Things You'll Need:
- Copy of Christian scriptures (any edition)
-
Step 1
Determine that you want to come off the grid and that you have the level of commitment needed to make lifestyle changes. This will help you be more open to different ideas that emerge among Christians who are seeking to live a more planet-friendly lifestyle.
-
Step 2
Become acquainted with the Christian canon of scripture. Rely on the collection of books normally accepted by Protestant Christians, but do not rule out the additional books used by Catholic Christians or churches in the Nestorian or Armenian traditions. Don’t rule out reading works that are considered important to non-traditional Christian denominations, such as the Book of Mormon or Science and Health With Key To The Scriptures. Various passages within the writings may inspire some ideas for going off the grid, such as choosing to wear clothing made from natural fibers or making dietary changes that include more homegrown fruits and vegetables.
-
Step 3
Learn how different Christians relate the counsel they find in scripture to getting off the grid. For some, it means exercising wise stewardship over the Earth’s resources. For others, it means leaving an inheritance of a green planet to future generations. Still others see it as the logical outgrowth of following the Christian admonition to love others as well as yourself. Ask yourself how some of these motivations apply to you in your situation.
-
Step 4
Investigate the histories of Christians who emphasize simplicity. Learning more about the history and culture of such groups as the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) or various groups of Mennonites like the Amish can yield some great ideas on how to live off the grid. You can get tips for setting up a kitchen that requires less or no power, or for keeping homes heated and cooled. You can also learn to make candles, utilize natural gas and even build your own home generator.
-
Step 5
Make contact with modern Christians who practice simplicity. There are intentional communities of Christian believers all across the world who seek to build communities based on the concepts of the Christian imperative to love one’s neighbors. Many of these communities are open to visitors. It is possible to not only observe life without electricity, but also obtain valuable advice on shifting to a power-free lifestyle.
-
Step 6
Approach progressive Christians who use green or alternative methods to produce their own electricity. Many Christians who are concerned about the stewardship of the Earth’s resources have come off the grid by exploring solutions like wind power, or by harnessing solar energy and storing it in batteries. You may also encounter interesting and effective solutions, such as the conversion of manure into an energy source via a home converter.
