In today’s world, many people are exploring different diets and lifestyles. As a personal trainer, my world revolves around eating and diets. As a Christian, I am always striving to follow God’s path. This got me thinking: Can Christians eat meat?
Can Christians eat Meat?
Yes, Christians can eat meat. While beliefs and practices vary among denominations and individuals, the majority of Christian traditions do not impose restrictions on consuming meat, considering it permissible based on biblical teachings, Genesis 9:3.
What does the Bible say about eating meat?
The Bible has been studied for centuries by Christians and non-Christians alike, with much of its content providing timeless guidance on morality and ethics. One issue that often arises is whether or not the Bible condones the eating of meat. While there are varying interpretations, the general consensus is that the Bible does indeed support eating meat in moderation.
In Genesis and Leviticus, God gives clear rules about eating meat.
Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. Genesis 9:3
"Say to the Israelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat," Leviticus 11:2
Is it a sin to eat meat?
The question of whether “is a sin to eat meat” has been debated for centuries. Many religious traditions view the eating of meat as something that is not sinful, while others consider it a transgression against God or one’s own moral values.
The Bible explains that God gave humans permission to eat any kind of animal after the Great Flood. Additionally, Jesus ate meals consisting of fish and other meats. This further displays how Jesus did not believe there was anything wrong with consuming animal products, which shows us that we should feel comfortable doing so as well. With that being said, Christians can eat meat.
What Animals are forbidden to eat in the Bible?
The Bible contains numerous guidelines on what humans should and should not eat. One of the most commonly observed dietary rules is the prohibition against eating certain animals. These animals are not allowed because they are important symbols in the Bible, while others are not allowed because they are seen as dirty or unhealthy.
The Old Testament lists four categories of land animals that can not be consumed: rodents, reptiles, insects, and mammals with divided hooves and don’t chew cud. In addition, all scavenger birds such as vultures and eagles, as well as bats and sea creatures without fins or scales (such as shellfish), are forbidden to eat.
“Say to the Israelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat. You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud.” Leviticus 11:2-3
“Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams you may eat any that have fins and scales.” Leviticus 11:9
“These are the birds you are to regard as unclean and not eat because they are unclean: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, any kind of black kite, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat.” Leviticus 11:13-19
“Of the animals that move along the ground, these are unclean for you: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard, the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink and the chameleon.”Leviticus 11:29-30
"Now about food sacrificed to idols;... When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ." 1 Corinthians 8
Eating the following types of meat is considered a sin.
- a land animal that DOES NOT chew cud & has split hooves
- a water animal that DOES NOT have fins & scales
- an animal of the sky listed in Leviticus 11:13-19
- meat from animals of the ground listed in Leviticus 11:29-30
- meat that is sacrificed to idols.
Land Animals that are Forbidden (Leviticus 11:3-8, 11:20-23, 11:29-31)
- Canines (dogs, wolfs, coyotes, etc )
- Felines (cats, tigers, lions, etc)
- Equines (horses, donkeys, etc)
- Rodents (moles, squirrels, rats, etc)
- Reptiles (lizards, snakes, alligators, etc)
- Insects (except for crickets and grasshoppers)
- Most Animals you see at a zoo (gorillas, monkeys, rhinoceros)
Sea Animals that are Forbidden (Leviticus 11:9-12)
- Fish: Catfish, eel, marlin, shark, squid, swordfish, etc
- Shellfish: Clam, crab, lobster, oyster, mussel, scallop, shrimp/prawn, etc
- Soft body: Jellyfish, squid, octopus, etc
- Sea animals: Dolphin, otter, seal, whale, walrus, etc
Animals of the sky that a Forbidden (Leviticus 11:13-19)
- Eagles
- Vultures
- Ravens
- Owls
- Storks
- Herons
- Bats
All meat sacrificed to idols is forbidden (1 Corinthians 8)
Meat in the Bible
Meat is a key part of multiple stories in the Bible. Here are a few of the main biblical events with meat in them.
Cain & Abel: Abel pleased the Lord by bringing a fat portion from the firstborn of his flock. Genesis 4
Abraham & the three visitors: after washing the visitors’ feet, Abraham prepared curds, milk, and a small calf for them to eat. Genesis 18:1-15
Burnt & sin offerings: Moses & Aaron gave offerings to God of lamb, calf, and ox. Leviticus 9
Jesus feeds the four thousand: With just seven loaves of bread and a few small fish, Jesus performed a miracle feeding over 4000 people. Matthew 15:29-39
Jesus feeds the 5000: This time, Jesus fed over 5000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. After feeding them, all the disciples collected 12 baskets of broken pieces of bread and fish. Mark 6:30-44
The prodigal son: When the prodigal son returns, his father throws a feast to celebrate. He serves a fatted calf. Luke 15:11-32
Health Benefits of Eating Meat
Eating meat is an important part of a healthy, balanced diet. It is a great source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals that can help keep your body functioning properly. Meat also contains iron, zinc, and B vitamins which are necessary for growth and development. From beef to poultry, there are plenty of health benefits to eating meat.
Meat provides us with many essential nutrients that our bodies need in order to maintain good health. Protein from animal sources such as beef, pork, chicken, or turkey helps support muscle growth and repair while iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body. Meat also contains zinc which is important for cell reproduction and maintaining a strong immune system as well as B vitamins like thiamin which aid in energy production.
Can Christians eat Meat – Conclusion
Christians can eat meat, as long as it is done in a way that honors the life of the animal and respects the teachings of the Bible. We must be conscious of our choices and strive to make compassionate ones. While there may still be a debate on this topic, it is up to each individual Christian to decide what they feel comfortable eating and why they are doing so.