Wendell Berry, a celebrated poet, farmer, and environmental advocate, passed away on August 31, 2026, at the age of 92. Berry lived and farmed on his Lane’s Landing homestead in Henry County, Kentucky, using sustainable agricultural practices. He preferred draft horses over diesel tractors and relied on methods like crop rotation and manure to maintain the health of his soil. His environmental values were deeply rooted in his Christian Baptist faith, which taught him that humans have a duty to care for the Earth and its creatures. Berry strongly opposed practices like mountaintop-removal coal mining, which devastated streams and forests in his home state. In 2011, he participated in a multi-day sit-in protest against these destructive mining practices, stating he would remain engaged in the issue as long as he was able. His views were grounded in the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, which he interpreted as calling humans to be caretakers of the Earth rather than its masters. He often quoted the passage from Genesis 2:15, “Keep it,” to emphasize the responsibility every person has to protect the Earth. In contrast to Berry’s views, some Christians interpret Genesis 1:28 as a directive to “subdue the Earth” and assert human dominance over nature, a belief known as dominionist theology. Berry rejected this perspective, arguing that humans should prioritize the health of the soil, the well-being of farming communities, and the sustainability of the land. His writings often criticized modern industrial agriculture, or "agripower," and urged people to consume less and live more communally. He believed that true stewardship of the Earth required humility, respect, and a recognition of the Earth as a gift from God. Berry’s influence on American agriculture and environmental thought began in the 1970s. He helped promote family-run farms, organic farming, and the farm-to-table movement. His work became a foundation for the modern creation care movement, which is part of a broader Christian effort to address environmental issues and promote environmental stewardship. Today, this movement includes many Christian evangelicals who see caring for the Earth as an extension of their faith. Throughout his life, Berry was a vocal critic of agribusiness and consumer culture, which he saw as wasteful and harmful to both people and the planet. He admired the Amish lifestyle, which emphasizes simplicity, sustainability, and a close relationship with the land. He believed that people—regardless of their religious beliefs—should question the role of technology and consider its impact on both the environment and human life. He encouraged people to embrace the idea of “enough,” a concept that challenges the endless growth and consumption central to capitalism. In his writings, Berry called for a more intentional, reflective way of living, one that honors the Earth and its Creator.