Genesis of vegetarianism
David Hankey blasts Ms Allison in his letter "Stop berating meat-eaters" (Mailbox, April 13) by claiming "animals, in general, are farmed for human consumption... as it has been the way since God created the earth".
If Mr Hankey is going to use the Bible to defend himself he should make sure that his information is correct.
Animals were not handed over to humans to farm. Many modern-day Christians and scholars believe that the "dominion" given over animals in Genesis was intended as wise guardianship or stewardship, and, in fact, refers to caring for the natural environment as conservationists.
This explains why immediately after this role is given the Bible goes on to state (in Genesis 1:29): "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food."
That sounds very much like a plant-based diet to me! No meat or animal products of any kind are prescribed or even recommended.
Many apologists for the slaughter of animals seek justification in scripture but ultimately all we need do is ask ourselves what is the most compassionate choice as we shop for our food.
Is it to pay for and support the killing of sentient animals because we like the taste of them?
Or to choose a food that avoids this unnecessary killing?
I decided to switch to a plant-based diet in 2006 and have never looked back.
A vegan diet has been described as "the kind diet", I couldn't agree more!
V H Sheppard, Leicester.
5 Comments
by Suecat2, Leicester
Monday, April 18 2011, 4:43PM
“Also worth reading the book 'Why you don't need to eat meat' and the health problems associated with eating it - especially today when it is mass produced with all kinds of additives.
What is wrong is the intensive production process of meat where millions of animals are slaughtered for human consumption.
Obviously still a lot of neanderthals around - shame on you.”
by PB, Leicester
Sunday, April 17 2011, 3:56PM
“This is one of the daftest veggie letters I have ever seen. I assume Mr Sheppard never got beyond Genesis 1, otherwise he may have noticed animal sacrifice and meat eating sactioned by God.”
by Arden, Braunstone
Saturday, April 16 2011, 11:17PM
“"If God did not want us to eat animals he would not have made them taste of meat." (Anon)
More to the point and real science is we have teeth which make us omnivores. So by nature we evolved to eat all sorts but vegetarianism is a lifestyle choice, good on you but I do not share it.”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Saturday, April 16 2011, 2:53PM
“I wonder how Ms Allinson feels as she describes herself as an 'almost vegan'!!!”
by David, Great Easton, Rural Leicestershire.
Saturday, April 16 2011, 10:49AM
“I suggests VH Sheppard you read my letter again as I have certainly not used the Bible to defend my position. Are you saying man hasn't eaten meat since time immemorial?
The problem is with you vegans is the fact that you once enjoyed eating meat, have since chosen not to and because of that expect the rest of us to follow suit.
Your attempted deflection away from my central point into the realms of what is or isn't written in the Bible does your argument no good whatsoever.
You have failed to acknowledge my point that anyone ill treating animals whether for human consumption or not should expect to feel the full weight of the law. No, instead of agreeing you ramble on wanting everyone to end up like you, well understand this, it is not going to happen.
I repeat we meat eaters are not the cause of ill treatment of animals.
Finally, you state "a vegan diet has been described as the kind diet" it's a great pity that those who are, aren't!!”