Biblical Agrarianism - A Way Forward?

By Tim Gamble
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"Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty." - Proverbs 28:19 (ESV)

The world teeters precariously on the brink of disaster. There is a strong sense that something really bad is happening, that the world as we have known it is ending. If and when the end comes, what next? After the collapse, what world do we build from the ashes? Is there a way forward? 

In a previous article, I stated "The only real solution to our fragile worldly supply chains is a return to the old paths of self-reliance and local economies built around agrarian communities." 

What is Agrarianism? 

It is a concept as old of the human race (literally, as you will see), though it has been largely forgotten in the modern world. 

Agrarianism is an economic system which places primary importance on agriculture and related fields, and in rural and small town living, as opposed to industrialized, urban living. 

Agrarianism doesn't  mean everyone must be a farmer or homesteader - after all, there are plenty of support functions and other necessary jobs that must be done - but rather that our lives, culture, economy, and political structure should reflect the primary importance of agriculture and related fields, including other natural resources (energy, timber, mining, etc.). 

Agrarianism is the way forward. It has many advantages:

• It is a much more sustainable system.
• It is certainly a much less corrupt system.
• It is a much healthier lifestyle, both physically and emotionally.
• We will be much less dependent on China and other foreign powers.
• The Elites will have less control over ordinary folks.

Finally, I believe the agrarian lifestyle is much more conducive to living God's way rather than worldly ways. 

Why do I call it "Biblical Agrarianism?"

Agrarianism is God's intent for His people. Humans were originally designed by God to live in and tend to the Garden of Eden. Later, after the Fall, we were commanded by God to till the soil and to raise our own food. 

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of God telling His followers to avoid large cities (part of the worldly system), to live in the mountains and other rural areas, and to basically be "simple country folk" (in my words). See the entire Bible, Genesis (one example of many: Lot's wife longing for the city ends with her being turned into a pillar of salt) to Revelation (example: "“Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues.").

Just like agrarianism, Biblical agrarianism doesn't  mean everyone must be a farmer or homesteader. Instead, it means that especially as God's people, our lives should reflect the primary importance of agriculture and working the land.

There are lots of possibilities for how each of us can pursue this way forward. I have several articles planned that will go into much more detail about Biblical agrarianism, so watch for those. 

Tim's Note: I am aware of some others using the term "Biblical Agrarianism." For the sake of clarity, I am not a part of that group and am not familiar with their teachings. My use of that term is coincidental, and is limited to what I have written or stated here and elsewhere.

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