The Granola Christian Phenomena (And Why it Is Amazing!)
Granola People: Who/What are They?
This is a little light-hearted post because I myself identify as a granola Christian.
The app TikTok has been the subject of many conversations this year. As of now, most of the younger generations like myself gravitate to newer and more flashy social media. I once vowed I would never go on or make tiktoks but as we know that didn’t really pan out.
I noticed that in the short time I have been on TikTok there is a sizeable community called by many names. Sometimes it’s “granola”, “granola girl”, “salted granola”, and many other variations. If you’re not familiar with what a granola girl/guy is, the urban dictionary defines it as “A person (male or female) who enjoys hiking, canoeing, and other outdoorsy things”. Basically a newer term or incarnation of 60’s hippie outdoorsy culture. I ain’t mad about it!
This has led to a socially conscious/environmentally conscious youth movement that has strived to live slower and more sustainable lives. A lot of granola influencers show the interesting side of what it means to be a nature activist. They encourage picking up your local park, not improperly disposing of waste, and other small things you can add to your daily life choices. I for one learned many eco-swaps for disposable household items through TikTok granola girls. I also learned what greenwashing was and hiking etiquette from different regions of the United States. I feel this push towards nature has been a direct cause of the declining American well-being and quality of life. As big organizations and the government continue to push pollution, overconsumption, and dangerous business practices it’s no wonder Gen-Z is responding radically the opposite way. Most granola people are nomadic with no ties to a 9-5 job or the cooperate world. There are always exceptions like myself. I work as a Sunday school teacher as my 9-5 to support myself. Ideally, this wouldn’t be the case. As I continue through life and college I hope to work in a position that is more nature inclusive and flexible in lifestyle. One of the biggest known jobs for granolas is seasonal workers, and freelance/small business owners. This gives the craved flexibility and nature-inclusive lifestyle that most of us crave.
Where Do Christians Come Into the Equation?
One of the most interesting things to come out of the community is the evolution of the subgenres of granola. One of the newest ones was salted granola or as we can call it “beach” granola. One focuses more on ocean conservation, surfing, and the island lifestyle.
Christian granola has brought both faith and environmental values into one room. It brings the joy of faith in Christ and the beauty of his creation into the community. I have seen so many amazing creators (who don’t proselytize) show the beauty of our communities and helped stop the demonization of American Christians. Many of the Christian granolas I have met personally in the community are Christians of color, progressive in values, and devout. I have seen a lot of their work focus on charity to both mankind and Earth. They display the call of Jesus to help the poor, sick, and needy as well as being stewards to God’s creation. I have developed a deep respect for the inclusivity of the Christian granola community and the lovingness they display!
Most of these folks that I know in real life are actually Sunday school teachers like myself, pastors, volunteers, students, and so much more! I know a man named Jace from a church who spent two entire weeks traveling just to give food to the homeless along with water and other necessities. He didn’t tell many of us what he planned to do before he left. He also never asked for recognition and up until now, never received it. He doesn’t do charity for recognition. He explained that he does charity because “it is the right thing to do because everyone of us are God’s children and deserves basic needs”.
I believe that this push for charity of both man and earth has created better Christian content creators and average Christians alike. I do hope to see more and as I discover more about our little community, the more I have hope for the future of American Christianity and American politics.
