What do you think?
Rate this book
Reforesting Faith: What Trees Teach Us About the Nature of God and His Love for Us
This groundbreaking walk through Scripture by former physician and carpenter Dr. Matthew Sleeth makes the convincing case that trees reveal more about God and faith than you ever imagined. “Christians looking to reconnect to the natural world will relish Sleeth’s passionate call to Christian stewardship of the Earth.”—Publishers Weekly Fifteen years ago, Matthew Sleeth believed that science and logic held the answers to everything. But when tragedy struck, he opened the Bible for the first time and was surprised to find that God chose to tell the gospel story through a trail of trees.There’s a tree on the first page of Genesis, in the first psalm, on the first page of the New Testament, and on the last page of Revelation. The Bible’s wisdom is referred to as a tree of life. Every major biblical character and every major theological event has a tree marking the spot. A tree was the only thing that could kill Jesus—and the only thing Jesus ever harmed.Reforesting Faith is the rare book that builds bridges by connecting those who love the Creator with creation and those who love creation with the Creator.Join Dr. Sleeth as he explores the wonders of life, death, and rebirth through the trail of trees in Scripture. Once you discover the hidden language of trees, your walk through the woods—and through Scripture—will never be the same.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2019
207 people are currently reading
1604 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Sleeth
20 books43 followersA former emergency room physician, Dr. Matthew Sleeth felt like he was straightening deck chairs on the Titanic, saving one patient at a time while the whole ship (Earth) was going down. Together with his wife and two teenaged children, he began to bring his lifestyle in line with his values, cutting back on their fossil fuel by two thirds and electricity use by nine tenths.
Following a new calling, Dr. Sleeth resigned from his position as chief of the medical staff and director of the ER to teach, preach, and write about faith and the environment throughout the country. Dr. Sleeth is a graduate of George Washington University School of Medicine and has two post doctoral fellowships. He is the author of Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action (Zondervan), the introduction to the Green Bible (HarperOne), and will release a second book, The Gospel According to the Earth: Why the Good Book Is a Green Book (HarperOne), in fall of 2009. He is currently the executive director of Blessed Earth.
Following a new calling, Dr. Sleeth resigned from his position as chief of the medical staff and director of the ER to teach, preach, and write about faith and the environment throughout the country. Dr. Sleeth is a graduate of George Washington University School of Medicine and has two post doctoral fellowships. He is the author of Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action (Zondervan), the introduction to the Green Bible (HarperOne), and will release a second book, The Gospel According to the Earth: Why the Good Book Is a Green Book (HarperOne), in fall of 2009. He is currently the executive director of Blessed Earth.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
April 2, 2023
This volume is good introduction to the world of trees and other plants found in the Bible. It only touches the tip of all the botanical wonders.
Read this book and be inspired to delve deeper into God’s wonderful garden known as Planet Earth.
Read this book and be inspired to delve deeper into God’s wonderful garden known as Planet Earth.
April 24, 2019
I always associate trees with my happy childhood. I climbed trees and played in a tree house. Yes, I was a bit of a tomboy. As I grew older I read in the shade of trees and picnicked there too. Trees are such a source of happiness to me. I still feel such peace around them.
This is a fascinating book. I never realized how much trees were mentioned in the bible and the importance of them. I do associate the cross with trees but it's so much more. I learned a lot from this book. Many references to trees are found in Scripture.
Published April 16th 2019 by WaterBrook.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a fascinating book. I never realized how much trees were mentioned in the bible and the importance of them. I do associate the cross with trees but it's so much more. I learned a lot from this book. Many references to trees are found in Scripture.
Published April 16th 2019 by WaterBrook.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 1, 2023
This book takes a look at trees in the Bible and how they are central to all major figures and stories throughout. It offers us a look at how God uses them to demonstrate what our walk should look like and how to be rooted in him.
Very intriguing concept, but this book fails to take a deeper dive into really any of the themes or ideas. I felt very disappointed as a good example was brought up, and just as I was expecting to get some practical application or why a particular tree was used and how that relates to the story, a completely different point was brought up that didn’t really relate to the topic.
This whole book brings up some good food for thought,but it loses itself into a stream of consciousness type of writing where all the points are good, but don’t really relate. It at least leaves me very interested in continuing to research the topic on my own, using the questions and ideas in this book as a baseline.
Very intriguing concept, but this book fails to take a deeper dive into really any of the themes or ideas. I felt very disappointed as a good example was brought up, and just as I was expecting to get some practical application or why a particular tree was used and how that relates to the story, a completely different point was brought up that didn’t really relate to the topic.
