Christian vegetarianism is based on extending the compassionate teachings of Jesus, the twelve apostles and the early church to all living beings through vegetarianism or veganism. Alternatively, Christians may be vegetarian for nutritional, ethical, environmental or other spiritual reasons. Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Image File history File links Question_book-3. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      For... The Early Christians is a term used to refer to the early followers of Jesus of Nazareth, before the emergence of established Christian orthodoxy. ... A variety of vegetarian food ingredients Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that excludes all animal flesh, including poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea, and slaughter by-products. ... Vegan redirects here. ... For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation). ... A variety of vegetarian ingredients Vegetarian nutrition is the set of health-related challenges and advantages of vegetarian diets. ... Various Meats While some people have no ethical objections to eating certain types of animal meat, others object to the act of killing and eating an animal and/or the agricultural practices surrounding the production of meat. ... Environmental vegetarianism is the practice of vegetarianism based on the belief that the production of meat by intensive agriculture is environmentally unsustainable. ... Spirituality, in a narrow sense, concerns itself with matters of the spirit. ...

Churches

The Seventh-day Adventists present a health message that recommends vegetarianism and expects abstinence from pork, shellfish and other foods proscribed as "unclean" in Leviticus. The Seventh-day Adventist (abbreviated Adventist[1]) Church is a Christian denomination which is distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as the Sabbath. ... Leviticus is the third book of the Hebrew Bible, also the third book in the Torah (five books of Moses). ...

The Word of Wisdom is a dietary law given to adherents of the Latter Day Saint movement (also known as Mormonism) which says that meat and fowl "are to be used sparingly; And ... that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine." Not given as advice, this commandment is reiterated in the same section, "And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger." ^[1] (see also animals in the LDS Church). The Word of Wisdom is the common name of a section of the Doctrine and Covenants,[1] a book that consists of what many churches within the Latter Day Saint movement consider to be revelations from God. ... The Latter Day Saint movement (a subset of Restorationism) is a group of religious denominations and adherents who follow at least some of the teachings and revelations of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... For more general information about religious denominations that follow the teachings of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, animals are considered to have immortal spirits, similar to the way that human beings have immortal spirits. ...

All Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic monastics abstain from meat year-round, and many abstain from dairy and seafood as well. Laity generally abstain from animal products on Wednesdays (due to a traditional belief that it was a Wednesday on which Judas arranged to betray Jesus Christ) and Fridays (because Jesus was crucified on a Friday), as well as during the four major fasting periods of the year: Great Lent, the Apostles' Fast, the Dormition Fast and the Nativity Fast. This is not for environmental or animal welfare reasons, but for spiritual reasons. Fasting is seen as purification and the regaining of innocence. Through obedience to the Orthodox Church and its ascetic practices, the Orthodox Christian seeks to rid himself or herself of the passions, or the disposition to sin. The term Oriental Orthodoxy refers to the churches of Eastern Christian traditions that keeps the faith of only the first three ecumenical councils of the undivided Church - the councils of Nicea, Constantinople and Ephesus. ... Orthodox icon of Pentecost. ... The term Eastern Rites may refer to the liturgical rites used by many ancient Christian Churches of Eastern Europe and the Middle East that, while being part of the Roman Catholic Church, are distinct from the Latin Rite or Western Church. ... For other uses, see Monk (disambiguation). ... In religious organizations, the laity comprises all lay persons collectively. ... For other uses, see Crucifixion (disambiguation). ... Great Lent is the greatest fasting period in the church year in Eastern Christianity, which prepares Christians for the greatest feast of the church year, Easter (or Holy Pascha). Although it is in many ways similar to Lent in Western Christianity, there are important differences in the timing of Lent... Please wikify (format) this article as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... Dormition of the Virgin redirects here. ... The Nativity Fast, practiced by the Eastern Orthodox Church, is believed to enable participants to draw closer to God by denying the body of worldly pleasure in preparation for celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is held on December 25th (Julian Calendar). ... Animal welfare is the viewpoint that animals, especially those under human care, should not suffer. ...

Roman Catholic monastic orders such as the Carthusians and Cistercians also follow a strict vegetarian diet, and Catholic laity are encouraged to abstain from meat on Fridays and through the Lenten season leading up to Easter. The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... A Carthusian Monastery in Jerez, Spain The Carthusians are a Christian religious order founded by St Bruno in 1084. ... Cistercians coat of arms The Order of Cistercians (OCist) (Latin: ), otherwise White Monks (from the colour of the habit, over which a black scapular or apron is sometimes worn) is a Roman Catholic order of enclosed monks. ... This article is about the Christian festival. ...

