Reforesting Faith - Book Review

My mom loved to be outdoors - walking, biking, lounging in the pool. She often said that she'd rather commune with God in nature than inside a church on a beautiful Sunday morning. She loved fall and looking at the changing colors of the leaves. My mom was the type of person who knew that nature was tied to God.

Dr. Matthew Sleeth also believes this, but so many people (Christians and non-Christians) don't take the time to appreciate the living world around us or do anything to keep it safe for future generations.

No, Sleeth's Reforesting Faith: What Trees Teach Us About the Nature of God and His Love for Us is not a book that tells you to recycle and start composting in your kitchen. This is a book that proves that a Christian's duty is to care for the trees just as God did.

I've read the Bible cover to cover but never noticed all the allusions to trees. But from Genesis to Revelation, trees are mentioned all over the place. Big events happen by trees. People are called trees or parts of trees. Trees are important in the Bible, and we know they are important to our daily lives, too: they provide shade and clean air, to name a few things. So why don't we acknowledge the importance of trees?

I have to admit that going into this book I didn't know what to expect. But I found myself highlighting certain passages and learning new things about both science and the Bible. If you're looking to be enlightened, then check out this book. You'll never look at trees the same way.

Reforesting Faith is published by Waterbrook and is available on store shelves now. I received a free advanced review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.