Permaculture Princess S2: Ch 4 - Christ's Object Lessons: Tares

The Permaculture Princess Podcast, in its second season, is currently engaged in a read-along series focusing on Ellen G. White's "Christ's Object Lessons." The fourth chapter of this book, titled "Tares," is the subject of the latest installment. This ongoing series encourages listeners to follow along with the discussion by accessing the accompanying content on David Asscherick's YouTube channel.

The "Tares" chapter from "Christ's Object Lessons" likely delves into the parable of the tares (or weeds) among the wheat, a well-known biblical narrative. This parable, found in the Gospel of Matthew, describes a farmer who sows good seed in his field, but an enemy later sows weeds among the wheat. The servants, upon noticing the weeds, ask if they should pull them up, but the farmer instructs them to let both grow together until the harvest, lest they uproot the wheat along with the weeds. At harvest time, the weeds are gathered first and burned, and then the wheat is collected into the barn.

In the context of permaculture, this parable can be interpreted in various ways. Permaculture principles often emphasize working with nature rather than against it, observing natural patterns, and integrating diverse elements into a system. The idea of "weeds" in a permaculture setting is often re-evaluated; what might be considered a weed in a conventional agricultural system could be seen as a beneficial plant in a permaculture design, contributing to soil health, attracting beneficial insects, or providing ground cover.

However, the spiritual interpretation of the parable, as presented in "Christ's Object Lessons," typically focuses on the coexistence of good and evil in the world, and within the church, until a final judgment. The "wheat" represents the children of the kingdom, and the "tares" represent the children of the wicked one. The "enemy" is the devil, and the "harvest" is the end of the world. The reapers are the angels. This spiritual allegory suggests a period of patience and discernment, where premature judgment or attempts to eradicate perceived "evil" might inadvertently harm the "good."

The podcast's discussion of this chapter would likely explore these spiritual themes, drawing parallels to contemporary life and perhaps even touching upon how these lessons might inform a permaculture worldview. While permaculture is a practical design science, it often incorporates ethical considerations and a holistic understanding of interconnected systems, which can resonate with spiritual teachings. The concept of allowing elements to mature and distinguishing between beneficial and detrimental aspects over time, rather than immediate intervention, could be a point of discussion.

Listeners interested in a deeper engagement with the material are also directed to "Types and Symbols Journal" or new printings of "Christ's Object Lessons" available through the "Types and Symbols" website. This suggests that the read-along is not merely a passive listening experience but aims to be an interactive study, encouraging participants to engage with the text directly and potentially reflect on its symbolic meanings and practical applications. The combination of a spiritual text with a permaculture-focused podcast indicates an exploration of how spiritual principles can inform and enrich an understanding of sustainable living and ecological design.