Discover Life’s Biggest Questions with Jeff Chu: Insights from the Garden

In times of upheaval, finding a sense of grounding is essential. For Jeff Chu, his experience on a 21-acre farm during seminary was transformative. It helped him discover his true self. In his book, Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand, he shares how working with the earth reshaped his understanding of life, identity, and community.

Chu describes an interesting contrast in storytelling. Traditional Western narratives often follow a straight line, while many cultures weave in cyclical patterns that reflect life itself. He draws parallels with Chinese storytelling, emphasizing the seasons of life—a continual cycle of spring, summer, fall, and winter. Just like our eating habits change with the seasons, so do our life experiences. We return to comforting foods during tough times, reminding us of our roots and shared human experiences.

Growing up in a devout Chinese Baptist family, Chu faced personal challenges as he grappled with his sexuality in a culture that often rejected it. This journey led him to seminary, where he sought both spiritual growth and acceptance. “For a long time, I felt I didn’t fit in,” he admits. But through his journey, he learned that his faith and identity could coexist.

When Chu attended Princeton Theological Seminary, he didn’t just sit in lectures. He took a unique course that took place on a farm aptly named the Farminary. There, he didn’t just learn about theology; he engaged in hands-on farming, gaining insights into life’s deeper rhythms. The farm aimed to rejuvenate degraded land, and the lessons learned extended beyond agriculture into spirituality.

Students grew vegetables, tended goats, and participated in the community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. This immersion into the farming lifestyle offered lessons about interdependence, community, and sustainability. It was here he learned that everyone is connected in the ecosystem, which includes more than just humans.

During a reflective exercise, students were asked to describe the "soils" they came from. Chu emphasized that acknowledging our roots reminds us we’re part of something greater—an ecosystem that shapes us. He explains that our identities are formed by our relationships with others, community, and even the earth.

A pivotal moment came when a mentor at the farm, Nate, challenged him to see the land for what it is, rather than what it could do for him. This shift in perspective encouraged Chu to appreciate all life on the farm, from animals to plants, beyond mere utility. It’s a powerful reminder in a world often focused on productivity—recognizing value in existence itself.

A significant bond formed between Chu and his mother when she visited the farm. Together, they cooked a chicken he helped raise, connecting over food and family traditions. It was a way to bridge their differences and share a meaningful experience. Food serves as a universal language, allowing for connection even in the face of disagreement or distance.

For Chu, fried rice is more than just a meal; it’s a link to family and comfort. He recalls the joy of watching his grandmother prepare the dish, infusing nostalgia into every bite. He even created a fusion fried rice with Texas barbecue brisket, symbolizing the blending of cultures in his marriage.

In a powerful moment, Chu reflected on the words of acclaimed author Octavia Butler about comfort. For many, comfort stems from being right or avoiding negativity. For him, it’s about the hope that healing and redemption are possible. This perspective is especially relevant today as we navigate a world filled with uncertainty.

In conclusion, Chu’s journey from a city life to the simplicity of farming reveals deep truths about identity, connection, and community. His story encourages us to embrace cycles of life and be open to discovering joy in relationships and the land that sustains us. As he illustrates, comfort can indeed be found in connection—with ourselves, our families, and the world around us.

For more on the connection between farming and spirituality, check out this insightful discussion on NPR.

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