Some Charismatics believe raw veganism was the original diet of humankind in the form of Adam and Eve, and if they are ever to return to an Eden-like paradise then they will have to return to a similar diet (see Hallelujah diet). A "diet of Paradise" doctrine also appears in Orthodox Christianity [1]. Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      The charismatic movement began... Raw veganism is a variation of veganism but consists of consuming only plant-based foods that are in their natural uncooked state, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, sprouts, and superfoods. ... Michelangelos Creation of Adam, from the Sistine Chapel. ... For other uses, see Garden of Eden (disambiguation). ... The Hallelujah diet is a controversial diet that is promoted by George Malkmus. ... Orthodox icon of Pentecost. ...

Some members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) practice vegetarianism or veganism as a reflection of the Peace Testimony, extending non-violence towards animals1. Historically, the early vegetarian movement had many Quaker promoters. Quaker redirects here. ... The Peace Testimony, also known as the Testimony Against War, is a shorthand description of the stand generally taken by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) against participation in war, and against military service as combatants. ...

In some Christian communities partial fasting, for example during Lent, resembles vegetarianism since meat and dairy products are forbidden for a temporary period. For some groups, seafood is permitted during these periods of fasting. A basic difference to other forms of vegetarianism is that Lent has spiritual connotation, not environmental or animal welfare reasons. Also, abstaining from meat and dairy products during Lent is intended to be temporary, lasting only until the season is over, not a permanent way of life. Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. ... For other uses, see Lent (disambiguation). ... Spaghetti with seafood (Spaghetti allo scoglio). ...

Individuals

See also: Category:Christian vegetarians

• There have been various notable ascetics, such as Saint David, who have adopted a vegetarian diet for spiritual reasons.
• Keith Akers claims that the movement away from simple living and vegetarianism began with Paul the Apostle, and that Christians should look at returning to pre-"Pauline Christianity".
• Christian anarchists, such as Leo Tolstoy and Ammon Hennacy, believe that the Christian principles of compassion and nonviolence require a vegetarian diet, whether Jewish Christians were historically vegetarians or not.
• Nathan Braun states that the Christian mandate to feed the hungry can only be truly fulfilled on a world-wide scale by our evolution to a vegetarian diet. He, along with many other environmental vegetarians, believe that a carnivorous diet consumes and destroys too large a proportion of the world's food resources.
• Andrew Linzey is an Anglican priest, a theologian and a writer. He is internationally known for his views on Christianity and animals.
• Benjamin Urrutia writes articles, book and film reviews from the viewpoint of Christian vegetarianism.

This article does not cite any references or sources. ... For other uses, see Saint David (disambiguation). ... Keith Akers is the author of two books: The Lost Religion of Jesus and A Vegetarian Sourcebook. ... Simple living (or voluntary simplicity) is a lifestyle individuals may pursue for a variety of motivations, such as spirituality, health, or ecology. ... St. ... Pauline Christianity is an expression which has been used, by those critical of Catholic, Orthodox and traditonal Protestant Christianity, to describe what is regarded as a distortion of the original teachings of Jesus due to the influence of Paul of Tarsus (otherwise St. ... Christian anarchism is any of several traditions which combine anarchism with Christianity. ... Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy(Lyof, Lyoff) (September 9 [O.S. August 28] 1828 – November 20 [O.S. November 7] 1910) (Russian: , IPA:  ), commonly referred to in English as Leo Tolstoy, was a Russian writer – novelist, essayist, dramatist and philosopher – as well as pacifist Christian anarchist and educational reformer. ... Ammon Hennacy Ammon Hennacy (July 24, 1893 - January 14, 1970) was an American pacifist, Christian anarchist, vegetarian, social activist, member of the Catholic Worker Movement and a Wobbly, and was known for establishing the Joe Hill House of Hospitality in Salt Lake City, Utah and never paying taxes. ... Nonviolence (or non-violence), whether held as a moral philosophy or only employed as an action strategy, rejects the use of physical violence in efforts to attain social, economic or political change. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Nathan Braun is a Canadian author and activist in the vegetarian movement. ... Environmental vegetarianism is the practice of vegetarianism based on the belief that the production of meat by intensive agriculture is environmentally unsustainable. ... The Reverend Professor Andrew Linzey, PhD, DD, is an Anglican priest, a theologian, a writer, and is internationally known as an authority on Christianity and animals. ... Benjamin Urrutia (1950-), international author and scholar, was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. ...

