The question of whether a Christian should be a vegetarian is a complex one with arguments on both sides. Ultimately, the Bible does not provide a definitive answer, leaving it up to individual conviction and interpretation. However, there are several biblical principles and passages that can inform a Christian’s perspective on vegetarianism.
God’s Granting of Plants for Food
In Genesis 1:29, God grants Adam and Eve all seed-bearing plants and trees for food. This implies that God’s original ideal diet for mankind was vegetarian. It was not until after the flood in Genesis 9:3 that God permitted the eating of meat. Some Christian vegetarians argue that this shows that eating only plant foods is the diet most in accord with God’s purposes for creation.
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.” (Genesis 1:29)
Stewardship and Dominion
In Genesis 1:26, God gives mankind dominion over the earth and animals. Christian vegetarians argue this does not mean humans have the right to exploit animals, but rather have a stewardship role to care for creation. Eating lower on the food chain demonstrates good stewardship of resources.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26)
Compassion for Animals
Many Christians highlight biblical passages that speak of God’s compassion for animals, arguing respect for animal life should inform our diets. Deuteronomy 25:4 prohibits muzzling an ox while it is treading out grain. Proverbs 12:10 condemns treating animals cruelly. Luke 12:6 indicates God is concerned even for the deaths of sparrows.
You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain. (Deuteronomy 25:4)
Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. (Proverbs 12:10)
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. (Luke 12:6)
Avoiding Stumbling Others
Some Christian vegetarians argue that eating meat can cause others to stumble, so they abstain for that reason. Romans 14 instructs believers to avoid anything that causes others to stumble and not judge each other on disputable matters like food choices.
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. (Romans 14:13)
Health Benefits
Christian vegetarians also highlight potential health benefits as a reason to avoid meat. Some studies have linked excessive meat consumption, especially red and processed meats, with increased risks of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit may incline some Christians toward vegetarianism for health reasons (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Old Testament Allowance for Meat Eating
Those opposed to obligatory Christian vegetarianism point out that God permitted meat eating after the Genesis flood without placing any restrictions on it. Passover and other Jewish feasts included animal sacrifices and eating meat. Jesus ate fish and Passover lamb, demonstrating meat eating is not inherently sinful or opposed to God’s will (Luke 24:42-43).
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them. (Luke 24:42-43)
New Testament Affirmation of Meat Eating
In the New Testament vision of a restored creation, Jesus confirms that eating meat will be part of the future eternal state, implying it is not opposed to God’s ideal (Luke 22:15-16). Several verses affirm God created animals for human consumption with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:3-5).
And I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 8:11)
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:4-5)
Christian Liberty
The most compelling biblical argument against mandated Christian vegetarianism is that the New Testament grants liberty in matters not expressly forbidden. Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8-10 indicate Christians should not judge each other regarding food choices, which are a matter of personal conscience and Christian freedom.
One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. (Romans 14:2-3)
Practical Considerations
Some considerations may impact one’s ability to fully adhere to vegetarianism. Health conditions like anemia may require some individuals to incorporate meat. Social dynamics like offending hosts by refusing food should be handled sensitively (1 Corinthians 10:27-29). Economic limitations in some areas may restrict access to diverse plant proteins. Christians have liberty in these matters.
If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. (1 Corinthians 10:27)
Summary Principles
In summary, while vegetarianism is not obligatory for Christians, the following principles can guide our approach:
- Seeking good stewardship of creation
- Showing compassion to animals
- Pursuing health as temples of the Holy Spirit
- Avoiding offending others by our food choices
- Exercising Christian freedom with wisdom and sensitivity
- Giving thanks to God for provision of all foods (1 Timothy 4:4-5)
When approached humbly, vegetarianism can be consistent with Christian values of compassion, stewardship, and health. However, the Bible does not prohibit meat eating, granting wisdom and freedom to Christians in their dietary choices.