Examining Biblical Commands on Meat Consumption: A Vegetarian Perspective

The Bible does not contain any direct commandment stating unequivocally that humans should avoid meat consumption. However, it does provide guidance on dietary choices, leading some to lean towards vegetarianism. In this article, we will explore the biblical texts that are often cited in the debate and provide a perspective on what God's word says regarding meat consumption.

Direct Biblical Texts Regarding Meat

Romans 14:2-3 focuses on the differences in beliefs among early Christians regarding what was considered food and drink:

A person who eats, eats to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; while the one who abstains, abstains to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Application: This text emphasizes the importance of gratitude and thankfulness in matters of diet, but does not outright prohibit the consumption of meat.

1 Timothy 4:3-4 further highlights the practice of moderation in one's diet:

The Spirit plainly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared with a hot iron, forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

Application: The Biblical text mentions the prohibition of certain practices and foods but does not explicitly mention a universal prohibition against meat consumption.

Daniel 1:12 is a key text that depicts a young prophet's struggle to choose a vegetarian diet:

Let Your servants eat vegetables, please, and let them drink water, for our life at stake is at issue, and why should we appear before the king in poor condition?

Application: Daniel's choice to eat only vegetables and water reflects a potential healthier and more pious lifestyle, but it does not serve as a universal mandate for all believers.

Biblical Provisions for Meat Consumption

Genesis 9:3 provides a significant shift in human dietary choices after the Great Flood:

Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; and just as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.

Application: This verse indicates that God allowed humans to eat meat after the Flood, suggesting a concession for human welfare, rather than an absolute necessity.

Theological Implications and Personal Perspective

Based on the Bible, it appears God's intention was for humans to be vegetarian. The concession to eat meat after the Flood was made for the benefit of mankind, signifying a change in circumstances rather than a permanent mandate:

God originally provided only vegetation as food for mankind, but after the Flood, He allowed humans to consume animal flesh. This was done with the underlying belief that it was beneficial for human health and survival.

Jesus' Personal Practice: Some traditional meat-fast practices can be traced back to practices during the Lent period in Christianity:

Jesus said, “ΚΑΤΑΡΑ ΣΤΟ ΛΑΡΥΝΓΙ ΠΟΥ ΚΑΤΕΒΑΖΗ ΚΡΕΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΨΑΡΗ. ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗΣ ΤΑΣ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΑΣ. KATARA- CURSED IS THE LARYNX THAT SWALLOWS MEAT AND FISH ON WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. IT IS ASTRICHERS OF YOUR LIFE AND DURING LENT ITS STRicter. I HEARD WE CAN HAVE FISH DURING THE CHRISTMAS FAST BUT GENERALLY WE FAST EVERYTHING. UNLIKE CATHOLICS ONLY DO IT DURING LENT AND NOW ITS ONLY ON FRIDAYS. WELL WHAT IS LEFT TO FAST?

Application: The Catholic tradition of abstinence and fasting on Fridays and during Lent reflects a personal or communal observance rather than an absolute Biblical command.

God's Love and Creation

The Bible emphasizes that all beings, whether human or animal, are created by God and thus, should be treated with respect and reverence:

Psalm 36:6 - Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; Thy judgments are a great deep, O Lord! Thou preservest man and beast.

Application: This verse emphasizes God's love for both humans and animals, suggesting that a vegetarian lifestyle aligns with God's intention for creation.

Conclusion

The Bible does not mandate a vegetarian lifestyle or an absolute prohibition on meat consumption. However, it does offer a framework for understanding, gratitude, and the principles of moderation. The pattern of allowing vegetarianism and eventually incorporating animal flesh follows the storyline of God's creation and its ongoing adaptation to human needs and circumstances.

Whether or not one chooses to be a vegetarian is ultimately a personal decision, guided by one's understanding of the Bible and the values it embodies. A vegetarian lifestyle can be seen as a reflection of God's love for all creation and an act of reverence for life.

Keywords: Bible, vegetarian, meat consumption