This whole book brings up some good food for thought,but it loses itself into a stream of consciousness type of writing where all the points are good, but don’t really relate. It at least leaves me very interested in continuing to research the topic on my own, using the questions and ideas in this book as a baseline.
January 31, 2021
In the early going of this book, and I would say up until at least the half way point if not a little bit further, this was a four/five star read. It's in the final half that the book starts to get repetitive, dragging out its intriguing central conceipt in a way that starts to dilute it and reveal its limitations.
The main idea at the heart of the book is this:
"Other than God and people, the Bible mentions trees more than any other living thing. There is a tree on the first page of Genesis, in the first psalm, on the first page of the New Testament, and on the last page of Revelation. Every significant theological event in the Bible is marked by a tree. Whether it is the Fall, the Flood, or the overthrow of Pharaoh, every major event in the Bible has a tree, branch, fruit, seed, or some part of a tree marking the spot.... every major character in the Bible appears in conjunction with a tree."
What the author basically does is walk through the Biblical story from start to finish using the construct of a tree. He clarifies up front that his definition of tree applies to many different aspects of a tree and its function, be it a walking stick (made from a tree), a seed, fruit, a burning bush, a cross, or an actual tree. This is where the book starts to dwindle a bit on the back end. It is absolutely shocking to consider just how many references to trees there are. It makes for a really compelling approach to a familiar Biblical story, challenging us as readers to see some of this imagery afresh. It's the author's insistance in turning this into hyperbolic phrasing (in the quote above) that starts to push this beyond what is needed. It could have simply presented the tree motif without needing to demonstrate the above assertion, probably even trimming the pages a bit in process.
I would still very much recommend the book though, especially for anyone looking for a chance to spend time with the Biblical narrative. This is not an academic book, it's a pastoral book. A book written for the Christian life. I would especially recommend this if you are someone who has a special affection for nature as well. This will give you a whole new perspective on your daily walks with God in a park or even sitting outside in your backyard with a cup of coffee enjoying a time of prayer and communion with the Creator.
If you are wondering where the author is coming from in terms of affiliation within the Christian Tradition, he is admittedly a bit of an odd duck on that end. He is a former atheist come to faith (which in his story comes from his awareness of how deeply interested the Bible is in trees) and now attending, according to his own clarified admission, a non-descript, ordinary, everyday conservative Church. He doesn't specificy which denomination, but he brings it up to clarify that he's not really intersted in the debate about sides and divisions. He (or they) attend this Church because it became their home and their community, and he loves Jesus, loves scripture, and in many ways is fine leaving it at that. What gives him some quirks and a little bit of an exciting twist is that he comes at these things (Church, scripture, Jesus) as someone with fresh eyes, unencumbered by the baggage those who have grown up in the Church can sometimes bring with them. He's just fascinated and excited about it all as if its a new discovery. He doesn't need scripture to say anything specific, he's just exicted to uncover what's there right in front of him.
One thing of note on this front. I am a big fan of N.T. Wright, and there were more than a few points where I thought, this person would LOVE Wright and benefit greatly from some of the work he has done on recovering this notion of the new creation, the idea of the new heavens and the new earth. So much of what brought this person to faith is discovering that his love for nature found a home in God and God's vision for the created world. He came to understand that his love for nature didn't have to stand at odds with Christianity, and even more so that in actually reading scripture and finding this incredible focus on the narrative of the tree, creation could come more alive by seeing it within the story of God. This idea that what we are in fact building God's Kingdom here on earth, that Creation is good and is being restored, that what we participate in now somehow has a place in the eternal picture of ths creative movement, has good company in some great, faithful theolgians and writers. So while this book provides a really interesting and unique addition to this realm of thought, at the same time it feels like it is a stepping stone into the breadth of thought that awaits someone who wants to push further on how this can transform our living as Christians in the day to day, growing in love of God, Jesus and the created world.
"When humans become the measure of all things, by definition we end up with a God no bigger than ourselves... Trees are the only things from our childhood that are bigger when we go back and visit them as adults. Our faith should be like that."
"As I first began uncovering trees in the Bible, God’s underlying reason for choosing them to be the workhorse metaphor of Christian life was not immediately apparent. I’ve come to understand that God chose trees because at every stage of their lives, trees give."
"First, Jesus came to act as Jacob’s ladder— to be a bridge between heaven and earth, between God and humanity. Adam and Eve hid themselves using fig leaves; thus, the fig became a symbol of the separation between God and man. Jesus came to deal with this symbol and the sin it signifies... When Jesus died on the cross, he balanced an equation. He took the sins of all humankind on himself. The crown of thorns around his head represented the curse of the earth— the thorns and thistles Adam was burdened with in Genesis 3— and this curse was absorbed by Christ."
