Wendell Berry, who passed away on August 31, 2026 at the age of 92 was a towering figure in the world of environmental stewardship and Christian agrarianism. For over six decades, he tended to his Lane’s Landing homestead in Henry County, Kentucky embodying the principles he so passionately advocated for in his writings.
Berry’s life was a testament to his beliefs. He eschewed modern agricultural machinery, preferring the gentle pull of draft horses over the roar of diesel tractors. His fields thrived under his care, nurtured by natural fertilizers and the wisdom of crop rotation. This hands-on approach to farming was not just a profession for Berry; it was a calling, deeply rooted in his Christian Baptist faith.
Berry’s Environmental Ethics and Biblical Foundations
Throughout his life, Berry was a vocal advocate for environmental stewardship, a philosophy that aligns with what is known today as creation care. This ethos emphasizes the responsibility of humans to care for the Earth and all its inhabitants. Berry’s beliefs were often at odds with the industrialization of agriculture and the dominionist theology espoused by some prominent American Christians, which posits that humans have a God-given right to exploit the Earth’s resources.
Berry’s environmental ethics were firmly grounded in the Book of Genesis particularly the verse Genesis 2:15 which he interpreted as a divine mandate to keep and tend the Earth. He famously stated, “We are allowed to make no exceptions – every person’s obligation toward creation is summed up in two words from Genesis 2:15: ‘Keep it.’” This stood in stark contrast to the dominionist view, which emphasizes Genesis 1:8 and the idea of subduing the Earth.
Protests and Advocacy
Berry’s commitment to his beliefs was evident in his actions. In 2011 he participated in a multiday sit-in protest against mountaintop-removal coal mining a practice that devastated streams and forests in his native Kentucky. His dedication to the cause was unwavering, as he declared, “I intend to stay interested in it and involved as long as the Lord spares me.”
Berry’s Influence on Modern Creation Care
The modern creation care movement has its roots in the wider network of American social justice movements that emerged in the 1980s and ’90s. Berry’s writings played a pivotal role in shaping this movement, particularly among Christian evangelicals who read the Book of Genesis as a call to care for all of God’s creations. Today, creation care is a broad Christian movement that advocates for environmental stewardship, repairing environmental harm, and belief in a loving God responsible for the Earth’s creation.
Berry’s Christian-infused agrarianism began in earnest in the 1970s and helped popularize family-run farms, organic farming, and farm-to-table eating establishments. His critiques of agribusiness and American consumer culture were fierce and unyielding. He admired the Amish lifestyle which prioritizes simple farm living focused on God and family. Berry’s writings often advocated for consuming less and living more communally, rooted in his commitment to caring for God’s creation.
The Idea of ‘Enough’
Berry’s philosophy extended beyond environmental stewardship to encompass a broader critique of modern society. He encouraged people to question technology, consider its impact on the environment, and develop the concept of “enough”. This idea was central to his critique of capitalism, which he saw as respecting no limits. Berry’s writings beseeched readers to focus on what they actually need rather than what they want or think they need. He wrote, “The idea of ‘enough’ is alien to capitalism, which respects no limit.”
Berry’s Legacy and Future Impact
Wendell Berry’s legacy is profound and far-reaching. Alongside his wife and collaborator for 69 yearsTanya Amyx Berry he built a way of life that stood in stark contrast to mainstream American and global culture. Through over 50 books numerous poems, and countless talks, Berry laid the groundwork for the creation care movement that has spread around the world. His consistent calls to address extractive and destructive human behaviors have posed significant challenges to the planet’s future.
As the world grapples with the consequences of resource extraction and technological advancements, Berry’s legacy continues to resonate. The growing public aversion to AI data centers and other forms of resource extraction suggests that his influence will endure. In an era of rapid technological change, Berry’s call for reflection, intentionality, and stewardship remains as relevant as ever.