The Bible

The Bible comments on diet:

On the morrow, as they went on their journey and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour. And he became very hungry and would have eaten; but while they were making ready he fell into a trance, and saw heaven opened and a certain vessel descending unto him as though it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners and let down to the earth, wherein were all kinds of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts and creeping things and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." But Peter said, "Not so, Lord, for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." And the voice spoke unto him again the second time, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." This was done thrice, and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

—Acts of the Apostles 10:9-16

It is likely that this passage refers to Peter's having observed a kosher diet all his life, not to his having been a vegetarian. This vision prepares Peter for welcoming gentiles--who eat meat considered unclean under Jewish dietary laws--into the Christian movement. The question of whether gentile converts to Christianity needed to adopt a kosher diet was one of the most serious issues of the early Church. The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) finally decided not to require gentile Christians to undergo circumcision or to keep kosher. For the literature genre, see Acts of the Apostles (genre). ... The circled U indicates that this can of tuna is certified kosher by the Union of Orthodox Congregations. ...

Organizations

• Christian Vegetarian Association
• Animal chaplains

The Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA) is an international, non-denominational Christian ministry that promotes responsible stewardship of Gods creation through plant-based eating. ... Animal chaplains provide a wide array of services to the community, including pet loss grief support, animal memorial services, praying for animals who are sick or injured, comforting bereaved family members, holding hands with pet owners during surgery or euthanasia at a veterinary clinic or animal hospital, and performing animal...

Footnotes

References

• The Lost Religion of Jesus (2000) by Keith Akers, Lantern Books. ISBN 1-930051-26-3, Historical overview of Christian vegetarianism
• Good News for All Creation (2002) by Stephen R. Kaufman and Nathan Braun, Vegetarian Advocates Press. ISBN 0-9716676-0-8, Overview of contemporary Christian vegetarianism
• Good Eating (2001) by Stephen H. Webb, Brazos Press. ISBN 1-58743-015-0, A sound and informative view on Biblical and Christian vegetarianism, from Genesis to modern day saints.
• The Bloodless Revolution (2007 ) by Tristram Stuart. ISBN 13: 978-0-393-05220-6, A Cultural History of Vegetarianism from 1600 to Modern Times (Quaker reference)

Keith Akers is the author of two books: The Lost Religion of Jesus and A Vegetarian Sourcebook. ... Stephen R. Kaufman is an ophthalmologist specializing in retinal disease and a clinical assistant professor at both Case Western Reserve University and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. ... Nathan Braun is a Canadian author and activist in the vegetarian movement. ... Stephen H. Webb is an ambitious and original evangelical thinker and theologian and philosopher of religion, as associate professor of religion and philosophy at Wabash College. ... Tristram Stuart is an English author and historian. ...

See also

• Asceticism
• Christian pacifism
• Eastern Orthodox Fasting
• Fruitarianism
• Gospel of the Ebionites
• Postmodern Christianity
• Simple living
• The Celestine Prophecy
• Vegetarianism and religion
• Islam and animals

Image File history File links Portal. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Peace churches are Christian churches, groups or communities advocating pacifism. ... Orthodox icon of Pentecost. ... A fruit stall in Barcelona, Spain. ... The Gospel of the Ebionites is a text sharing an affinity with the Gospel of the Hebrews and the Gospel of the Nazarenes. ... Postmodern Christianity is an understanding of Christianity that is closely associated with the body of writings known as postmodern philosophy. ... Simple living (or voluntary simplicity) is a lifestyle individuals may pursue for a variety of motivations, such as spirituality, health, or ecology. ... The Celestine Prophecy is a 1993 novel by James Redfield. ... Many religions, including Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, and especially Jainism, teach that ideally life should always be valued and not willfully destroyed for unnecessary human gratification. ... This article is about the attitudes of Islam regarding animals. ...

External links

• Christian Vegetarian Association UK
• Christian Religion and Vegetarian Resources
• Was Jesus a vegetarian? - article by Keith Akers
• Biblical Opposition to Flesh Eating
• An extensive website about vegetarianism from the Christian perspective, run by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
• ChristianityToday.com Books and Culture "Revenge of the Ebionites" book review by Stephen H. Webb
• Animal Rights and its role in religion
• Review by Urrutia of Good News for all Creation: Vegetarianism as Christian Stewardship by Stephen R. Kaufman and Nathan Braun
• Christianity and Vegetarianism: Some Thoughts, compiled by David Ogilvie
• Christianity and Animals by Andrew Linzey
• Christianity and Animals: An Interview with Andrew Linzey (1996)
• Christianity and Vegetarianism PowerPoint presentation, by God's Creatures Ministry
• Christianity and Vegetarianism - Pursuing the non-violence of Jesus, Fr. John Dear S.J