At Campcraft Outdoors, we have always used the Bible as inspiration for learning survival and self-reliance. Because of this inspiration, we started our training classes, which eventually led Jason to write what has been recognized as the first Christian survival book, The Gospel of Survival. Upon attending courses or getting to know our survival ministry beforehand, people are often amazed to learn how much Bible we incorporate into our skills training programs. People are sometimes slow to accept this mistaking it for “religious” (legalistic or cultish) teaching, but quickly learn that we’re probably some of the most liberated Christians you’ll ever meet here and are more Biblically literate than most. The Bible can be a valuable source of survival skills information for several reasons:
· Timeless Wisdom: The Bible contains timeless wisdom passed down for thousands of years. Many of the skills and techniques described in the Bible are still relevant and valuable today, such as farming, hunting, and navigation.
· Historical Context: The Bible provides historical context for survival skills, as it was written when people relied on these skills for survival. Reading about how people in ancient times lived off the land and navigated through unfamiliar terrain can provide insight and inspiration for modern-day survivalists.
· Spiritual Strength: The Bible also provides spiritual strength and guidance, essential to survival in difficult situations. Many of the stories and teachings in the Bible emphasize the importance of perseverance, faith, and trust in God during times of hardship.
· Universal Appeal: The Bible has a universal appeal, and its teachings can be applied to various situations and cultures. Whether you live in a rural area or a bustling city, people today can adapt the survival skills and principles described in the Bible to their specific circumstances.
While it's essential to remember that the Bible was not explicitly written as a survival manual in the worldly sense, spiritual survival- or life in fellowship with God, is the goal of the Biblical text. It contains valuable information and teachings that can be applied to self-sufficiency and survival throughout the human epoch. Regarding specific skills, you’ll find many options throughout the Biblical canon ranging from survival and self-defense to gardening and farming. Here are five topics to get your exploratory journey started.
1. Farming and Gardening: In Genesis 2:15, God put Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and care for it. The Bible references planting and harvesting crops, such as in Deuteronomy 22:9, Proverbs 31:16, and James 5:7.
2. Hunting and Fishing: In Genesis 9:3, God gives Noah and his descendants permission to eat meat, and there are many references throughout the Bible to hunting and fishing for food, such as in 1 Kings 17:6 and John 21:3-6.
3. Navigation and Travel: Throughout the Bible, there are references to journeys and travel, such as in Exodus 13:21-22, when God led the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. In Acts 27, there is a detailed account of Paul's shipwreck and survival at sea.
4. Shelter Building: In Genesis 6:14-16, God tells Noah to build an ark to protect himself and his family from the flood, and there are many other references to building and dwelling in shelters throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 91:1-2 and Matthew 8:20.
5. Healing and Medicine: In Exodus 15:26, God promises to protect the Israelites from disease if they follow his commands, and throughout the Bible, there are references to healing and the use of medicine, such as in James 5:14-15 and Luke 10:34.
The Bible provides guidance and wisdom on a wide range of topics, including morality, ethics, relationships, and spirituality, all of which can contribute to personal growth and positive character development. Regarding survival skills specifically, learning skills such as self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, and resilience can be valuable traits in many areas of life. These skills can help you navigate difficult situations and overcome challenges in everyday life and in times of crisis.
However, it's crucial to approach survival skills and preparedness with a balanced and responsible mindset as it relates to your spiritual life. Learning that God has a defined plan and annual training cycles for survival and preparedness skills is meaningless without the point of these appointed times, a relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ. While it's good to be prepared for emergencies and to have a basic understanding of survival skills, it's also essential to maintain a sense of community and to rely on others for support when necessary. Learning survival skills from the Bible can be a valuable part of a well-rounded approach to personal growth and preparedness.
Comments