The biblical word for a small **home** is “homestead.” This term refers to a place someone **owns** that might be used for farming or digging up **minerals**. Is this idea of homesteading a match with Bible teachings? The answer isn’t simple. Homesteading can be an option for **Christians,** but think hard about if it will **help** your family before you start your own homestead.
Homestead is a small homestead
While the Bible does not refer to the homestead as a commune, it does mention homesteading. Christian homesteads are communities where members have private ownership of land. These homes are not communes, and land can be used for a variety of public purposes. The Bible also mentions the homestead as a symbol of faith and community. Homesteads can be large or small, but the Bible does not mention any particular type of homestead.
Many homesteaders are Christians or at least a part of the Christian community. They live in the countryside, but some are urban homesteaders who have incorporated farming into their lifestyles. Christian homesteaders often use alternative energy technologies and depend less on the government. Because Christian homesteaders rely on God and other Christians, the concept of homesteading has become a popular lifestyle for many.
It is used for mineral extraction or farming
Large businesses made use of homesteading schemes in the United States to acquire oil and timberland. As such, the federal government charged royalties on resources extracted from public lands. However, this method of controlling resources proved a waste of time if the land was a rich source of locatable minerals. Gold and silver are examples of locatable minerals, which can be controlled through mining claims under the Mining Act of 1872.
It is compatible with scriptural principles
Christian homesteaders rely on God and the wisdom of others to accomplish their goals. While the vast majority of homesteaders live on farms or other small plots of land, some are urban dwellers who raise their own food and/or raise chickens. Both kinds of homesteaders follow the scriptural guidelines of self-sufficiency. And since homesteading is a lifestyle choice, it must be compatible with scriptural principles.
