Vegetarian

<<vegan>>

The Bible implies that God originally intended both man and animals would 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). While in the wilderness God instructed His special people, the Israelites, they were not to eat various “unclean” animals, birds and creatures (Lev 11:1-47).  Jesus lifted this restriction and declared all foods clean (Mk 7:19).

It is a personal choice for people to eat or refrain from eating meat, 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).

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 by those who are fasting to a limited degree.

While it is recognised that excess meat in the diet is the cause of various diseases, if a vegan diet is followed, ensure adequate protein, vitamins and minerals are derived from the other foods.

See also: diet, fasting, food.