"When you spot a tree in the Bible, you can be confident that heaven is on the way."
The main idea at the heart of the book is this:
"Other than God and people, the Bible mentions trees more than any other living thing. There is a tree on the first page of Genesis, in the first psalm, on the first page of the New Testament, and on the last page of Revelation. Every significant theological event in the Bible is marked by a tree. Whether it is the Fall, the Flood, or the overthrow of Pharaoh, every major event in the Bible has a tree, branch, fruit, seed, or some part of a tree marking the spot.... every major character in the Bible appears in conjunction with a tree."
What the author basically does is walk through the Biblical story from start to finish using the construct of a tree. He clarifies up front that his definition of tree applies to many different aspects of a tree and its function, be it a walking stick (made from a tree), a seed, fruit, a burning bush, a cross, or an actual tree. This is where the book starts to dwindle a bit on the back end. It is absolutely shocking to consider just how many references to trees there are. It makes for a really compelling approach to a familiar Biblical story, challenging us as readers to see some of this imagery afresh. It's the author's insistance in turning this into hyperbolic phrasing (in the quote above) that starts to push this beyond what is needed. It could have simply presented the tree motif without needing to demonstrate the above assertion, probably even trimming the pages a bit in process.
I would still very much recommend the book though, especially for anyone looking for a chance to spend time with the Biblical narrative. This is not an academic book, it's a pastoral book. A book written for the Christian life. I would especially recommend this if you are someone who has a special affection for nature as well. This will give you a whole new perspective on your daily walks with God in a park or even sitting outside in your backyard with a cup of coffee enjoying a time of prayer and communion with the Creator.
If you are wondering where the author is coming from in terms of affiliation within the Christian Tradition, he is admittedly a bit of an odd duck on that end. He is a former atheist come to faith (which in his story comes from his awareness of how deeply interested the Bible is in trees) and now attending, according to his own clarified admission, a non-descript, ordinary, everyday conservative Church. He doesn't specificy which denomination, but he brings it up to clarify that he's not really intersted in the debate about sides and divisions. He (or they) attend this Church because it became their home and their community, and he loves Jesus, loves scripture, and in many ways is fine leaving it at that. What gives him some quirks and a little bit of an exciting twist is that he comes at these things (Church, scripture, Jesus) as someone with fresh eyes, unencumbered by the baggage those who have grown up in the Church can sometimes bring with them. He's just fascinated and excited about it all as if its a new discovery. He doesn't need scripture to say anything specific, he's just exicted to uncover what's there right in front of him.
One thing of note on this front. I am a big fan of N.T. Wright, and there were more than a few points where I thought, this person would LOVE Wright and benefit greatly from some of the work he has done on recovering this notion of the new creation, the idea of the new heavens and the new earth. So much of what brought this person to faith is discovering that his love for nature found a home in God and God's vision for the created world. He came to understand that his love for nature didn't have to stand at odds with Christianity, and even more so that in actually reading scripture and finding this incredible focus on the narrative of the tree, creation could come more alive by seeing it within the story of God. This idea that what we are in fact building God's Kingdom here on earth, that Creation is good and is being restored, that what we participate in now somehow has a place in the eternal picture of ths creative movement, has good company in some great, faithful theolgians and writers. So while this book provides a really interesting and unique addition to this realm of thought, at the same time it feels like it is a stepping stone into the breadth of thought that awaits someone who wants to push further on how this can transform our living as Christians in the day to day, growing in love of God, Jesus and the created world.
"When humans become the measure of all things, by definition we end up with a God no bigger than ourselves... Trees are the only things from our childhood that are bigger when we go back and visit them as adults. Our faith should be like that."
"As I first began uncovering trees in the Bible, God’s underlying reason for choosing them to be the workhorse metaphor of Christian life was not immediately apparent. I’ve come to understand that God chose trees because at every stage of their lives, trees give."
"First, Jesus came to act as Jacob’s ladder— to be a bridge between heaven and earth, between God and humanity. Adam and Eve hid themselves using fig leaves; thus, the fig became a symbol of the separation between God and man. Jesus came to deal with this symbol and the sin it signifies... When Jesus died on the cross, he balanced an equation. He took the sins of all humankind on himself. The crown of thorns around his head represented the curse of the earth— the thorns and thistles Adam was burdened with in Genesis 3— and this curse was absorbed by Christ."
