Norman Wirzba

Food for Theologians

In this essay, I present eating as a vital theological concern and an integral part of the church’s ministries and mission in the world. I argue that food is not reducible to the status of a commodity but is instead God’s love made delectable. The production and the sharing of good food is a witness to God’s presence among us.

The Grace of Good Food and the Call to Good Farming

This essay argues that a good and faithful agriculture, and the healthy eating practices made possible by it, should play a vital role in the healing of creation. The interconnectedness of ecological problems means that if we get our eating right, much other environmental good will follow. What good eating and good agriculture look like are developed in terms of Gods own example as the One who plants and gardens the world. Todays industrial agriculture and our cultures obsession with cheap and convenient food are shown to lie behind much of the worlds degradation and economic injustice. I suggest that Christians can play an important role in the healing and celebration of creation by participating in Gods caring, gardening ways with the world, and that we can do this most effectively in the eating we choose to do. Churches should take a leading role in the promotion of a God-honoring agriculture and in the advocacy of economic and political priorities that serve the well being of all creations eaters.