Environmental Stewardship in Middle Earth

Interview with Michael Jefferies, Writer of The Good Steward

Dear Barrel Aged Christians,

I recently sat down with Michael Jefferies in the studio to discuss his work over at The Good Steward. I was very impressed with his ability to weave many issues and topics together as well as his knowledge of the imaginary worlds of Narnia and Middle Earth in relation to environmental stewardship.

In the beginning of the interview, we move through modern thinkers such as G.K. Chesterton, Dorothy Sayers, Wendell Berry, and N.T. Wright.

In the middle of the interview, we discuss how Lewis and Tolkien both operated from a sacramental worldview which sees the water, wind, and earth as enchanted by God. We also discuss how this understanding of reality requires Christians to behave primarily as stewards rather than consumers of Creation.

Later in the interview, we also discuss difficult issues that are polluting God’s Cosmic Cathedral such as microplastics, forever chemicals, water/air pollution, and the acidification of the oceans and how these topics can even impact our ability to worship God.

Be sure to subscribe to Michael’s substack for his latest articles. If you love thinking deeply about our Christian faith in light of Lewis, Tolkien, and the Fathers, then I think you will really enjoy his work!

Be entirely His,

Kyle

Elves, Hobbits and the Image of God