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Plowing in Hope: Towards a Biblical Theology of Culture
Culture is a continuing, forward process-the gradual unveiling of truth as life. But often we get ensnarled. We can only imagine culture as a war, a gritty ideological and religious struggle where every arena is bloody with strife: art, philosophy, cuisine, music, literature, science. But at its foundation, culture is about building, not conflict. The time has come for us to beat our swords into plowshares. By realizing the Bible's vision for a cultivated earth, we can build a more comprehensive, radical, holistic culture, resistant to compromise and dedicated to a Trinitarian aesthetic. What does this culture look like? It is the development of the earth into a global fabric of gardens and cities in harmony with nature-a glorious garden-city. Plowing in Hope provides a positive, clear, and colorful introduction to this transformational topic.
"David Hegeman's approach is refreshingly different. He maps out a positive theology of culture building rooted in Creation and extending into the New Jerusalem. His wonderful little book, based on sound Biblical exegesis, presents a compelling case for why and how we should build a culture that magnifies God and ennobles men." -David Ayers, Grove City College, Pennsylvania
"David Hegeman's approach is refreshingly different. He maps out a positive theology of culture building rooted in Creation and extending into the New Jerusalem. His wonderful little book, based on sound Biblical exegesis, presents a compelling case for why and how we should build a culture that magnifies God and ennobles men." -David Ayers, Grove City College, Pennsylvania
128 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 1999
62 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
David Bruce Hegeman
1 book2 followersDavid Hegeman resides in Newburg, Oregon, with his wife and four children. He studied art history at the University of Pittsburgh and Oberlin College. He works as a librarian and enjoys watercolor painting. He is a member of the OPC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 29, 2015
Next to "The Calvinistic Concept of Culture" this is the BEST book on culture I have ever read. Its 120 pages took me a month to make my way through. Don't let the size fool you- this one is rich. Mr. Hegeman brings out some amazing points about culture, especially in relation to the dominion mandate and the New Heavens and the New Earth. An amazing little book that brings clarity to the flow of redemptive history.
July 9, 2023
“The human race is redeemed to our Edenic calling to develop (“work”) the earth into a glorious garden-city and finally take possession of our long awaited inheritance”
The idea that we are redeemed for the purpose of participation in cultural labors was a new one for me. The author makes the point that evangelism isn’t the sum total of the work the Christian is to have in the world. In fact saving people isn’t the goal, but enlisting people to participate in God’s “culturative” renewal of his creation; the best of which will be purified and brought into the new heavens and new earth.
One of the best books on culture I’ve read yet.
The idea that we are redeemed for the purpose of participation in cultural labors was a new one for me. The author makes the point that evangelism isn’t the sum total of the work the Christian is to have in the world. In fact saving people isn’t the goal, but enlisting people to participate in God’s “culturative” renewal of his creation; the best of which will be purified and brought into the new heavens and new earth.
One of the best books on culture I’ve read yet.
February 4, 2010
This is a good, short book on culture. The first portions of the book are nothing remarkable, but it is the last few chapters when Hegeman makes this book worth reading. Essentially he argues that Christians should establish their own culture, a competitive culture to the pagan culture around us. Though he does not believe we should engage in "culture wars" where we seek to work to redeem or "Christianize" pagan culture. What is called for is a strong and vibrant culture established via biblical criteria.
He also believes in the principle of plundering pagan culture, as the Israelites did when they left Egypt. By this he means that we take the best of pagan culture, that which may be redeemed and use it for Kingdom purposes. But we must be careful when doing so, as he affirms McLuhan's maxim that "the medium is the message."
He also argues that the best of human culture will enter into eternity with us. One imagines singing the Messiah in heaven, so to speak.
He also believes in the principle of plundering pagan culture, as the Israelites did when they left Egypt. By this he means that we take the best of pagan culture, that which may be redeemed and use it for Kingdom purposes. But we must be careful when doing so, as he affirms McLuhan's maxim that "the medium is the message."
