Christians And Veganism: A Dietary Choice Or Moral Obligation?

Should Christians pursue a vegan diet? There are a lot of different opinions on vegetarianism and veganism in the Christian community. While some Christians interpret Genesis 1:29-30 to mean that vegetarianism was part of God's original plan, others point to Genesis 9:3, where God tells Noah that every moving thing that lives shall be food for you.

Some Christians argue that God's original intent for mankind was to thrive on a plant-based diet, and that the permission to eat meat was a temporary concession due to the Flood. They also highlight the importance of compassion in the Judeo-Christian faith, and how factory farming and high levels of meat consumption are destructive to God's creation.

On the other hand, some Christians argue that Jesus himself ate fish and lamb, and that the Bible plainly teaches that humans are permitted to eat meat. They also warn against making vegetarianism or veganism an article of religious faith, citing the apostle Paul's words in 1 Timothy 4:3.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a vegan diet is a personal one for Christians, and there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate.

The Bible's Genesis and Jesus' teachings on diet

The Bible's teachings on diet are present in both Genesis and the practices of Jesus.

Genesis

Genesis 1:29-30 states:

> God said, "See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon 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 air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food". And it was so.

This passage is interpreted by some as God prescribing a plant-based diet for humans and all land-based non-human animals. This is supported by Genesis 1:31, where God declares this creation "very good".

Genesis 9:3-4 is the first biblical example of God allowing humans to eat animals:

> God also said, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything."

However, some interpret this as a temporary permission, given because plants had been destroyed by the flood.

Jesus

Jesus's diet is described as consisting of "simple, nutritious foods" such as bread, fish, and fruits, reflecting the common foods of first-century Palestine. He is described as eating lamb during the Passover ritual.

Jesus's teachings on food emphasise spiritual nourishment over physical consumption. He encourages gratitude, fellowship, and moderation in eating.

Jesus also practised fasting as a spiritual endeavour, and encouraged his disciples to do the same in humility.

Animal welfare and rights

Christians may consider a vegan diet to enable fellow creatures to flourish and praise God. The Bible states that God made all creatures and declared them good, and that God has compassion on and provides for every living thing.

The Bible also states that God gave humans dominion over animals. However, this has been interpreted in different ways. Some Christians interpret this to mean that vegetarianism was part of God's original plan, and that it is necessary for a redeemed and sanctified life. Others argue that humans have dominion over animals in the sense of caring for them and seeking their flourishing.

Many Christians may be inspired by long Christian traditions of fasting from meat and other animal products. For example, some Coptic Christians observe fasts that impose a vegan diet for two-thirds of the year.

In addition, some Christians may choose to practice veganism or vegetarianism for Lent. Before the 6th century, Lent was observed through keeping the Black Fast for 40 days, with the allowance of one vegetarian meal after sunset.

Some Christians may also choose to adopt a vegan diet to show compassion for animals. Cruelty to animals is not consistent with a Christian worldview, and Proverbs 12:10 states that "Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast".

Furthermore, some Christians may choose to adopt a vegan diet due to concerns about the treatment of animals in the food industry. For example, cows in factory farms endure milking machines that latch onto their chapped and infected udders multiple times per day, and cows and pigs experience depression and anxiety from being trapped in too-small gestation crates and pens.

In conclusion, while there are differing interpretations of the Bible's teachings on diet and animals, there are several reasons why Christians may choose to adopt a vegan diet, including enabling fellow creatures to flourish, showing compassion for animals, and following Christian traditions of fasting from meat and other animal products.

Environmental impact

A vegan diet is widely regarded to be better for the planet than diets that include animal products. Research shows that meat and dairy products are fuelling the climate crisis, while plant-based diets focused on fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans help protect the planet.

Positive Environmental Impact

According to the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, shifting diets from meat and other animal products to plant-based diets has a high potential for reducing carbon footprints and mitigating climate change. The report also states that other co-benefits include lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and reducing mortality from diet-related non-communicable diseases.

A report published in The Lancet in 2019 concluded that a dietary shift towards plant-based foods is vital for promoting the health of our planet. The report states that vegan and vegetarian diets are associated with the greatest reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

A global shift to a plant-based diet could reduce mortality and greenhouse gases caused by food production by 10% and 70% respectively by 2050. This is because animal products, both meat and dairy, generally require more resources and cause higher emissions than plant-based alternatives.

Negative Environmental Impact

However, it is important to note that not all plant-based foodstuffs have a small environmental footprint. For example, delicate fruits like blueberries and strawberries are often imported to Europe and the US by air to fill gaps when local fruits are out of season. Similarly, avocadoes and mangoes are extremely water-intensive crops.