"When you spot a tree in the Bible, you can be confident that heaven is on the way."
November 30, 2021
Reforesting Faith by Matthew Sleeth provides a generally enjoyable and introductory book on the idea of plants, fruit, and trees being a central theme throughout the Biblical narrative.
“Other than God and people, the Bible mentions trees more than any other living thing. There is a tree on the first page of Genesis, in the first psalm, on the first page of the New Testament, and on the last page of Revelation. Every significant theological event in the Bible is marked by a tree. Whether it is the Fall, the Flood, or the overthrow of Pharaoh, every major event in the Bible has a tree, branch, fruit, seed, or some part of a tree marking the spot.”
This book is more of a testimony than it is an academic account of trees in the bible. He makes solid points such as the one quoted above, but there are some times where the theology is a little questionable. For example, he refers to “The dove, rainbow, and olive leaf” as a representation of the Holy Spirit, the Father and the Son. He may not be wrong, but he doesn't truly explain why this is true and provide direct biblical evidence.
It feels as if he is so focused on trying to cram the whole biblical narrative into this 200 page book that he does not give himself time to elaborate on points that should be elaborated. In turn, it becomes a consistent restatement of the original thesis: “Every Major event in the Bible has a tree.”
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in the Bible, the Christian faith and learning about how trees play a typically underappreciated role in our lives. Though I would treat it as very introductory knowledge and would seek further reading and research after reading this book.
Hopefully it leaves you looking at trees in a way that you may never have seen before.
“Other than God and people, the Bible mentions trees more than any other living thing. There is a tree on the first page of Genesis, in the first psalm, on the first page of the New Testament, and on the last page of Revelation. Every significant theological event in the Bible is marked by a tree. Whether it is the Fall, the Flood, or the overthrow of Pharaoh, every major event in the Bible has a tree, branch, fruit, seed, or some part of a tree marking the spot.”
This book is more of a testimony than it is an academic account of trees in the bible. He makes solid points such as the one quoted above, but there are some times where the theology is a little questionable. For example, he refers to “The dove, rainbow, and olive leaf” as a representation of the Holy Spirit, the Father and the Son. He may not be wrong, but he doesn't truly explain why this is true and provide direct biblical evidence.
It feels as if he is so focused on trying to cram the whole biblical narrative into this 200 page book that he does not give himself time to elaborate on points that should be elaborated. In turn, it becomes a consistent restatement of the original thesis: “Every Major event in the Bible has a tree.”
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in the Bible, the Christian faith and learning about how trees play a typically underappreciated role in our lives. Though I would treat it as very introductory knowledge and would seek further reading and research after reading this book.
Hopefully it leaves you looking at trees in a way that you may never have seen before.
December 17, 2024
This is a unique book that outlines the “theology of trees”. God’s original plan for humanity was to dress and keep the garden. The author encourages the reader to examine Scripture and to pay attention to how trees populate throughout the Bible. By doing so, one is rewarded with a deeper understanding of the gospel and a greater respect for God’s creation. Sow the gospel and plant trees!
April 16, 2019
I knew trees were important as I have a heritage of loggers and builders. But I had no idea of the important theme of trees in the Bible. This book is part memoir, part insight into the truth we find from trees in Scripture, and part encouragement to be good stewards of God's creation.
I was surprised to find trees serve as God's favorite metaphor in the Bible. (19) Every major character in the Bible is associated with a tree or parts of a tree. (62) Sleeth gives a good overview of trees in the Bible by going through the stories contained in it.
We are strongly encouraged to be good stewards of creation. Sleeth writes, for example, “What is certain is that Christians are instructed to make this earth look more like heaven. Plant trees, care for trees, and preserve old forests. This is a job for believers.” (117) He even addresses theological issues, like thinking the Lord will return any moment. Whether the world ends soon or lasts another hundred years, Sleeth says planting a tree is something we can do in our own backyard to make the world better. (122)
Sleeth hopes to inspire people to action. “God's original plan was for humanity to dress and keep trees,” he writes. (199) He also is concerned for the gospel. He clearly presents a salvation message and notes the importance of trees in it.
This book seem to be of limited interest to Christians but I would encourage reading it. It does concentrate on a specific aspect of the Bible but it is informative and encouraging. You may just want to go for a walk in the forest after reading it, noticing the wonders of God's creation in the trees.
I received a complimentary arc of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I was surprised to find trees serve as God's favorite metaphor in the Bible. (19) Every major character in the Bible is associated with a tree or parts of a tree. (62) Sleeth gives a good overview of trees in the Bible by going through the stories contained in it.