He also argues that the best of human culture will enter into eternity with us. One imagines singing the Messiah in heaven, so to speak.
March 2, 2022
I know there are other books out there on this topic, and I've read or heard bits and pieces about it here and there, but this was my first thorough introduction to it, and it was very satisfying.
The narrator (whose name was not included in the recording) had a nice voice but was obviously not in a topical realm with which he was familiar.
The narrator (whose name was not included in the recording) had a nice voice but was obviously not in a topical realm with which he was familiar.
July 1, 2025
For an almost 20 year old book, this one holds up nicely. For those who take the Schaefferian approach to culture, this work will be appreciated. For some, their theology informs their eschatology and, for others, their eschatology informs their theology. This means a few things, but one of them is that if we are pessimistic about how our world comes to an end before it is redeemed, we are left with the pressing question of why one ought to polish the brass on the titanic as it sinks. For those that are optimistic about the world before Christ’s triumphant return, that hope leads to action. And even if you don’t feel comfortable in those categories, one must ask themselves if they believe that this world will one day be inhabited by our great-grandchildren and if the answer is yes, what can we do today in terms of cultural renewal and salvation through the power of God so that our city, county, state, nation, or continent is a better place for them than it is today.
Working through that thought experiment leaves you with the unsurprising question - how do we do that? Plowing in hope both answers the question by the content in the book as well as the title to the book itself.
Working through that thought experiment leaves you with the unsurprising question - how do we do that? Plowing in hope both answers the question by the content in the book as well as the title to the book itself.
May 16, 2025
Part of my rating is that it just didn't scratch the itch that I wanted it to, so that's on me. I basically wanted a whole book on his closing appendix related to Christians engaged in arts and culture-making.
The best part of this book for me was his connection of the city with the garden in the new creation. I think this is a good corrective to the "get back to nature and all civilization is negative" movement.
I did not find the book particularly illuminating, though, and I wonder if an entire book on culture is actually best for the subject matter. It should probably be discussed through other media (blogs, podcasts) that can get on-the-ground with application, or it should be interspersed into greater works on theology.
The best part of this book for me was his connection of the city with the garden in the new creation. I think this is a good corrective to the "get back to nature and all civilization is negative" movement.
I did not find the book particularly illuminating, though, and I wonder if an entire book on culture is actually best for the subject matter. It should probably be discussed through other media (blogs, podcasts) that can get on-the-ground with application, or it should be interspersed into greater works on theology.
April 16, 2022
I really good and solid primer. An historical-theological survey of culture in Scripture, establishing how we are to build garden-cities here, and such work is not in vain (but will be part of the glory of the new earth).
Liked it a lot.
Liked it a lot.
March 24, 2023
Good. Similar in ways to Wrights Surprised by Hope. A specific vision for the transformation of culture that is presumed in most of the canon press books.
May 27, 2022
Just a treat.
August 21, 2015
This was an interesting book, with some excellent points. Prior to reading this, for example, I hadn't thought much about the fact that the Bible begins with a Garden and ends with a City (p. 31). Like many books of the kind, however, it doesn't really go far enough. In addition, I have some issues with the Folk / Popular/ High culture distinction (p. 61) which I discuss at some length in this blog post.
One minor point: Hegeman says that "While building a house, a carpenter does not usually meditate on the aesthetics of his hammer" (p. 59). I'm not so sure about that. To quote Nevil Shute, writing about a different kind of tool in "Trustee from the Toolroom" (p. 128), "'You want to make them nice,' commented the builder. 'Else you get mad looking at them.'"
One minor point: Hegeman says that "While building a house, a carpenter does not usually meditate on the aesthetics of his hammer" (p. 59). I'm not so sure about that. To quote Nevil Shute, writing about a different kind of tool in "Trustee from the Toolroom" (p. 128), "'You want to make them nice,' commented the builder. 'Else you get mad looking at them.'"
