Scriptural Exploration Of Veganism And Dietary Choices

There are differing opinions on veganism and vegetarianism within Christianity. Some Christians believe that God's message in the Bible is that humans should follow a vegan diet, while others disagree. Those who support veganism and vegetarianism often cite the Bible's message of peace and non-violence, and God's intention for all his creatures to eat plants. They also point to the fact that Jesus himself was a vegetarian. However, others argue that God's message in the Bible is that humans have dominion over animals, and that eating meat is morally permissible. Ultimately, the decision to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet is a personal one, and Christians are called to respect each other's differences of opinion.

Genesis 1:29-30 suggests a plant-based diet for humans and non-human animals

Genesis 1:29-30 suggests a plant-based diet for both humans and non-human animals.

> 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 from the Bible is clear in its message: God intends for both humans and non-human animals to eat a plant-based diet. This is further emphasised by the fact that God created the world as vegan and later declared it "very good" (Genesis 1:31).

The specific plants mentioned in Genesis 1:29-30 include "every plant yielding seed", "every tree with seed in its fruit", and "every green plant". This indicates a diet consisting of a variety of seeds, fruits, and plants.

While some may argue that humans were given dominion over animals, granting permission to eat them, this interpretation is not supported by the Bible. The concept of "dominion" does not imply complete and utter domination or the killing of animals for food. Instead, it should be understood in the context of peaceful coexistence and harmony, as emphasised in the Bible's depiction of the Peaceable Kingdom in Isaiah 11:6-8.

Furthermore, the Bible's message of compassion and mercy, reflected in God's likeness, aligns with a plant-based diet that avoids causing unnecessary violence to animals. This interpretation is reinforced by Jesus's life and work, which embodied non-violence, resistance to oppression, and love for enemies.

In conclusion, Genesis 1:29-30 suggests a plant-based diet for both humans and non-human animals, reflecting God's intention for a peaceful and harmonious world.

Genesis 9:3-4 is the first instance of God allowing the consumption of animals

Genesis 9:3-4 is the first instance in the Bible where God explicitly allows humans to eat animals. The verses state:

> "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; and just as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it; that is sin. For your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. From every animal I will demand it and from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being."

This passage is part of the covenant between God and Noah, which also includes God's commands to Noah and his sons to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. It is worth noting that while God gives permission to eat animals, He also sets a restriction: humans are forbidden from consuming the blood of these animals along with their flesh. This restriction is significant as it establishes the symbolism of Christ's sacrifice for human sin on the cross.

Prior to this, in Genesis 1:29-30, God instituted a plant-based diet for both humans and non-human animals:

> "And God said, 'Behold, I give you every plant that produces seeds upon the earth and every tree that has fruit with its seed inside of it: these shall be your food. And I give all green plants to every wild animal and to all the birds of the air and to all creatures that move upon the surface of the earth and that have the breath of life in them.' And it was so."

This plant-based diet is also reflected in the book of Daniel, where Daniel and his companions choose to eat only vegetables and water, and are found to be healthier than those who ate the royal rations of food and wine.

While Genesis 9:3-4 does mark the first instance of God allowing the consumption of animals, it is important to note that the Bible also contains verses that emphasize compassion and mercy towards animals, such as Proverbs 12:10, which states, "The righteous know the needs of their animals," and Psalm 147:9, which says, "He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry."

The Levitical law distinguishes between clean (kosher) and unclean foods

The Levitical law, as outlined in Leviticus 11, distinguishes between clean (kosher) and unclean foods. This law permitted Israelites to eat animals that "part the hoof and are cloven-footed and chew the cud" (Leviticus 11), while prohibiting the consumption of the meat of other animals.

The distinction between clean and unclean animals in the Levitical law is based on specific criteria. Clean animals are those that meet certain physical characteristics and behaviours. For example, animals that have split hooves and chew the cud, such as cows, sheep, and goats, are considered clean. On the other hand, animals that do not meet these criteria, such as pigs, camels, and certain birds, are deemed unclean and are forbidden for consumption.

The Levitical law also provides specific instructions for identifying clean and unclean fish. Fish with fins and scales are considered clean, while those without these features, such as shellfish and catfish, are unclean. Insects are also categorized, with those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground being deemed unclean.

These distinctions between clean and unclean foods in the Levitical law are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they reflect the Israelites' understanding of God's instructions for maintaining holiness and purity. By following these dietary laws, the Israelites believed they were obeying God's commands and separating themselves from other nations. Secondly, these laws have practical implications for health and hygiene. For example, the prohibition of pork consumption may have been due to the risk of contracting trichinosis, a parasitic infection caused by eating undercooked pork.

It is important to note that the Levitical law is part of the Old Testament, and in the New Testament, Jesus declares all foods clean (Mark 7:18-19). This shift away from Old Testament legalism underscores the importance of Christian liberty and individual conscience in the New Testament. As Paul writes in Romans 14:2-6, Christians should respect each other's dietary choices, whether they choose to eat meat or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

The New Testament underscores the importance of Christian liberty and individual conscience

Another interpretation of Christian liberty is being freed from the power of sin in one's life through daily faith in Jesus Christ as the Lord of one's character and conduct, as stated in Romans 6:5-6, 14. Furthermore, Christians are liberated from the Jewish Law of Moses, as the Law can only "expose" sin rather than "forgive" it (Romans 3:20-22).

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of individual conscience. God is the Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from doctrines and commandments of men that contradict His Word (James 4:12; Romans 14:4). Following such doctrines or commands out of conscience betrays true liberty of conscience (Colossians 2:20, 22-23; Galatians 1:10, 2:4-5, 5:1).

Additionally, Christians are cautioned against using their liberty as an opportunity for the flesh but instead to serve one another through love (Galatians 5:13). Ultimately, the goal for Christians should be to glorify God, edify fellow believers, and maintain a good reputation before unbelievers (Psalm 19:14; Romans 15:1-2; 1 Peter 2:11-12).

Cruelty to animals is not consistent with a Christian worldview

The Bible contains several passages that suggest that cruelty to animals is not consistent with a Christian worldview.

Firstly, God's creation of a vegan world, as described in Genesis 1:29-30, indicates that this is how God intended all his creatures to live. This idea is further supported by the vision of the Peaceable Kingdom in Isaiah 11:6-9, which describes a world where animals and humans coexist peacefully and no animals are killed for food.

Additionally, the Bible emphasizes the importance of humans showing compassion and mercy towards animals. Proverbs 12:10 states that "The righteous know the needs of their animals, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel." Similarly, Psalm 147:9 says, "He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry." These verses suggest that humans have a responsibility to care for and provide for animals.

Furthermore, the Bible also highlights the value God places on all creatures, including animals. For example, in Matthew 10:29, Jesus notes that even sparrows, sold for mere pennies, are known to God. This suggests that God cares for all creatures, and humans, as followers of God, should reflect this compassion in their treatment of animals.

While there are passages in the Bible that can be interpreted to justify the eating of animals, such as Genesis 9:3-4, these can be understood in the context of the Fallen state of humanity. Richard Young, for instance, argues that God permitted humans to eat animals as a concession to human sinfulness.

Overall, the Bible's teachings on compassion, mercy, and the value of all creatures suggest that cruelty to animals is not consistent with a Christian worldview.

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