Vegetarianism: Eating to the Glory of God
Whether to eat meat or not is a matter of Christian freedom. Scripture begins with a garden diet, permits meat after the flood, and calls every believer to eat – or to abstain – for the glory of God.
From Eden to the Table
Scripture suggests that God originally intended both man and animals to be vegetarians (Gen 1:29-30, 2:9,16). However, after the flood He said to humanity, "everything that lives and moves will be food for you...but meat must not have its blood still in it" (Gen 9:2-4).
Later, while Israel was in the wilderness, God commanded His people not to eat certain "unclean" animals, birds and creatures (Lev 11:1-47). Jesus lifted this restriction and declared all foods clean (Mk 7:19).
Freedom Without Judgement
Whether to eat meat or not is a personal choice, and we should not force our convictions about this issue on other people or judge their decision (Rom 14:2-3). "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God", thanking Him for providing it (1 Cor 10:31; 1 Thes 5:18).
Freedom in Christ: living fully in His grace and liberty
The Daniel Fast
Daniel and his three friends refrained from eating the choice food assigned to them by the king, choosing to eat only vegetables and drink water (Dan 1:5,8-12). This 'no meat and no luxury' diet has been called 'the Daniel fast' and is sometimes followed in a limited way by those who are fasting.
Diet in Scripture
Paul insisted that everything created by God is good, and that nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving (1 Tim 4:3-5). He likewise told believers not to let anyone pass judgement on them in questions of food and drink, for these regulations are only shadows of the reality found in Christ (Col 2:16-17).
And he reminded the Corinthians that food will not commend us to God – we are no better if we eat, and no worse if we abstain (1 Cor 8:8). Freedom in these matters, however, is never a licence to press personal conviction so hard that it wounds a weaker believer, for Paul was prepared to forgo food itself rather than cause a fellow believer to stumble (Rom 14:21).
Practising a Balanced Diet
Begin by giving thanks over every meal, then plan your plate so that a meat-free diet still supplies protein, iron, calcium and vitamin B12 from sources such as legumes, grains, nuts and dairy.
Don't leave this to chance: deficiencies can cause health issues. Too little iron or B12 leads to anaemia and persistent fatigue, while a shortfall of calcium and vitamin D weakens bones, so review your intake regularly, and consider supplements where diet alone falls short.
Make sure you're getting all the nutrients your body needs
Reflection and Application
- Check your motives honestly: eat for health, stewardship or conscience – never to impress others or to sit in judgement on them.
- Before you speak about your own diet, ask whether your words will build up another believer or cause them to stumble.
- Receive hospitality without interrogating the menu, honouring your host's generosity.
- Keep food in its proper place: a gift from God to be enjoyed, never an idol to be served or a badge of spirituality.