June 10, 2016
It did not really take me two months to read this 100 page book. I read it twice, annotated, looked up every verse and did something I seldom do. I read SLOWLY. I drank in every thought and prayed through the book and kept asking, "What does this mean to ME?" "What is my unique culture making gift? I cannot paint, sculpture, or even use a hammer. Where am I in this picture." I found my place--I believe in and encourage beauty. I sing (not out loud!) the praises of artists and artisans. I am plowing in hope for all of us who create spaces of comfort and love and embrace the beauty of others' creations. Melana Monroe and I are teaching this book along with the Scandal of the Evangelical Mind as our summer Witherspoon offering. It is going to be a great ride!
February 20, 2022
Great book on culture from a Christian perspective. There were a few things here and there that I thought were overstated or falsely assumed, but the majority of the text was robust, inspiring, and helpful.
February 17, 2009
Really fine.
February 9, 2021
Plowing in Hope – David Bruce Hegeman
Toward a Biblical Theology of Culture
Mit Hoffnung pflügen
Eine biblische Theologie der Kultur
„Plowing in Hope“ ist eine großartige Einführung, fast schon ein Manifest dazu was die Bibel über Kultur lehrt. Der Autor ist bemüht eng am biblischen Text seine Thesen zu entwickeln, was dieses Buch besonders wertvoll macht. Es ist mit seinen 120 Seiten schnell gelesen und kann daher sicher nicht alle Fragen beantworten.
Didaktisch ist das Buch sehr schlau um 10 Lehrsätze herum aufgebaut.
1. Es gibt zwei Stränge der menschlichen Geschichte: die Heilsgeschichte und die Kulturgeschichte.
2. In der Kulturgeschichte schreibt Gott dem Menschen die Rolle zu, die Erde zu entwickeln und von einem Gartenparadies zur Stadt Gottes zu transformieren.
3. Kultur ist die Manifestation der kulturschaffenden Werke. Häufig in Form von Objekten, Bauwerken, Texten usw. Diese Artefakte sind nicht Teil der Natur, aber im Idealfall in Harmonie mit Gottes natürlicher Schöpfung.
4. Kultur zu schaffen ist ein unausweichliches Ergebnis davon in Gottes Ebenbild geschaffen zu sein. Die kulturschaffenden Tätigkeiten des Menschen gehen organisch aus seiner Verbundenheit mit der Erde hervor (Adam/Adamah). „Bebauen und bewahren.“ Der Auftrag Gottes an den Menschen ist durch seine angeborenen Fähigkeiten das verborgene Potential der Erde zu entdecken und voll auszuschöpfen.
5. Der Umfang und die Vielfalt von Gottes Kulturprogramm setzt eine Gemeinschaft von Menschen mit unterschiedlichen Aufgaben und Fähigkeiten voraus. Differenzierung und Spezialisierung in kulturschaffenden Aufgaben sind unausweichlich für reifende Gesellschaften und führen normalerweise zu einer Regierungsform und kulturellen Leitern.
6. Kultur manifestiert sich in unterschiedlichen Graden von Ausdruck, Förmlichkeit und Ernsthaftigkeit. „Hochkultur“ beschreibt die kulturellen Artefakte, die bewusst für bleibenden Gebrauch in intellektueller oder ästhetischer Kontemplation oder für religiösen Gebrauch und Verehrung gemacht wurden. „Niedrigkultur“ beschreibt nützliche Objekte, die für den gewöhnlichen Gebrauch bestimmt sind. Dazwischen angesiedelt ist die „Volkskultur“.
7. Das Thema der Heilsgeschichte ist wie Gott ein Bundesvolk für sein Eigentum aus der gefallenen, sündigen Menschheit erschafft. Das letztendliche Ziel der Heilsgeschichte ist die Menschheit wiederherzustellen zur Heiligkeit von Körper und Seele, damit Gottes ursprüngliches Kulturprogramm in freudigem Gehorsam umgesetzt werden kann.
