Topic:
I have been contemplating what support there might be in the scriptures for living a vegan life. Are there any verses which support empathy, compassion and kindness towards animals? Are there any examples of kindness? How should we live with the other beings with whom we share our world?
Scriptures:
Genesis 1:29 (NIV) “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.”
Isaiah 11:6-9 (NIV) “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together; and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. 9 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
Colossians 3:12 (NIV) “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Romans 14:21 (NIV) “ It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
Application:
- Eden was vegan
Fruit and vegetables are our birthright. The garden was created for us and it is our natural home. We were created to live in a peaceful environment. Our bodies show this, from our small teeth - we are not carnivores by nature - to the length of our very long digestive systems, which were designed to process fruits and vegetables.
We were made to consume them.
Non-violence is the natural state of sentient life.
Violence - including consumption of others - is a result of the Fall and we have been redeemed.
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The spiritual ideal is vegan
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We are to clothe ourselves with compassion and kindness - veganism should be a part of this.
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We are responsible for how our actions affect our brothers and sisters - living without compassion and kindness will negatively affect others.
Call to Action:
You can help to create a new Eden and live a more compassionate life, by choosing to do no harm, by choosing a vegan lifestyle.
Create Eden anew.
Create a new heaven and Earth by choosing compassion.
Go vegan!
May all beings know peace!
Aroha nui,
Gerald Tūruapō Jordan, MBA, MEd, MCouns