Vegetarianism and Meat Consumption According to the Bible

Throughout the ages, the question of whether the Bible allows or forbids meat consumption has been a subject of much debate and interpretation. Many religious and cultural practices have evolved around these interpretations, particularly the Kosher diet. This article aims to explore the biblical stance on meat consumption, drawing from both the original diet described in the Bible and the kosher commandments.

Biblical Vegetarianism: The Original Diet

The original diet in the Bible was vegetarian. According to Genesis 1:29-30, God gave Adam and Eve permission to eat every plant that bears seed: 'And 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.”' This initial commandment clearly suggests a vegetarian diet.

The Transition: Meat After the Flood

However, this vegetarian diet changed after the Great Flood. Genesis 9:3 states, 'But you must not eat meat that has its life blood still in it,' indicating that God permitted human beings to consume meat after the flood. Genesis 9:4-5 further clarifies this change, stating, 'Only you must not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. And whenever you bring an offering of any sort to the Lord, bring only the best to be accepted.' This passage explicitly mentions the need to drain the blood from animals before consumption.

The Kosher Commandments

The Kosher commandments, which are believed to have been handed down to Moses on Mount Sinai, provide more detailed instructions about which animals and seafood can be consumed. These commandments are documented in the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, and they include:

Excluding certain types of meat, such as cows, sheep, and chickens, which are considered 'clean' and can be eaten. However, these must be slaughtered properly and all blood must be removed before consumption.

Prohibiting the consumption of pork and bear, as these are considered 'unclean.' Pork is typically forbidden because it is susceptible to diseases, and there is often a higher prevalence of trichinella worms in pork.

Allowing only certain types of fish, such as those with fins and scales. Fish without fins and scales are considered 'unclean' and are not allowed according to the Kosher diet.

Modern slaughterhouses often do not follow these traditional methods, leading to questions about the compliance with the original biblical standards. Additionally, the debate rages on about the consumption of 'unclean' animals, as only two of each type of 'unclean' animal boarded the ark with Noah, and it would be challenging to sustain populations of these animals if they were allowed to become extinct through overconsumption.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a clear indication that the consumption of meat is a practice that developed after the Flood, but with specific guidelines. The Kosher diet continues to influence many individuals and communities in their daily choices regarding food. Whether one should opt for a vegetarian or a meat-based diet remains a personal choice, guided by one's religious beliefs, health considerations, and cultural preferences.