More and more people are switching to a vegetarian or completely plant-based diet.
Others like their meat very much.
What does the Bible teach us about eating meat? Are all types of meat good to eat? Or are we only allowed to eat the flesh of clean animals? As a Christian, why would you choose not to eat meat?
In the first part of this series we were able to conclude based on Bible texts that the ban on eating unclean animals still applies. You can read this blog here.
In part 2 I discussed which meats can be eaten, if you so choose. You can read this here.
We have now come to the last question. What are biblical arguments for eating vegetarian or vegan?
The original plan
To know what is the best food, we must study God's original plan for man's diet. He who created man and understands his needs pointed out his food to Adam. “And God said: Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yoelding seed; to you it shall be for meat” Genesis 1:29.
In the beginning, the diet of the people consisted of grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. It was contrary to God's plan to take the life of any creature. There would be no death in Eden.
Only after the flood, when all trees and plants were destroyed, God gave permission to eat meat. Everything on which man could survive had been destroyed. That is why the Lord gave Noah permission to eat of the clean animals that he had taken with him into the ark. This can be read in Genesis 9. But meat was not the healthiest food item for humans.
In the desert
The people of God, who were led out of Egypt to the promised land, are an example for us. They were accustomed to the fleshpots of Egypt, but God led them from there.
“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I amthe LORD that healeth thee.” Exodus 15:26
In the desert, God gave them manna, heavenly bread, to eat. But the Israelites would not follow God's directions. They lament and wail. Finally, God gives them quail and it turned out to be a curse.
“They waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. …And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague. … and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel.” Psalm 106:13b-15, Numbers 11:33, Psalm 78:31b.
There is a strong relationship between mental health and physical health. In particular that of the digestive system. Eating meat leads to stubbornness. By leading the people out of Egypt and giving them manna, God wanted to activate the higher spiritual powers of the people. Better discernment, insight into the truth, sharp judgment. But they refused to follow God's precepts.
“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. … Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:6 and 11.
Pure and holy
What we eat and drink shows whether we belong to the world or to God. We saw this with the people of Israel in the desert, who got a curse on them. A positive example is Daniel and his friends.
God wants to lead us step by step back to the original plant-based diet. He demands of end-time people that their appetites be purified and that self-denial be practiced against that which is not good. This must be done before His people can stand before Him as a perfect and holy people. For how can you be pure and holy, when you take the life of animals, to eat them? While we have a duty to take care of them, as it says in Genesis 1:28.
1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Influence on health
The intellect, morals and physical powers are brought down by the regular eating of meat. The effect may not be there immediately, but that is not proof that eating meat is not harmful. Many diseases and premature death are a result of eating meat. Examples include type 2 diabetes, a weaker immune system, cardiovascular disease, various types of cancer, kidney disease, and so on.
Pork is especially bad. That is one of the reasons why God distinguishes between clean animals and unclean animals. The food laws somewhat limit the negative aspects of eating meat.
Meat was never the best food for humans, but it is getting worse. Maybe in the past it was relatively safe to eat some meat now and then, but I don't think it is anymore. Some arguments for this are:
Animals are bred in such a way that they produce as quickly and as much as possible. For example, pigs today have a longer bodies with more ribs and on average have more piglets per litter.
Too many antibiotics are used in the livestock industry. Animals are given it before they get sick. This leads to bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. People who work in the livestock industry are more likely to carry a multi-resistant bacterium.
There are also bacteria and diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Think, for example, of Salmonella and Q fever.
Abuses from the meat trade are regularly in the news. For example, in Europe slaughtered chickens and pigs are drastically less checked for disease compared to several years ago. As a result, a sick animal can end up on someone's plate as a piece of meat.
Meat is not necessary for health or strength, otherwise God would have made a mistake when He gave Adam and Eve a plant based diet in Paradise. All essential nutritional elements are in fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains.
Where there is enough plant based food, there is virtually no excuse to eat meat. There is then no reason to take the life of an animal, to meet our need.
A call for health reform
Meat is harmful to our physical and mental well-being. As you have read, this can be deduced from God's Word. The Lord has a better diet, consisting of plant based food. Therefore, we have to learn to do without meat.
Do you still eat meat? Put it in the hands of the Lord. Pray and ask what God's will is for you.
Sometimes it is difficult to change eating habits. Therefore, learn more on this topic. If you make a choice with full conviction, it becomes easier. Learn to replace meat in a healthy and tasty way toe at a whole food plant based diet. Then you will quickly experience its benefits. Daniel and his friends took this step and they were blessed with strength and wisdom.
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