“The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15 (NIV) We see that God made everything perfect, man freely chose sin and the consequences have been very bad—exactly the opposite of what God described His creation (Genesis 1:31).
Before ever watching Back to Eden, I took the time to read the reviews for it here, on Permies.com. This site is devoted to permaculture, the practice of growing your garden in a productive and natural way, and certainly represents individuals from all walks of life and from a variety of world views. They seemed impressed with the video, saying that the gardens and the science in the video were excellent, and they did not feel “proselytized”, as one forum member put it.
I was in awe. This video was absolutely amazing. Where to start?
Price: The generosity of Paul Gautschi comes through—this full length movie can be viewed freely here, on the movie’s website! They simply ask that if you were inspired by this movie, that you would consider purchasing copies for yourself or others as gifts (that makes Christmas shopping easy this year).
Update: We were so moved by this movie that we have requested the ability to retail it, and we now have it in stock. Please consider purchasing the movie directly from Pantry Paratus.
The production and design: The movie was brilliantly done in a simple way that allowed the gardens to speak. The music was all original and fitting, the sections were divided in a very clever way that brought giggles (yes, never sit by me in a movie). And the overall movie quality and content was such that I sat there watching every line of the credits afterward.
Content: Paul Gautschi’s gardening techniques are simple yet brilliant. His theories are proven true by his garden and the gardens of others featured in this video, and no one can deny that the man knows what he is talking about. He is passionate in his speech, gentle in his actions, and motivational to those who meet him personally and to those of us who have only had the pleasure of watching him on screen. He stresses the Biblical concept of Matthew 11: 28-30, and Paul explains that Jesus was saying “I don’t do things like the world.” What does the world use a yoke for? To plow the ground, and it’s a lot of work. Jesus said that his yoke is easy, his burden light. And to quote Paul Gautschi: “We work hard to fail.” There is a better way.
The connection to God: Paul’s knowledge of Scripture was quite humbling to me. He does not preach (the Permies crowd agreed), but he weaves the Word of God into his gardening—or is it the other way around?—in such a seamless way that you begin to understand the nature of the God of the Bible.
Overall effect: This movie calmed my spirit to the core and yet reignited a passion for both gardening and God’s Word! I left the movie believing that I could replicate what I saw because the techniques were simple. I also left in a prayerful attitude and in repentance. A garden cannot be rushed—and neither can God’s timing, which is something for which I am notorious (on both counts).
*****
A note to believers: Can others see your garden and see the glory of God? I can only laugh a nervous kind of laugh in reply. Fewer things bring me closer to cussing than the weeds in mine! Could my garden be a reflection of my Savior? For that matter, are there other areas of my life that need “tended” to reflect the glory of God?
“Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,” – 2 Corinthians 9:10
I’d also like to direct Christians to one more website. God has given us a mandate to care for the earth but yet Christians aren’t necessarily characterized by leadership in the cause for good stewardship. Take the time to check out this site: http://www.creationcare.org/
Here is a length to the full length movie.