We are strongly encouraged to be good stewards of creation. Sleeth writes, for example, “What is certain is that Christians are instructed to make this earth look more like heaven. Plant trees, care for trees, and preserve old forests. This is a job for believers.” (117) He even addresses theological issues, like thinking the Lord will return any moment. Whether the world ends soon or lasts another hundred years, Sleeth says planting a tree is something we can do in our own backyard to make the world better. (122)
Sleeth hopes to inspire people to action. “God's original plan was for humanity to dress and keep trees,” he writes. (199) He also is concerned for the gospel. He clearly presents a salvation message and notes the importance of trees in it.
This book seem to be of limited interest to Christians but I would encourage reading it. It does concentrate on a specific aspect of the Bible but it is informative and encouraging. You may just want to go for a walk in the forest after reading it, noticing the wonders of God's creation in the trees.
I received a complimentary arc of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
December 6, 2019
I love trees. This book made me love them even more and most all, it gave me more love for the God who made them. Sleeth does a great job of unearthing the numerous instances in Scripture where trees make an appearance. At times, he probably makes a bigger deal out of the trees in the Bible than is warranted. However, he does a masterful job of showing how God uses trees in the Bible and in our lives today in both spiritual and physical ways.
I also appreciated his comments that correct a godless environmentalism as well as a Christian “it’s-all-gonna-burn-anyway” mentality. Planting trees is an act of stewarding Gods world, loving our neighbors, giving a gift to the next generation, and bringing a small slice of heaven to earth. Can’t wait to go plant more trees.
I also appreciated his comments that correct a godless environmentalism as well as a Christian “it’s-all-gonna-burn-anyway” mentality. Planting trees is an act of stewarding Gods world, loving our neighbors, giving a gift to the next generation, and bringing a small slice of heaven to earth. Can’t wait to go plant more trees.
February 11, 2021
We have much to learn from nature, from trees. They are instrumental into our understanding of God and of Scripture if we would only pay more close attention.
March 28, 2019
Over the decades, I’ve read a whole lot of books about God and the Bible. But until Reforesting Faith, I don’t think I’d ever read one based on trees! That has changed now.
Author Matthew Sleeth has an interesting background. He worked in construction and struggled in school, before eventually going to medical school and working as an ER doctor for years. A series of big life events led him to quit his job and found Blessed Earth and became an author and speaker.
In this book, Sleeth talks a lot about trees and their relationship with God and the Bible.
“Other than God and people, the Bible mentions trees more than any other living thing. There is a tree on the first page of Genesis, in the first psalm, on the first page of the New Testament, and on the last page of Revelation. Every significant theological event in the Bible is marked by a tree. Whether it is the Fall, the Flood, or the overthrow of Pharaoh, every major event in the Bible has a tree, branch, fruit, seed, or some part of a tree marking the spot.”
This paragraph intrigued me, and made me think about the Bible in a new way (I love it when that happens). Sleeth enumerates various tree/science/nature mentions in the Bible. After a section detailing some specific scientific topics in Job, he writes “We read these statements and others like them in the Bible through the fog of repetition and familiarity. As a result, we miss the wonder of God’s questions.” At the time I read this, I was slogging through Ezekiel in my daily Bible reading. I could fully relate to “the fog of repetition and familiarity”!
You may worry — I know I did — that Sleeth would turn out to be a radical environmentalist/”tree hugger” type. He may be, but in this book he came across as quite reasonable, and as simply advocating that we enjoy and take care of God’s world — something I agree with. “Birds and bees, as well as flowers and trees, number among God’s greatest tools when He explains how much He loves us. To subtract them from the Bible and our theology diminishes God’s ability to communicate His love. It relegates Jesus to the role of after-life insurance salesman, not the one who sustains all of creation and for whom all creation was made.”
Sleeth quotes Martin Luther: “If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant a tree.”
I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I think it would make a good basis for a Bible study based on trees/nature.
Author Matthew Sleeth has an interesting background. He worked in construction and struggled in school, before eventually going to medical school and working as an ER doctor for years. A series of big life events led him to quit his job and found Blessed Earth and became an author and speaker.
In this book, Sleeth talks a lot about trees and their relationship with God and the Bible.
“Other than God and people, the Bible mentions trees more than any other living thing. There is a tree on the first page of Genesis, in the first psalm, on the first page of the New Testament, and on the last page of Revelation. Every significant theological event in the Bible is marked by a tree. Whether it is the Fall, the Flood, or the overthrow of Pharaoh, every major event in the Bible has a tree, branch, fruit, seed, or some part of a tree marking the spot.”