8. Da die Kulturgeschichte vor dem Fall Adams begann, muss sie als wesentliche, grundlegende und potenziell heilige Berufung der Menschheit verstanden werden. Der gefallene Mensch nimmt weiter Teil an diesem Programm durch Gottes „allgemeine Gnade“. Die Gläubigen sind durch den Heiligen Geist besonders befähigt diese Berufung selbstbewusst zur Ehre Gottes zu erfüllen.
9. Gott erlaub den Menschen außerhalb seiner Bundesgemeinschaft in ihren kulturschaffenden Werken zu gedeihen zum letztendlichen Vorteil und Nutzen seiner Braut, der Kirche. Christen können deshalb manche nicht-christliche Objekte, Formen und Texte für ihre eigenen kulturschaffenden Zwecke gebrauchen. Sie müssen aber vorsichtig sein und sensibel bleiben für die Normen und Maßstäbe der Schrift.
10. Die edelsten und vorzüglichsten kulturellen Erzeugnisse werden einen Platz haben im neuen Jerusalem. Eine freudige Bejahung dieses zukünftigen (eschatologischen) Potentials der von Menschen gemachten Artefakte wird die erlöste Gemeinschaft Gottes zu einer positiven Sicht auf die physische Schöpfung und ihre Entwicklung bringen.
Hegemans Schlusssatz:
Das künstlerische Leben der Kirche liegt in Trümmern. Aber dadurch haben Christen der Gegenwart die Gelegenheit es von Grund auf neu zu bauen, ohne die Fehler der Vergangenheit und können das künstlerische Milieu vollständig auf biblische Prinzipien bauen. Wenn wir eine durch und durch christliche Vision der Kunst entwickeln, können wir vielleicht sehen wie dieser Traum Realität wird.
Toward a Biblical Theology of Culture
Mit Hoffnung pflügen
Eine biblische Theologie der Kultur
„Plowing in Hope“ ist eine großartige Einführung, fast schon ein Manifest dazu was die Bibel über Kultur lehrt. Der Autor ist bemüht eng am biblischen Text seine Thesen zu entwickeln, was dieses Buch besonders wertvoll macht. Es ist mit seinen 120 Seiten schnell gelesen und kann daher sicher nicht alle Fragen beantworten.
Didaktisch ist das Buch sehr schlau um 10 Lehrsätze herum aufgebaut.
1. Es gibt zwei Stränge der menschlichen Geschichte: die Heilsgeschichte und die Kulturgeschichte.
2. In der Kulturgeschichte schreibt Gott dem Menschen die Rolle zu, die Erde zu entwickeln und von einem Gartenparadies zur Stadt Gottes zu transformieren.
3. Kultur ist die Manifestation der kulturschaffenden Werke. Häufig in Form von Objekten, Bauwerken, Texten usw. Diese Artefakte sind nicht Teil der Natur, aber im Idealfall in Harmonie mit Gottes natürlicher Schöpfung.
4. Kultur zu schaffen ist ein unausweichliches Ergebnis davon in Gottes Ebenbild geschaffen zu sein. Die kulturschaffenden Tätigkeiten des Menschen gehen organisch aus seiner Verbundenheit mit der Erde hervor (Adam/Adamah). „Bebauen und bewahren.“ Der Auftrag Gottes an den Menschen ist durch seine angeborenen Fähigkeiten das verborgene Potential der Erde zu entdecken und voll auszuschöpfen.
5. Der Umfang und die Vielfalt von Gottes Kulturprogramm setzt eine Gemeinschaft von Menschen mit unterschiedlichen Aufgaben und Fähigkeiten voraus. Differenzierung und Spezialisierung in kulturschaffenden Aufgaben sind unausweichlich für reifende Gesellschaften und führen normalerweise zu einer Regierungsform und kulturellen Leitern.
