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 “The Bible and Christian tradition certainly do not prohibit meat eating. Yet they impel us to a profound sharing in God’s just dominion of the earth in which human beings are called to care for all of Creation (Genesis 1.28-30), and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6.8). Indeed, the original vision of Creation is one in which plants, trees and seeds are given us to eat (Gen 1.28-31), whilst, according to prophecies such as Isaiah 11.6-9, the restoration of all things will involve all animals (wolf, lamb, lion, cow, bear, snake and little child) living together happily without fear of destruction. Such an understanding of God’s shalom and the reconciling peace of Christ should thus lead Christians ‘to live simply that others may simply live’, with a greater balance in every aspect of their lives.
“One striking personal witness to simpler living and restored Christ-like balance is offered by reducing excessive meat consumption. In doing so, all can join with those Christian traditions which faithfully continue to practice fasting, as well as appropriate feasting, at various times of year. Meat eating every day has historically never been possible until recently for anything but a handful of Christians, whilst many of the greatest Christian spiritual teachers (including the Desert fathers and mothers, Basil the Great, John Wesley, William and Catherine Booth and Albert Schweitzer) have taught otherwise, like Jesus, practicing compassion and restraint in their lives for the sake of others. This is no commentary on the loving lives and often hard-pressed vocations of Christian livestock farmers whom the churches seek to support and affirm. Rather, like the Sabbath, or times apart, a meat free day each week is a remembrance of the sacredness and giftedness of our lives and a powerful sign of solidarity with the groanings of our troubled world.”
- Rev. Dr. Jonathan Inkpin, General Secretary, NSW Ecumenical Council
Christian teachings on consumption of meat and treatment of animals
Christians believe that humans, who are made in God's image, are to reflect God's love in caring for all of Creation, including animals (e.g. Genesis 1.26-31). Animals, who are loved and cared for by God (e.g. Psalm 36:6) are to be treated with compassion. Inhumane slaughter or cruelty toward beasts of burden is forbidden (Exodus 23:5, Deuteronomy 22:6–7, 25:4). God's promise in the fullness of time is for the restoration of all things, including animals (Psalm 36:6, Ephesians 1:10, Colossians 1:20). Some visions are of animals (including hunter and prey) living peacefully together (e.g. the wolf and the lamb) (Isaiah 11:6-9).
The understanding and practice of the Eucharist/Communion is also significant regarding treatment of animals and meat consumption. Early Eucharists (which were communal meals including bread, wine, water, vegetables and fish) were red meat-free - significant in the context of the broader practice of temple sacrifice. Further, traditional interpretations of Jesus’ death affirm that, because of him, animal sacrifice is no longer necessary.
Some Christian traditions practise abstinence from meat at various times of week and/or year (e.g. Catholic and Orthodox traditions). Many in the Seventh Day Adventist tradition are vegetarians.
Catholic teaching
Abstinence from meat requires a Catholic to not eat meat or poultry (but fish is allowed). The Church recommends that all Fridays are days of abstinence - but this is voluntary. On Ash Wednesday and on Fridays during Lent, abstinence is required. (See the Catechism of the Catholic Church - fourth precept (2043), and instructions concerning penance (1434 and 1438).
See also a leaflet (pdf, 110kB) prepared by the Columban Mission Institute about Meat Free Day.
Orthodox teaching
Orthodox Christians generally abstain from animal products on Wednesdays and on Fridays. They also abstain during four major fasting periods of the Christian year: Great Lent, the Apostles' Fast, the Dormition Fast and the Nativity Fast.
Seventh Day Adventist teaching
The Seventh Day Adventist Church favours a simple vegetarian diet, for reasons of health as well as ecological responsibility.
More quotes on meat consumption
“In the spirit of the Christian tradition of abstinence from meat on Fridays, I encourage thoughtful reflection on the invitation of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) to observe one day a week completely meat free.”
- Annette Cunliffe, rsc, Congregational Leader, Sisters of Charity of Australia
“It is only in very recent times that the general population could afford to eat meat every day and perhaps more than once a day. Fasting from meat one day a week (Friday) has long been a Christian tradition, I encourage its widespread rediscovery, benefits to health as well as ecology will abound.”
- Rt. Rev. George Browning, Retired Anglican Bishop of Canberra Goulburn
"In response to the question, ‘what does God require of us?’, the prophet Micah called people to live lives that overflowed with justice and humility. He was talking about a way of life, a way of ‘being in the world’. In stark contrast to this is Australian culture’s obsession with consumption. If we are to follow the example of Christ, sometimes we need to choose to deny ourselves – that is, to take a position of humility - considering other’s needs before our own.
Does that mean that we can’t celebrate and enjoy the good things of God’s provision? Absolutely not. But it does mean that when our consistent conspicuous overconsumption, in this case our consumption of meat, is causing others to suffer, and causing strain on the creation we are called to steward, then we are contributors to injustice. Perhaps if we could learn to care for and enjoy God’s good creation, rather than simply consume it, we might also find that we understand more of what it means to be a disciple of Christ."
- John Beckett, National Coordinator, Micah Challenge Australia
"Reducing our meat consumption is one way that we can all do our bit to help address climate change. Even the author of Genesis 1 suggested that God intended humanity to only to eat fruit from the trees (Gen 1:29). After the flood narratives, God grants humanity the ability to eat animals, birds and fish, but that we will be the 'fear and dread' of all other living things (Gen 9:2-3). If we do not take adequate steps to address climate change, we will indeed be the 'fear and dread' of other living things and tens of millions of people will be forced into greater poverty and suffering."
- Mark Zirnsak, Director, Justice and International Mission Unit, Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
"At Gaillard [community of Christian Brothers in France], we have been experimenting with some vegetarian meals. Not every night (the dog next door would protest, if there were no bones!), but for one or two nights a week, we try and save some energy. Meat takes roughly ten times the energy to produce as the same weight of plant food. Vegetarian meals can reduce our ecological footprint, and keep us healthy."
- Moy Hitchen, cfc, Promoter of Eco-Justice for Edmund Rice International
Weblinks
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