Is it wrong to eat meat?
Introduction. We always commend the attitude which seeks to know God's will. Saul asked of the Lord, "...what wilt Thou have me do? (Acts 9: 6), and the jailer inquired, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16: 30). We must have authority for our practices and seek to please the Lord in all things (Col 3: 17; Heb. 11: 5, 6).
There are many arguments advanced in favor of vegetarianism. It is contended that animals must not be eaten because they are "living creatures" (Gen. 1: 21-25). Vegetables are for man and animal to eat, they explain (Gen, 1: 29-31). Space will not allow a consideration of all the arguments and verses used by the vegetarian who believes it is a sin to eat meat.
Paul's teaching to the Christians at Rome. Vegetarianism is not new. Some at Rome believed they could not eat flesh (Rom. 14). The problem is succinctly stated thus: "For one believeth that he may eat all things; another, who is weak, eateth herbs" ("only vegetables," footnote, Rom. 14: 2). Paul taught that God accepts those who eat flesh (vss. 3, 4; hence it is not a sin). Eating flesh or meat is of moral indifference, Paul further explained (vs. 14). Actually, "...the kingdom of God is not meat and drink..." (vs. 17). In other words, eating flesh or not eating flesh should not be an issue as far as the kingdom is concerned. Those who knew they could eat flesh are presented as knowledgeable; conversely, those who thought they could not eat flesh are pictured as of "weak faith" (vss. 2, 14, 22). Certainly, if eating flesh had ever been a moral issue with God, Paul could not have taught what he did in Romans 14. We must also remember that Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 14: 37).
Conclusion. There are many facets to our study. But, in general, it is not wrong to eat meat.
There are many arguments advanced in favor of vegetarianism. It is contended that animals must not be eaten because they are "living creatures" (Gen. 1: 21-25). Vegetables are for man and animal to eat, they explain (Gen, 1: 29-31). Space will not allow a consideration of all the arguments and verses used by the vegetarian who believes it is a sin to eat meat.
Paul's teaching to the Christians at Rome. Vegetarianism is not new. Some at Rome believed they could not eat flesh (Rom. 14). The problem is succinctly stated thus: "For one believeth that he may eat all things; another, who is weak, eateth herbs" ("only vegetables," footnote, Rom. 14: 2). Paul taught that God accepts those who eat flesh (vss. 3, 4; hence it is not a sin). Eating flesh or meat is of moral indifference, Paul further explained (vs. 14). Actually, "...the kingdom of God is not meat and drink..." (vs. 17). In other words, eating flesh or not eating flesh should not be an issue as far as the kingdom is concerned. Those who knew they could eat flesh are presented as knowledgeable; conversely, those who thought they could not eat flesh are pictured as of "weak faith" (vss. 2, 14, 22). Certainly, if eating flesh had ever been a moral issue with God, Paul could not have taught what he did in Romans 14. We must also remember that Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 14: 37).
Conclusion. There are many facets to our study. But, in general, it is not wrong to eat meat.