6. Kultur manifestiert sich in unterschiedlichen Graden von Ausdruck, Förmlichkeit und Ernsthaftigkeit. „Hochkultur“ beschreibt die kulturellen Artefakte, die bewusst für bleibenden Gebrauch in intellektueller oder ästhetischer Kontemplation oder für religiösen Gebrauch und Verehrung gemacht wurden. „Niedrigkultur“ beschreibt nützliche Objekte, die für den gewöhnlichen Gebrauch bestimmt sind. Dazwischen angesiedelt ist die „Volkskultur“.
7. Das Thema der Heilsgeschichte ist wie Gott ein Bundesvolk für sein Eigentum aus der gefallenen, sündigen Menschheit erschafft. Das letztendliche Ziel der Heilsgeschichte ist die Menschheit wiederherzustellen zur Heiligkeit von Körper und Seele, damit Gottes ursprüngliches Kulturprogramm in freudigem Gehorsam umgesetzt werden kann.
8. Da die Kulturgeschichte vor dem Fall Adams begann, muss sie als wesentliche, grundlegende und potenziell heilige Berufung der Menschheit verstanden werden. Der gefallene Mensch nimmt weiter Teil an diesem Programm durch Gottes „allgemeine Gnade“. Die Gläubigen sind durch den Heiligen Geist besonders befähigt diese Berufung selbstbewusst zur Ehre Gottes zu erfüllen.
9. Gott erlaub den Menschen außerhalb seiner Bundesgemeinschaft in ihren kulturschaffenden Werken zu gedeihen zum letztendlichen Vorteil und Nutzen seiner Braut, der Kirche. Christen können deshalb manche nicht-christliche Objekte, Formen und Texte für ihre eigenen kulturschaffenden Zwecke gebrauchen. Sie müssen aber vorsichtig sein und sensibel bleiben für die Normen und Maßstäbe der Schrift.
10. Die edelsten und vorzüglichsten kulturellen Erzeugnisse werden einen Platz haben im neuen Jerusalem. Eine freudige Bejahung dieses zukünftigen (eschatologischen) Potentials der von Menschen gemachten Artefakte wird die erlöste Gemeinschaft Gottes zu einer positiven Sicht auf die physische Schöpfung und ihre Entwicklung bringen.
Hegemans Schlusssatz:
Das künstlerische Leben der Kirche liegt in Trümmern. Aber dadurch haben Christen der Gegenwart die Gelegenheit es von Grund auf neu zu bauen, ohne die Fehler der Vergangenheit und können das künstlerische Milieu vollständig auf biblische Prinzipien bauen. Wenn wir eine durch und durch christliche Vision der Kunst entwickeln, können wir vielleicht sehen wie dieser Traum Realität wird.
January 12, 2022
This book could have been shorter even though it is short. I found a few gems in this one. I love the "plunder principle" which is found in Proverbs 13:22 and Ecclesiastes which basically says "the sinners wealth is stored up for the righteous." Followers of Jesus have an inheritance and we get everything (1 Corinthians 3:21).
I think it ended on a weird note thus showing the writing to be a bit choppy. I like that he tackles the Arts in the Appendix, but why just appendix? And much more could be said on the topic as he says, "the Church's artistic life lies in ruins." But that doesn't mean it has to stay there. Much work is to be done and culture needs to built. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
I think it ended on a weird note thus showing the writing to be a bit choppy. I like that he tackles the Arts in the Appendix, but why just appendix? And much more could be said on the topic as he says, "the Church's artistic life lies in ruins." But that doesn't mean it has to stay there. Much work is to be done and culture needs to built. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
March 27, 2023
I have read many books on Christian culture building the last few months. I enjoyed this one. It focuses more on the the why, and less on the how. It breaks down different passages and conveys the Biblical reasoning for why he thinks it is important to have a strong Christian culture. Like many Christians writing books on this subject, his eschatology is Post Millennium, and that drives a lot of his arguments. If you are unfamiliar with this particular Eschatology, you might not find some of his arguments as compelling. I think it is a good book if you are unconvinced that it is improtance for Christians to be building and engaging in culture.
March 9, 2022
A good treatment of the issues, perhaps if you're first starting to think through these matters.
