you can do in your own backyard that makes the whole world better. As Martin Luther is credited with saying, “If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant a tree.” (122)
“We can plant and grow trees. We just can’t make trees grow instantaneously. Planting, growing, and managing trees happen over a period of time, which forces us to plan ahead if we are to be successful. Trees operate on a timescale that invites us to think long term, which God calls us to do in every area of our lives.” (137)
(Jeremiah 17:7-8)- “…God again likens a righteous person to a tree: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (140)
“Time and again throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus retreat to the wilderness to seek renewal and refreshment.” (159)
“Whenever the fame and the fury became too oppressive, Jesus found peace speaking to his Father among trees.” (159)
“When we are tired, when we are discouraged, when we are frustrated, when we are downcast, we need to do what Jesus did: seek solace in the woods.” (159-160)