This paragraph intrigued me, and made me think about the Bible in a new way (I love it when that happens). Sleeth enumerates various tree/science/nature mentions in the Bible. After a section detailing some specific scientific topics in Job, he writes “We read these statements and others like them in the Bible through the fog of repetition and familiarity. As a result, we miss the wonder of God’s questions.” At the time I read this, I was slogging through Ezekiel in my daily Bible reading. I could fully relate to “the fog of repetition and familiarity”!
You may worry — I know I did — that Sleeth would turn out to be a radical environmentalist/”tree hugger” type. He may be, but in this book he came across as quite reasonable, and as simply advocating that we enjoy and take care of God’s world — something I agree with. “Birds and bees, as well as flowers and trees, number among God’s greatest tools when He explains how much He loves us. To subtract them from the Bible and our theology diminishes God’s ability to communicate His love. It relegates Jesus to the role of after-life insurance salesman, not the one who sustains all of creation and for whom all creation was made.”
Sleeth quotes Martin Luther: “If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant a tree.”
I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I think it would make a good basis for a Bible study based on trees/nature.
May 21, 2021
“I love trees. God loves trees. Let’s go walking through the Bible looking for trees.”
Sleuth does that in this book. He tells a lot of personal stories about his life and trees. He shows how trees are scattered throughout the Bible.
Yet what this book lacks is a biblical theology of the tree. How did the original writers think about trees? How are they used as analogies that are carried through the storyline of the Bible? It’s not that he is not drawing attention to their use, but his point ends up being, “there is a tree at this significant event - God cares about trees and we should plant more.” I was looking more for something that focused on the literary metaphors: people being planted, the comparison of kings and kingdoms and trees, the righteous and trees, significance of various types of trees of any. Some of this was present, but it was not the primary focus of the work. Therefore I was left wanting more.
Sleuth does that in this book. He tells a lot of personal stories about his life and trees. He shows how trees are scattered throughout the Bible.
Yet what this book lacks is a biblical theology of the tree. How did the original writers think about trees? How are they used as analogies that are carried through the storyline of the Bible? It’s not that he is not drawing attention to their use, but his point ends up being, “there is a tree at this significant event - God cares about trees and we should plant more.” I was looking more for something that focused on the literary metaphors: people being planted, the comparison of kings and kingdoms and trees, the righteous and trees, significance of various types of trees of any. Some of this was present, but it was not the primary focus of the work. Therefore I was left wanting more.
March 18, 2021
It’s a really great concept for a book and I’m so grateful Sleeth is out there living the vision of the book. However, I was disappointed with the rambling and superficial treatment of the excellent thesis. I do hope others will read this books and be inspired to go a step further in finding the richness of the tree imagery in scripture. Instead, try reading Lab Girl by Hope Jahren if you want a more insightful study of trees or The Gospel of Trees by Apricot Irving if you want a more profound exploration of the relationship between trees and hope. Try Nancy Guthrie’s Even Better than Eden if you want to understand how repeated images in scripture can weave a hopeful picture. This one is nice but a little meh after you’ve read those three excellent books!
March 31, 2019
What an amazing little book, I chose to read it because I love trees, and have a times mourned their loss.
When I think of how Trees played a part in the bible, of courses, the first thought for me is the cross, but wow was my mind expanded and most I never thought of.
A beautiful example is: Romans 11 17-24
17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!
This book is a short 2oo pages, but is packed with interesting facts, I recommend this for anyone who wants to grow in knowledge and strengthen their faith.
I received this book through the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.
When I think of how Trees played a part in the bible, of courses, the first thought for me is the cross, but wow was my mind expanded and most I never thought of.
A beautiful example is: Romans 11 17-24
17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!
This book is a short 2oo pages, but is packed with interesting facts, I recommend this for anyone who wants to grow in knowledge and strengthen their faith.
I received this book through the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 11, 2023
From a meta-narrative position, this work is phenomenal and well-crafted to highlight God’s use of trees in His story of redemption. If they are the third-most discussed living thing in the counsel of God, they’re worth weighty consideration.
Pros: the author uses solid exegesis concerning the Christo-centric approach to the Bible and it’s connection to trees metaphorically and literally. The work is easy to read without sacrificing academic challenge. I do highly recommend this work, but with caution to rightly understand some of the cons.