I agree with the overall thesis, that work done by Christians isn't just palliative care for the old creation, but I think Hegeman needed to furnish better exegetical foundations for the value of work done in a fallen world prior to the final resurrection. (I happen to think this can be done, mind.)
I really appreciated the appendix on the Sabbath and how it functions throughout the biblical narrative.
I agree with the overall thesis, that work done by Christians isn't just palliative care for the old creation, but I think Hegeman needed to furnish better exegetical foundations for the value of work done in a fallen world prior to the final resurrection. (I happen to think this can be done, mind.)
I really appreciated the appendix on the Sabbath and how it functions throughout the biblical narrative.
March 12, 2022
This was a good argument for how to begin thinking in a Christian way about engaging culture. Full of Biblical citations and support, it outlined how to use the creation mandate, Old Testament Law, New Testament fulfillment, and future glory, as a means to encourage Christians to build culture. The “plundering principle” was well explained and helpful to show how we can thoughtfully “plunder” secular products to be used for the glory of God. A quick and thought-provoking read.
December 11, 2022
Helpful book. I listened to it on audio and found it a bit confusing at times. It had a lot of biblical references and quotes from other people and several times I wasn’t sure whether I was listening to the author’s words or a quote from somewhere else. Will probably read the actual book sometime as I think that would be better.
December 15, 2022
What are we saved unto?
After becoming a Christian, I struggled with what the purpose of life was for. Glorify God and enjoy Him forever is what the Confession says. There were times where I even saw no purpose to this life and would despair. Why bother with this life when the sole purpose is just to get to heaven? This book answers that question as it challenges what that sole purpose is. Plowing In Hope is excellent and provides a Biblical vision to those who feel lost. We can put our hands to the plow with hope and joy. I give this short work the highest of my recommendations.
After becoming a Christian, I struggled with what the purpose of life was for. Glorify God and enjoy Him forever is what the Confession says. There were times where I even saw no purpose to this life and would despair. Why bother with this life when the sole purpose is just to get to heaven? This book answers that question as it challenges what that sole purpose is. Plowing In Hope is excellent and provides a Biblical vision to those who feel lost. We can put our hands to the plow with hope and joy. I give this short work the highest of my recommendations.
July 1, 2023
An affirmation of culture making
This book gives the reader a positive understanding of culture. Culture making is seen in the divine mandates of Genesis 1 and 2. The author’s elaboration on this topic stretches from Genesis to Revelation.
This book gives the reader a positive understanding of culture. Culture making is seen in the divine mandates of Genesis 1 and 2. The author’s elaboration on this topic stretches from Genesis to Revelation.
July 11, 2023
Helpful
I'll be returning to this one. A helpful look at what culture is, the call for Christian culture-building and cultural expression, and useful thoughts on 'plundering the Egyptians.'
I'll be returning to this one. A helpful look at what culture is, the call for Christian culture-building and cultural expression, and useful thoughts on 'plundering the Egyptians.'
September 15, 2025
Gen 1 and 2 are so much more than just the creation of the world
God created culture and this book will open your eyes to what that means. A quick read and a great book for any serious study of society from God’s perspective.
God created culture and this book will open your eyes to what that means. A quick read and a great book for any serious study of society from God’s perspective.
January 16, 2018
This book really helps you look into what it means to preserve. How when things get hard our God is there to help us continue through. Even in today's culture with all the things we face.
March 30, 2022
Read this in 2014, listened on audio in 2022, still lots of good stuff to think on here.
May 9, 2022
Content was very good. The audible reader was a bit slow as long as you speed it up it’s much better!
June 6, 2022
Theologically sound but not as inspiring as a book on this subject could be.
September 21, 2022
A hopeful vision of what life can and will be as the Christian faithfully works where God has planted him for the glory of God.
Read
November 2, 2022Great book on the importance of faithfully working where God has you, regardless of your vocation.
January 31, 2023
Hegeman rights a potent little book on culture and how we ought to think about it, rooted in an eschatology of hope and the good true and beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews