In this guest column, Tom from the popular web site New Vegan Age explores the connection between Christianity and veganism:
If you’re like many Christians around the world, you’re not consuming meat on certain days of Lent this year.
But have you ever wondered about Christians who have renounced meat permanently? And not just meat, but confections and other foods made with eggs, milk, cheese, and butter?
That’s us: Vegan Christians. We’re a tiny minority, and we don’t mean to make your life difficult. We didn’t want to complicate the Lenten feast you lovingly prepared for a dozen people at your home, or to seem ungrateful when we asked questions about its preparation or ingredients.
Just the opposite, in fact. For me, fear of making life difficult for my friends and loved ones made me delay becoming vegan—declining to use or consume anything derived from animals for the sake of beauty, flavor, nourishment, clothing, entertainment, or convenience—until, after many years of relatively easy vegetarianism, I finally followed my conscience and made that leap.
Now, four years later and during this Lenten season of reflection, I want more people to understand my decision—and to consider what has brought many other modern Christians to veganism.
For most vegans, compassion is central to our relationships with other living beings, and our veganism allows us to best live that fundamental truth. In the Biblical stories that many vegans most closely relate to and are most inspired by, Jesus demonstrates compassion, humility, and kindness.
For these reasons, I think vegans are actually more like our non-vegan Christian brothers and sisters than we are different. We also share a deep affiliation with people who’ve made Jesus’ life a model for our own, and we have, in turn, educated our children, grandchildren, and neighbors in the practice of compassion. Unfortunately, however, vegan Christians live outside of the Christian mainstream for a key reason. It’s one that can make us appear to be separatist. Sanctimonious. Even self-righteous.
Put most simply, it is often difficult for us to comfortably join gatherings where all life, including that of animals, is not celebrated as a creation of God that must be protected. Since Christian vegans often interpret Biblical “dominion” over animals as stewardship and not as domination—that is, not as ownership or use—the prospect of attending family gatherings, parish suppers, and coffee hours that feature animal-based casseroles and confections made using dairy products can fill us with dread.
How can vegans see something as innocuous as a donut as cruel? Well, the products sold in supermarkets—even those labeled “organic” and “free-range”— force animals to live unnecessarily uncomfortable and unnaturally shortened lives. Those smiling cartoon cows and pigs that advertisers employ do the actual cramped, dirty animals found in most factory farms a great disservice; it’s not difficult to find evidence of this on the Internet or in your local bookstore.
What’s interesting is that modern vegan Christians may not even be that different than our religious ancestors. Eloquent arguments of the potential vegetarianism (or even veganism) of Jews and Christians in antiquity—including Saint Basil, Saint Jerome, and even Matthew and the other Apostles—include the non-availability of animal-based diets to common folk in the Mediterranean basin and the lack of evidence that Jesus consumed animal flesh, as well as differences in how early Christian writings were translated.
Rynn Berry, an author and translator of ancient Greek who died in January, found no mention of fish in the earliest accounts of the multiplication miracle—it was strictly bread—and when he personally translated the passages in the Gospel of John describing the multiplication of loaves and fishes, he found that the original meaning of the word used was “relish.”
As for the symbols of fish associated with Jesus’ ministry, said Berry, astrological events at his birth might account for why the persecuted Christian minority in ancient Rome used fish symbols as a code to signal other Christians, and why we still see it in churches and on car bumpers yet today. Could it be that we are called to be fishers of men, and not fishers of fish?
Despite these assertions or alternate possibilities, however, for many vegan Christians today, the primary evidence linking our Christianity with the practice of veganism actually resides not in Biblical evidence but in our hearts, and is illuminated after we prayerfully ask ourselves two questions.
Could I, alone and by myself, harm, torture, or kill another living being?
Once examined, will my conscience allow me to have other people harm, torture, or kill another living being in my name and for my use?
For some people, the answers to the prayerful consideration of these two questions will be yes. For vegan Christians, the answer is no, but that answer doesn’t result in one iota of smugness or superiority. We just happen to see God in the faces of pigs, sheep, geese, turkeys, goats, chickens, and cows as easily as most people do in the faces of their beloved pet cats and companion dogs.
Vegan Christians believe that all animals—wild, farmed, and domesticated—feel pain, make decisions, and are inclined to protect themselves and their families from harm. We believe that all human and animal life is a sacred gift from God. We actually think a lot of people—particularly those who are troubled by the sight of factory farm and slaughterhouse footage—agree with us. And so we wonder: Why aren’t more Christians vegan?
All we ask is that you think more about it. Read things both critical and in favor of veganism. Quiz people who embrace and denounce it. Most importantly, start trying it out yourself, at any pace and in any way that is comfortable. While doing so, ask yourself and God the two questions above. And listen carefully for the answers.
Tom from New Vegan Age is an editor based in Princeton, New Jersey.
This is something that has probably kept me away from organized religion. The way humans treat animals is a huge part of our ongoing cruelty, yet I never saw it addressed.
…and the way humans treat humans is also disgusting. But I guess it’s sexier to go on about being kinder to animals than it is humans!
There is no reason why you cannot go on about both of them or are you trying to look for an excuse to carry on eating animals. Most of the vegans I know belong to organisations like Amnesty International, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), OXFAM etc.
I often ask people who come out with comments like yours what are they doing for humans and afterwards they are strangely silent. You may be different.
Thank you for responding with intelligence to a excusetarian comment.
Vegans want a better world for all humans, through non-violence and saving animals.
I agree 100%, I did not go to church for years but I always considered myself Christian. I have been vegetarian for over 17 years. I decided to go a church that is on the vegetarian side. Seventh Day Adventists are considered very healthy and it has to be because of their diet. Also I learned why they attend church on Saturday. The Bible says in both the old and new testament the Sabbath is on the 7th day of the week, which is Saturday. The catholic church is responsible for changing the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. The pope years ago decided to make that change so the church takes responsibility for the change. ( I don’t think the pope has power over God.)
A very unusual take on veganism. Dominion over animals does NOT mean EAT THEM! I like your phrase “fishers of men, not fishers of fish!” Very well written and interestingloy expressed. A unique point of view.
I think a pretty stupid written article….no sin in eating animals.
Genesis 1:29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”
It is true that it is not a sin to eat whatever you like but being vegan or just vegetarian has numerous health benefits. That is why Adventists are known to be healthier and live longer. But speaking of sin, it states throughout the Bible the 7th day of the week is the Sabbath which is Saturday. Instead the pope feels he had power over God’s word and made the Sabbath Sunday.
I thought so Dazman or whatever your real name is. You are either trolling or feeling guilty. Genesis Ch: 1 Ver: 29,30.Right at the beginning of the Bible says the plant of the earth shall be our food. Read my comment about caring for humans and animals at the same time. You tried to make out vegans do not care about people as well. I would not mind betting the only thing you care about is your stomach. Consuming animal products leads to higher incidences of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis etc. There is enough food to feed 70 Billion land animals and around the same amount of breeding animals yet human beings (mostly children) are dying at the rate of one every few seconds. Yet it takes 14Kg of grain, vegetables, plants etc. to produce just 1Kg of animal flesh. But of course someone who is so concerned about the wellbeing of humans will already know that.
Taking the life of a gentle, defenseless, helpless animal is an abomination in the eyes of God. They do not want to die for your meal. When I ate animals I had blood on my hands.
I’m not a theist, although I follow the teachings of Christ with regard to how to treat each other. At churches all around my rural neighborhood, it is very popular to have special gatherings around the flesh of one or another animal; e.g., turkey dinners, beef roasts, fried chicken dinner, etc. It makes me so sad that events that are meant to bring people together in a spirit of love and fellowship should do so at the wholesale destruction of other beings’ lives.
It makes me so sad to think that a person doesn`t find eating potatoes or carrots or tomatoes a way of destroying their life. Well, it’s a life isn`t it!!!
Potatoes, carrots, tomatoes – don’t have a nervous system and don’t bear children and don’t have a face.
Some people go to church but do not hear the voice of peace, kindness and compassion for living beings.
Human beings do have to eat something – b u t the least harm should be done — to the body (meat and dairy are hugely unhealthy) – least harm to the planet – over 51% of all environmental destruction is caused by people eating meat and dairy. It is not feminist (cows are raped and their babies stolen and the cycle continues with their milk being stolen and given to humans). Eating animals is intensely cruel and they are tortured from the moment of conception – cows go through giving many births – then when they can no longer stand (at the age of approx. 6 years and after ‘GIVING’ birth to babies they never fed (was that not god’s intention for a mother cow to feed her babies – not the unweaned human?) – they are dragged to slaughter. Cows life expectancy is 35 years. Please consider this before putting in silly remarks about the life of a potato.
I believe that commentor is a troll making typical baseless comments. He does not seem to care about the life of the animals he eats, and vegans make him uncomfortable. Peace.
What do you think the animals you eat, eat?. They eat tons of plants. A cow or cattle animal has a very inefficient conversion rate, they eat 25 pounds of plants to make 1 pound of flesh. Honestly, you comparing the life of a carrot or potato, to that of a cow is quite rediculous. Do you eat plants?, if so, you not only kill the animals but ALSO the
plants. You must be a troll.
I find church people to be incredibly blind – willfully blind – collectively and selectively blind.
They Love to bash people over the head with their bibles – while their disregard for kindness, compassion and love (for all gods creatures) is disregarded and people (ie. vegans) are laughed at and scoffed at and mocked because of the choices they make that are kind, compassionate and loving and that consider the earth -and how destructive eating animals proves to be to the planet.
Christians justify their self indulgence by finding a verse in their book – while their hearts grow colder and more cruel with each ‘sanctioned by the church’ mouthful at their pot lucks. The christians at their pot’lucks’ are not at all interested or aware of the lack of luck for that poor being on their plate. It’s all about me, me and ME and my tummy!
If religious people are so repellent to you, then why are you here?
Christianity is a realatioship with Christ not a theological religion. We are created in the image of God and God is all that is good and love. Where is love or good from unnecessarily taking an animal’s life. It is not done for survival but forbthe pleasure of taste.
Oh come on, think. She is here to understand better what others think. Why are there so many trolls on this site?.
Kim, I’m hopeful that organized religion will eventually (if not soon) recognize that all life is sacred, and I believe that discussions like this one will help in that effort. When you think about what was considered “normal” just a few hundred years ago (bloodletting, indulgences) or even 50 years ago (religious services in an ancient language, physical punishment in schools, no seat belts in cars), it is clear that Church and society do change.
M., I hope this viewpoint becomes less and less unique—and more and more common! Thank you for your openness.
Rebecca, I agree with you that it is *following* the teachings of Christ that counts. Many people who consciously (or unconsciously) follow Christ’s nonviolent example never set foot in a Church. That said, I am thankful to the Church for preserving his teachings for us to have 2,000 years later, and I do personally find connection and meaning in a meditative church setting. Perhaps we can be comforted and find purpose in the many educational opportunities “to bring people together in a spirit of love and fellowship” in a way that does *not* result in the destruction of other beings’ lives.
um What`s ‘organized religion’ ? Is it the opposite of ‘organized atheism’?
You are a troll Dazman but you are not very good at it. When did you last call an ambulance after dropping a cucumber? As I said before consuming animal products results in higher incidences of serious illnesses. You obviously think animal abuse is funny. Let’s hope when Karma catches up with you there is someone there to call an ambulance and let’s also hope they are not all busy dealing with vegetables.
Thnk you for calling out trolls.
Specific passages in the Bible have been used to justify just about everything. But it’s important to remember that, for every Biblical or other religious reference to animals as meat or for other human uses, there are plenty of counterparts suggesting support for a vegan life. A few appear in the link below—please suggest any corrections and/or add others as comments!
http://newveganage.blogspot.com/2014/04/biblical-and-other-religious-support.html
There are also plenty of passages that don`t approve of divorce, or banging ladies whilst being US President too!! But it’s ok, ’cause as long as they`re vegans then they`re high moralistic people!!!!!!!!
1+1 does not equal 100. Of course being vegan alone isn’t enough, nobody is saying that it is. But it can help.
We just have to try our best. Are you?
It does not matter how much you criticize vegans or others. You seem to enjoy making excuses for victimizing animals, eating their dead bodies, and not taking responsibility for doing so. Certainly you do not support animal cruelty and you care about animals.
What this article and all the comments are leaving out is the difference between “faith in Jesus as savior and being born again” vs. calling one’s self Christian. Going to Church, celebrating a holiday or any other example does not make one a true believer. Only being born again by recognizing that you are a sinner and that Jesus died for your sins and that the only way to be saved is through belief in his death and resurrection and payment for your sins are you saved and thus “born-again!” Here is what you will find amongst “born-again” believers.. the strong in Jesus will always eat Meat! Period. There is not argument against it. To tell a believer not to eat Meat is a “doctrine of demons” as the living word of God clearly proclaims. In fact, this concept that eating meat is not accepting of life being sacred is a doctrine of demons! Why, God clearly said that the animals will fear men because they are now food for men. To say that all animals are sacred is a doctrine of paganism and demons. It is placing the creation above the creator. My experience shows that those who claim that they are Christian Vegans, are more often than not… not born again! Plain and simple. This message is for the true believer and not the non-believer!
You can: bing.com Dr. Michael Greger, he will give a lot of very good reasons to be vegetarian and even vegan. Don’t think you know it all and not read or listen to his talks about how your diet can make a big positive difference in your life and why the government does not tell the public the truth (not wanting to harm the beef or dairy industries), money over health. As far as the Bible goes we are allowed to eat what we need to eat for survival. Jesus ate fish only. But factory farms??? they do not produce healthy meat, they harm the environment, are excessively cruel to animals. Do you really believe Jesus was in favor of cruelty to animals? There are other countries where people are much healthier than the US because they use meat only to flavor their food. “According to the United Nations, in their report called UN Chronicle: The Atlas of Heart Disease & Stroke, Japan has one of the lowest rates of coronary heart disease in the world, but the Japanese were found to have a gradually increasing risk after moving to North America, eventually approaching that of those people born there.”
How would Christian vegans treat a person who was vegan for many years but now pescetarian because they suffered many health effects related to being vegan? Would you blame that person for “doing it wrong” or call them a murderer? Or would you show love and compassion for that person who is fighting to regain their health so they can give all of their attention and their life to Christ instead of vegan dogma?
Congratulations on having been “vegan”. Sadly, many humans who call themselves “vegan” have not done their homework, and, are eating inadequately. Yes “doing it wrong” does apply in many cases. If you are not feeling well on your food choices, get some help!. Do not typically blame the vegan “diet”–YOU make your food choices. Go to a qualified dietician and have a blood test. If you are not eating (or absorbing) iron, zinc, or taking B12 that effects your energy levels, Many humans have digestive problems, are allergic to what they eat, or are low in nutrients. There are many crappy vegan processed foods which are unhealthy, yet many vegans eat a lot of them.