Cons: at times, the use of personal stories and sidebars distracts from the point of the trees; that is, to love them because God loves and uses them. In the last chapter of the book, the author discusses 1 Corinthians 13 as the framing square of the Bible, which is an interesting metaphor but certainly odd concerning the lack of trees, bushes, etc. in Paul’s words. Lastly, the author could have spent more time exegeting the stewardship of trees from the Creation Mandate and our job of dressing and keeping them instead of subtly pushing for environmental agendas that the Sierra Club might advocate (which is mentioned near the end).
Despite these cons, I think it is a highly academic and much needed piece of work for a Christian culture that does seem to have lost its interest in the trees of the Scriptures.
Pros: the author uses solid exegesis concerning the Christo-centric approach to the Bible and it’s connection to trees metaphorically and literally. The work is easy to read without sacrificing academic challenge. I do highly recommend this work, but with caution to rightly understand some of the cons.
Cons: at times, the use of personal stories and sidebars distracts from the point of the trees; that is, to love them because God loves and uses them. In the last chapter of the book, the author discusses 1 Corinthians 13 as the framing square of the Bible, which is an interesting metaphor but certainly odd concerning the lack of trees, bushes, etc. in Paul’s words. Lastly, the author could have spent more time exegeting the stewardship of trees from the Creation Mandate and our job of dressing and keeping them instead of subtly pushing for environmental agendas that the Sierra Club might advocate (which is mentioned near the end).
Despite these cons, I think it is a highly academic and much needed piece of work for a Christian culture that does seem to have lost its interest in the trees of the Scriptures.
January 8, 2022
I have been chewing on this book for over 6 months. A few years ago I was really intrigued by gardening and caring for plants- indoor and outdoor. I believe the authors main goal in writing this book was to inspire people to take better care of trees. However, this book was so much more!
Sleet takes you on a journey through the Bible pointing out trees and their significance in the story they are placed in. Trees are woven throughout the Bible and we must slow down and examine what they are trying to teach us. Trees point us to God. This book was very insightful and has kick started an even bigger study for me, trees, and the Bible. It has given me a great love for our Earth, and an appreciation for what God has given us to steward.
I love this quote. “We don’t need more wonders; we need a greater sense of wonderment”.
Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.”
10/10
Sleet takes you on a journey through the Bible pointing out trees and their significance in the story they are placed in. Trees are woven throughout the Bible and we must slow down and examine what they are trying to teach us. Trees point us to God. This book was very insightful and has kick started an even bigger study for me, trees, and the Bible. It has given me a great love for our Earth, and an appreciation for what God has given us to steward.
I love this quote. “We don’t need more wonders; we need a greater sense of wonderment”.
Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.”
10/10
April 1, 2019
RESTORING FAITH is a very unique book. Interesting... I am not sure that it is absolutely theologically correct -- in fact, theologically I'm pretty sure is quite off in some areas, but it was an interesting walk through the Bible's trees, parts of trees, fruits of trees, and how trees turned Dr. Sleeth from an atheist into a believer -- which is totally awesome.
So, go plant a tree, grab a copy of RESTORING FAITH and restore your faith and the forest at the same time.
A perfect gift for the tree hugger or hiker in your life. RESTORING FAITH.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
So, go plant a tree, grab a copy of RESTORING FAITH and restore your faith and the forest at the same time.
A perfect gift for the tree hugger or hiker in your life. RESTORING FAITH.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
April 12, 2021
Since Genesis 1, trees have been part of God's story...and part of man's story, too. I love trees, so I was very excited to read this book. I would highly recommend it, whether you are a person of faith or not. You will see both the intricate relationship between trees and humans, as well as the significance of trees in both ancient and more modern history.
If we don't plant more trees, our world and the people in it will suffer. I'd even be so bold as to say, don't abort children to save the planet, plant trees.
If we don't plant more trees, our world and the people in it will suffer. I'd even be so bold as to say, don't abort children to save the planet, plant trees.
November 7, 2021
I absolutely LOVED reading Reforesting Faith! I've always felt this connection to trees especially as a child, climbing them, laying underneath them, walking through the woods, camping, etc. I could just watch them and examine the details of trees for hours. When I am near trees, I am at peace and this book made me feel it.
I had never noticed how God wove trees throughout scripture and that they play such an important role in the Gospel. This makes me love them even more, not just as God's creation but as a vital part of the story of Jesus. How wonderful, how marvelous!
I believe that every person who claims to follow Christ should read this as well as those who don't believe but are curious and seeking. Christians should not sit back and let the world handle the stewardship of our planet but take charge of it themselves as we are called to in God's Word!
