| Jesus Was No Vegetarian by Warren Krug (January-February, 2000) |
Was Jesus a vegetarian? That is a claim that has been made by PETA (People for
the Ethical Treatment of Animals), a leading animal rights group.
According to the David Cloud Information Service, PETA in a million dollar campaign
maintains “eating meat mocks God”, and, “eating only vegetables can make one a
better Christian.”
There can be no debate it is wrong to cause any animal unnecessary suffering. The
higher animals possess a nervous system just as we do. They can experience fear
and pain just as we can. God cares for the animals he created (Ps. 104:10-14, Matt.
10:29). It is sinful for us not to care for them also (Prov. 12:10).
the Ethical Treatment of Animals), a leading animal rights group.
According to the David Cloud Information Service, PETA in a million dollar campaign
maintains “eating meat mocks God”, and, “eating only vegetables can make one a
better Christian.”
There can be no debate it is wrong to cause any animal unnecessary suffering. The
higher animals possess a nervous system just as we do. They can experience fear
and pain just as we can. God cares for the animals he created (Ps. 104:10-14, Matt.
10:29). It is sinful for us not to care for them also (Prov. 12:10).
Still, we recognize that PETA goes too far. This organization appears to be saying that animals have, roughly
speaking, equal rights with humans.
Upon what basis do they make that claim? Is it not merely their personal opinion? Certainly, PETA gets no help
from the Bible for their opinion.
First, God gave mankind dominion over the animal kingdom. (Gen 1:26).
Second, God has not only permitted the killing of animals for food and for sacrifice but also has commanded it.
For instance, through Moses He commanded the slaughter of the Passover lambs and their blood put on the
doorframes (Ex. 12:21-22). God ordered the Israelites to sacrifice animals as offerings (Leviticus 1).
Jesus showed He was no vegetarian. At the feeding of the 5,000 He provided fish along with the bread (Mark 6:
30-44). He even ate fish Himself (Luke 24:42-43) and prepared fish for His disciples to eat (John 21:1-14)
Animals are a true gift of God. They provide companionship; the meat of many animals can be part of a healthy
diet; they can pull plows and carry loads, serve as seeing-eye and guard dogs, help round up sheep; and they
play a part in medical research which has benefited humans greatly.
When it comes to the world of animals, “use but do not abuse” is an appropriate slogan. PETA, you would do
well to use some of your energy to fight the real scandal: the slaughter of millions of innocent unborn humans.
LSI
speaking, equal rights with humans.
Upon what basis do they make that claim? Is it not merely their personal opinion? Certainly, PETA gets no help
from the Bible for their opinion.
First, God gave mankind dominion over the animal kingdom. (Gen 1:26).
Second, God has not only permitted the killing of animals for food and for sacrifice but also has commanded it.
For instance, through Moses He commanded the slaughter of the Passover lambs and their blood put on the
doorframes (Ex. 12:21-22). God ordered the Israelites to sacrifice animals as offerings (Leviticus 1).
Jesus showed He was no vegetarian. At the feeding of the 5,000 He provided fish along with the bread (Mark 6:
30-44). He even ate fish Himself (Luke 24:42-43) and prepared fish for His disciples to eat (John 21:1-14)
Animals are a true gift of God. They provide companionship; the meat of many animals can be part of a healthy
diet; they can pull plows and carry loads, serve as seeing-eye and guard dogs, help round up sheep; and they
play a part in medical research which has benefited humans greatly.
When it comes to the world of animals, “use but do not abuse” is an appropriate slogan. PETA, you would do
well to use some of your energy to fight the real scandal: the slaughter of millions of innocent unborn humans.
LSI