Recently faith has entered the field of food. I think this is a good thing; faith belongs in every aspect of our lives. What I’m not so sure about, however, is that we’re drawing the right conclusions. Its been suggested that vegetarianism is what God would have you do, or being merciful applies just as much to your neighbor as it does to his dog. But before you make up your mind about the relationship between man and animal, here are three things Christians should know.
1.) God made everything for a reason.
Nothing was an accident. Nothing was superfluous.
I like how the scripture in 1Timothy 4:4 explains it. “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.”
The verse just before talks about someone telling you not to eat meat and responds with: “which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”
And if you’d like to hear it worded, well… a little stronger just start at the beginning of that chapter! For now I think these verses make my point.
2.) God sent his son to die for mankind.
I don’t have a scripture reference for this one because there isn’t one. Animals, trees, rocks: God didn’t so love them and send his only son so they may have enteral life.
In fact it was people He created in his own image and likeness. Genesis 1:25. Could there be a higher honor? He set them apart, made them special. He made me and you to be children of The King.
Christ was the sacrificial lamb, but I don’t read that he died for sheep.
Clearly, God doesn’t see us the same.
3.) God gave men dominion over His creation.
Actually it’s the very next verse after the “made in his image” paragraph in Genesis 1:26. And yes, I’m aware others far more scholarly than myself have written entire books on the subject of dominion. The word is negative. It means things like prevail against, reign, rule over.
Its just that the other side of this ruling business is responsibility. We are in charge of the animals God gave to our care and they are given to us for our use. But like the servants who were given 1, 5, and 10 talents, we will be accountable for how we care for what has been given to us.
History has proved there will always be those who look for something weaker to put down so they can pull themselves up. Animals can be an easy target.
Where real cruelty lies it should be eradicated.
But don’t confuse cruelty with animal agriculture. The pictures you see in the magazines while you wait in the grocery store checkout line are the extremes and a poorly worded headline can make us all look bad. Just remember, farmers are as outraged by abuses as you are.
photo credit: Walmart Corporate via photopin cc
Actually the vast majority of livestock producers understand– dominion and responsibility are just opposite sides of the same coin.
I’m certain you can make up your own mind on the food controversies that are part of our daily diet of conversation. If your opinion differs from mine, I’m okay with that.
But go ahead, bring your faith into the dining room.
Daddy's Tractor 
We can see in Genesis 9:2-3 that God reaffirms that he created the animals for the use of man. We also recognize that God created all things spiritually first, and since the spirit is eternal all creatures are also eternal. We simply have the advantage (or disadvantage) of agency, being the only part of creation that rebels against it’s creator. It gives us opportunity for greater reward but we are also the only ones who will receive punishment!
This is well worded and appropriate. I recently read an eating plan book – Trim Healthy Mama (I recommend it for even more perspective and ability to discuss this topic) – in it the authors talk about their journey from raw vegan to balanced, Biblical eating. Indeed, the Bible is okay with eating meat – and it tells us to be responsible caretakers…it is the first job God gave! Thanks for your courage in posting on this!
Thanks Emily! I may have to check out that book!
It’s really popular around here right now. It’s pro-protein, so my beef fits in to the plan. 🙂 My library had a copy that I checked out before I purchased the actual book. And there are plenty of bloggers writing about it, too. Have a great week!
Well said! Jesus ate meat; it’s Biblically recorded. If it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for me 🙂
Right!? It one of few “what would Jesus do” questions we have a straight-forward answer to!