Jesus Wasn’t a Vegetarian
But Adam and Eve were
What is vegetarianism?
Vegetarianism is the lifestyle and dietary practice of eating mainly plants and plant-based foods. A vegetarian diet can include legumes (like soybeans, peanuts, and chickpeas), fruits, grains, other beans, seeds, and nuts.
Eggs, dairy products and also fish can be eaten, depending upon the type of vegetarianism a person adheres to.
Vegetarianism in the Bible
For the record, Jesus, the one who created all animals, was not a vegetarian. He explicitly ate animal flesh at least once.
Also, the words ‘vegetarian’ or ‘vegetarianism’ aren’t specifically mentioned in the Bible. But, there are definitely some instances in Scripture where plant-based diets are showcased.
- When Adam and Eve were chilling in the lush Eden paradise, they ate a plant-based diet. That’s right. The world’s first couple were straight-up vegetarians.
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. Genesis 1:29 (NIV New International Version)
- Even all of the animals in Eden were vegetarians. One day in the future, those conditions will exist again…and lions will be noshing, on hay — not other animals.
- After the Flood, Noah was given permission by God to eat animals. But before the Flood, evidently, people were eating only plants.
Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. Genesis 9:3 (NIV)
- The prophet Daniel and his three companions refused to eat King Nebuchadnezzar’s meat and wine. Instead, they requested a veggie plate.
Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. Daniel 1:11–16 (NIV)
- The Apostle Paul did not have a problem with a plant-based diet.
One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Romans 14:2–3 (NIV)
So, Why Do People Choose to be Vegetarians?
There are many reasons why people choose to eliminate meat and other animal products from the diet. Here are six:
- Ethical stance (Animals are sentient creatures and they have a right to live).
- Health stance (Gotta get my cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar under control. I need to improve my gut health. I’ve got to up my nutritional game).
- Religious stance (Belief hinders a person from eating animal flesh).
- Economic stance (Meat, especially prime and healthier cuts, can be expensive. Pass the tofu, please!)
- Environmental stance (Raising livestock can stress the land and zero-out natural resources rapidly; and, also contribute to ever-climbing greenhouse emissions).
- And some people just don’t like meat.
Whether you’re a raging carnivore or somewhere on the on the vegetarian spectrum, remember that the Lord made everything we eat. So, give thanks and enjoy!
Speaking of food, read about how much I miss Toastettes pastries here. Or, check out this article about the two men in the Bible who never died here.
Thanks for your time. Thanks for reading.
