Veganism And Christianity: A Sinful Diet?

There are differing opinions on whether a vegan diet is un-Christian. Some Christians believe that God intended for humans to eat animals, and that not doing so is legalistic. However, others argue that God's original plan was for humans to eat a plant-based diet, and that a vegan diet is consistent with Christian values of compassion, environmental stewardship, and concern for human welfare. Ultimately, the decision to follow a vegan diet or not is a personal one, and there is no consensus among Christians as to whether it is un-Christian.

Genesis 1:29-30 suggests that God's original plan was for humans to eat a plant-based diet

> Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.

This passage indicates that God's initial plan was for humans and animals to eat plants. This is supported by the fact that God declared this creation "very good" in verse 31.

Some Christians interpret this passage to mean that vegetarianism was part of God's original plan for mankind and the animals. They argue that since God's initial creation was vegan, this is how He intended all His creatures to live.

However, it is important to note that God later gave humans permission to eat meat after the Great Flood, as described in Genesis 9:2-3. This shift away from a strictly vegetarian diet is further emphasized in the New Testament, where Jesus "declared all foods clean" (Mark 7:18-19).

While Christians may have differing opinions on vegetarianism and veganism, the Bible emphasizes the importance of Christian liberty and individual conscience in matters of diet. Ultimately, the decision to adopt a plant-based diet should be consistent with what individuals believe God wants them to do.

The Bible's New Testament underscores the importance of Christian liberty and individual conscience when it comes to food choices

In the New Testament, Jesus did away with the Old Testament rules when He "declared all foods clean" (Mark 7:18-19). God delivered a similar message to Peter in the book of Acts. While the apostle was on the roof of Simon's house in Joppa, he had a vision. After being shown a sheet containing all kinds of clean and unclean animals, he was told, "What God has made clean, do not call common" (Acts 10:9-16, ESV).

In other words, the New Testament finalises the shift away from Old Testament legalism. It also underscores the importance of Christian liberty and individual conscience. As Paul writes in Romans 14:2-6:

> One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him... The one who eats, eats in honour of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while the one who abstains, abstains in honour of the Lord and gives thanks to God. (ESV)

Paul exhorts Christians at Colossians 3:12 to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." These qualities should lead Christians to humbly assess whether their own habits and behaviours demonstrate the sort of kindness and compassion they ought to show to God's creatures.

The New Testament tells us again and again that believers must be tolerant towards one another when it comes to topics like this because they're secondary to the main issue of saving faith in Jesus Christ. In the words of the apostle Paul, "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind" (Romans 14:5, ESV).

A vegan diet can be seen as a way of caring for God's creation and the environment

A vegan diet as care for God's creation and the environment

A vegan diet can be seen as a way of caring for and respecting God's creation and the environment. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and our responsibility as Christians to be stewards of the natural world. By adopting a plant-based diet, we can reduce our impact on the planet and contribute to a more sustainable and just world.

The Bible tells us that God created the earth and all its creatures, and he instructed humans to care for and tend to this creation (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15). This includes the animals, the environment, and the resources that sustain life. As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of these gifts and to use them wisely and responsibly.

One way to live out this calling is by adopting a vegan lifestyle. Veganism goes beyond a diet; it is a way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose (The Vegan Society). This means that, in addition to abstaining from eating meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, vegans also avoid wearing animal products like leather and wool and using products tested on animals.

By choosing a vegan diet, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land degradation. It is also a leading cause of deforestation, especially in South America, where vast areas of rainforest are cleared for grazing cattle or growing soy to feed livestock (World Wildlife Fund). By contrast, plant-based foods generally have a lower environmental footprint, requiring less land, water, and energy to produce.

Adopting a vegan diet also aligns with biblical principles of compassion and justice. The Bible speaks often of God's concern for justice and mercy, especially for the most vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17; Micah 6:8). Factory farming and intensive animal agriculture contribute to the suffering of billions of animals each year, and these practices disproportionately affect low-income communities, who often live closer to these facilities and bear the brunt of the environmental and health impacts (United Nations). By choosing a vegan diet, we can reduce animal suffering and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.

Finally, a vegan diet can be a practical way to live out our faith and care for our bodies, which are considered temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Plant-based diets are often rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, providing a variety of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes (Harvard Health Publishing). By nourishing our bodies with wholesome, plant-based foods, we can honor God's gift of health and vitality.

Christians may be inspired by long religious traditions of fasting from meat and other animal products

The practice of fasting from animal products can be understood as part of a penitential practice that redirects one's focus away from selfish pleasure and towards God. Such traditions remind Christians of the limits that come with recognizing God as the creator. Animals belong to God, so humans must treat them with respect and can't do whatever they want with them.

Many Christian orders, such as the Benedictines, Franciscans, Trappists, Carthusians, and Cistercians, practice pescetarianism. Various Church leaders have also recommended vegetarianism, including John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, and William and Catherine Booth, the founders of The Salvation Army.

The Bible also contains passages that can be interpreted as supporting vegetarianism or veganism. Genesis 1:29, for example, states:

> Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.

Some Christians interpret this to mean that vegetarianism was part of God's original plan.

Another passage that is often cited in support of Christian vegetarianism or veganism is Isaiah 11:6–9, which describes a vision of a peaceful kingdom in which animals and humans coexist without violence:

> The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

A plant-based diet is healthier and more nutritious

There are many health benefits to a plant-based diet. It tends to be high in many important nutrients, including vitamins, fibre, and phytonutrients (nutrients that come only from plant sources). It is also usually lower in calories and fat. Most of the fats found in a vegetarian diet are monounsaturated fats, which can lower LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, and may raise HDL, the "good" cholesterol.

However, it is important to eat a careful variety of foods, as strict vegetarians, especially vegans, might not get enough protein, vitamins, and essential amino acids in their diets. For example, vegans cut out all animal-based foods, including eggs and dairy products, which are common sources of protein.

The Bible supports the idea that a plant-based diet is healthier and more nutritious. In the beginning, God gave humans every seed-bearing plant and fruit tree for food (Genesis 1:29). The first humans were gardeners, cultivating vegetables and fruit trees and living upon them (Genesis 2:15-16). In the book of Daniel, Daniel and his three companions chose a vegan diet and were found to be healthier and better nourished than those who ate meat (Daniel 1:15).

Many Christians also believe that a plant-based diet is part of God's original plan for humans. In the Garden of Eden, humans and animals ate plants and lived in peace (Genesis 1:29-30). It was not until after the Fall of humanity and the global flood that God allowed humans to eat meat (Genesis 9:3).

Some Christians also argue that a plant-based diet is more compassionate towards animals, which aligns with God's character and commands to show compassion (Proverbs 12:10).

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