Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Anderson Campbell, DMin

Second Advisor

Sheldon Hurst, DMin

Third Advisor

MaryKate Morse, PhD

Abstract

Many leaders within the US-American Christian community are unaware of cultural influences driven by money that impact food sanctity, what we eat and the land from which our sustenance is derived. The question is asked, “What is food?” Intentional identity formation with the food we eat and its relationship to the land is important to create a physically and spiritually healthy environment for both men and women leaders, not only within the Christian community, but also throughout society at large. A large part of the problem is in thinking of food as a commodity rather than as a sacred part of the whole: community, faith, ritual, stewardship, and health. A growing group of Christian leaders, advocacy organizations, theologians, and seminaries are entering into conversations about food and faith and its connection to biblical sanctity. This dissertation is intended to draw from and enter into these conversations that are driving a renewed thought process and relationship with food, food production, and the common good of all humanity. Within the theological and historical foundations of both food and faith, this study draws from and develops a paradigm/rationale supporting sanctity of food and eating, based on biblical-based precedents of design and stewardship, to demonstrate the relational aspects of food and faith. Current research is then presented in two case studies to demonstrate an unarguable brokenness in humankind’s relationship to both food and land. The argument is then made that exploration of sustainability and hospitality as Christian practices will do much to help with addressing these issues, making food and eating choices based on evidence and faith.

Download

Included in

Christianity Commons

Share

COinS