Christian Perspective

Christians may be inspired by their faith to adopt a vegan diet to care for God's creation and to enable fellow creatures to flourish. They may also be motivated by the long Christian traditions of fasting from meat and other animal products.

Health benefits

A vegan diet can have several health benefits, ranging from weight loss to lower risks of chronic illnesses.

Weight Loss

An increasing number of people are turning to plant-based diets to shed excess weight. Observational studies suggest that vegans tend to be thinner and have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) than non-vegans. Randomized controlled studies also report that vegan diets are more effective for weight loss than other diets.

Lower Risk of Chronic Illnesses

A vegan diet may also provide benefits for type 2 diabetes and declining kidney function. Vegans tend to have lower blood sugar levels and higher insulin sensitivity and may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A vegan diet is also thought to lower the risk of complications for people with type 2 diabetes.

Lower Risk of Certain Cancers

According to the World Health Organization, at least one-third of all cancers can be prevented by factors within human control, including diet. Vegans generally eat more legumes, fruits, and vegetables than non-vegans, which may explain why a 2017 study found that vegans may benefit from a 15% lower risk of developing cancer. Eating legumes regularly may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, and eating higher amounts of plant-based foods reduces the risk of several types of cancer, including stomach, lung, mouth, and throat cancers.

Heart Health

Well-planned vegan diets generally include fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and fiber, which are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Observational studies report that vegans may benefit from a significantly lower risk of developing high blood pressure, and they may also have a lower risk of dying from heart disease.

Arthritis Relief

Some studies have reported that a vegan diet has positive effects on people with different types of arthritis. A small study found that people with arthritis who switched to a whole food, plant-based vegan diet for six weeks reported higher energy levels and better general functioning than those who didn't change their diet. Several other studies suggest a vegan diet may help improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including pain, joint swelling, and morning stiffness.

Other Benefits

A vegan diet may also provide other health benefits, such as improved kidney function and lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, a vegan diet is often richer in certain nutrients, such as fiber, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds, as well as potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E.

Social conscience

Some Christians adopt a vegan diet for reasons other than biblical teachings. For instance, they may be concerned about the way animals are treated in the food industry. This is a valid point because God gave humans dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28) and expects them to be accountable for the way they treat His creation. Cruelty to animals is not consistent with a Christian worldview. Proverbs 12:10 says, “Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast” (ESV).

However, many animal advocacy groups do not acknowledge that animal life should not be given priority over human life. Humans alone have been made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, denying starving people food to protect the “rights” of birds and beasts is wicked and foolish.

Another reason for Christians to adopt a vegan diet is to save the lives of fellow human creatures. The livestock industry threatens human food and water security, and those already suffering from deprivation are at greatest risk. Christians are explicitly directed to care for those with the greatest needs and the least resources.

Currently, over a third of global cereal output goes to farmed animals, and humans eating the animals receive only 8% of the calories that would be available if humans ate the cereals directly. Animal agriculture is also a significant consumer of scarce global water supplies: producing 1 kg of beef requires 10 to 20 times the water required by producing the same calories from plant-based sources.

Factory farms are also hugely destructive and toxic to neighbouring communities. For example, Peter Singer, in his book *The Ethics of What We Eat*, writes about a family who lived near a factory farm. Their house was so overrun with pests that they caught up to 40 mice per day, and the air and water were so riddled with waste and disease that their little boy regularly became very sick; they even found maggots in his stool.

In addition, the harmful effects of industrial animal agriculture on the environment may also motivate Christians to adopt a vegan diet. Greenhouse gas emissions from a huge expansion in raising livestock is a significant cause of the climate catastrophe, which will have a devastating impact on humans and other animals. Reducing consumption of animal products is one of the quickest ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Industrial animal agriculture also causes local environmental problems. Big intensive pig farms with their huge lagoons of excrement are horrible to live nearby and are disproportionately placed near poor communities, making their lives miserable.

Finally, Christians may adopt a vegan diet to show compassion to God’s creatures. The word “compassion” is applied to God and Jesus dozens of times throughout the scriptures. In fact, 2 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV) says: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” “The Father of compassion.” Are we taught that God grants His compassion only to humans? On the contrary, both the Hebrew (“Old Testament”) and Christian (“New Testament”) scriptures contain numerous laws and commands that pertain to showing compassion to animals. Proverbs 12:10 (NIV) states quite plainly: “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”

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