I had never noticed how God wove trees throughout scripture and that they play such an important role in the Gospel. This makes me love them even more, not just as God's creation but as a vital part of the story of Jesus. How wonderful, how marvelous!
I believe that every person who claims to follow Christ should read this as well as those who don't believe but are curious and seeking. Christians should not sit back and let the world handle the stewardship of our planet but take charge of it themselves as we are called to in God's Word!
June 26, 2019
I have always loved trees. When I was little I would climb up a tree with a book and read for hours. I have spent time out in the woods and the peace there brings so much calm over my life. The evidence of God is all around. I was already aware of lots of tree references in the Bible so I was excited to read a book that points out even more than I was aware and meanings behind them. It was fascinating to read of the history and connections that carry through from day one until now. Very good book. Now I plan to go plant a tree.
October 16, 2020
Christians should read this to be encouraged toward Creation Care by someone who loves and respects them. Agnostic and Un-religious folks should read this to hear how Christians ought to think about stewarding the environment from someone who loves and respects them too. Not as thorough or theologically precise as some would prefer I’m sure, but it was written to a wide audience and accomplishes that which the author intended...to set us on a journey to deeper understanding of the connection between God’s redemptive plan and the environment he built for people to experience him within.
June 14, 2023
This is such a rich read. I picked it up a year or 2 ago and slowly made my way through
but I definitely recommend it if you have a desire to see the patterns that exist throughout the Bible, especially the ones that are connected through trees! I already loved trees but this book made me see them in a new light and to be grateful for the Lord’s provision and intentionality in everything he’s made. All of creation is singing his praises, sometimes we just need to look up to hear them
but I definitely recommend it if you have a desire to see the patterns that exist throughout the Bible, especially the ones that are connected through trees! I already loved trees but this book made me see them in a new light and to be grateful for the Lord’s provision and intentionality in everything he’s made. All of creation is singing his praises, sometimes we just need to look up to hear them
October 29, 2025
I was expecting a Bible Project level exploration of trees through the Bible, but this book is just superficially tracing the theme of trees through scripture telling Bible stories and giving basic Christian lessons. It taught me some things and made me want to plant some trees!! I appreciate his care for creation! I want to love and appreciate trees more and more. The Kingdom of God is like a tree - I hope to be a part of fulfilling it here on Earth.
March 4, 2024
"all night long, [trees] draw a deep breath, hold it for one count, and then from dawn to dusk exhale life-giving oxygen"
"in many ways, trees are like Jesus. they give, and they keep giving. they give life and beauty. they give shade and rest...they offer shelter, food, and protection"
let's be humble stewards of this beautiful earth and be mindful of how we live our lives!
"in many ways, trees are like Jesus. they give, and they keep giving. they give life and beauty. they give shade and rest...they offer shelter, food, and protection"
let's be humble stewards of this beautiful earth and be mindful of how we live our lives!
August 29, 2020
A good book that connects trees to the Bible, and promotes environmental activism.
It’s a primer of a book. A survey. I believe I’ll be digging into a more dense book on trees in the Bible soon called, “of trees and kings.” A less approachable book than this one, but one with more of the biblical linkage to trees I am looking for.
It’s a primer of a book. A survey. I believe I’ll be digging into a more dense book on trees in the Bible soon called, “of trees and kings.” A less approachable book than this one, but one with more of the biblical linkage to trees I am looking for.
November 4, 2020
Good overview of the importance of trees in the Bible. I would have liked a bit more depth but overall a helpful book for a topic that not many Christians often ponder.
May 28, 2025
Really cool to see how valuable trees are in God’s message and interesting how we’ve lost that part of the story over time (4)
November 6, 2019
I enjoyed this quick look at trees in the Bible. The author traces trees from Genesis to Revelation and points out their importance to God.
March 13, 2023
This book was a beautiful illustration of us taking car of our planet and being connected to it by our creator
August 7, 2025
3.5. Conversational style, genuine insights, powerful imagery and metaphors. But also feels a bit like the content was stretched into a book. Worthwhile but the real meat is in the first three chapters or so.
November 10, 2020
-an *introductory* journey through the ways trees 'grow' all throughout scripture: at integral moments, as a thread that points us to who and why Christ, and to point to the life the Lord wants for us.
-to explore: trees vs other plants, wisdom & trees, Creation Care
-Found myself wishing it digged a little deeper into some theological thoughts. -Little rough bridging between Scripture and call to action
-to explore: trees vs other plants, wisdom & trees, Creation Care
-Found myself wishing it digged a little deeper into some theological thoughts. -Little rough bridging between Scripture and call to action
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews