Now, although I am not a vegetarian, I do think there are several aspects of vegetarianism that should be considered by us carnivores. And today is the day set aside for just that purpose.
First, consider that meat was not allowed in the Bible until several chapters into Genesis. At first, humans were only allowed to eat of the earth (Gen 2.9, 16). Animals, meanwhile, were for other purposes, originally that of a possible partner or companion (Gen 2.18-20). It is not until after the Flood that God allows humans to eat meat (Gen 9.3-5).
Second, consider that it takes more land, resources, and money to produce meat than it does to produce vegetables. Simply put, the animals must be fed something and they must be able to roam. The food fed to the animals we eat could be fed to hungry people and the land used for roaming/grazing could be used to grow more crops. Did you know that it takes 16 pounds of grain, on average, to produce 1 pound of meat? (Lappe, Diet for a Small Planet, page 9) Vegetarianism is just a more efficient use of resources.
Third, consider how meat is produced these days. Eric Schlosser revealed "the dark side of the American meal," a phrase that serves as the subtitle of his horrifyingly informative Fast Food Nation. Is the luxury of eating meat worth the pain and cruelty it causes?
Finally, consider all the extra greenhouse gasses produced by meat consumption, most notably methane. Read here if you are interested in that.
Now you tell me, after I had a slice of Italian sausage and pepperoni pizza for lunch at Little Italy, and meatballs for supper at home! Woe is me.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny. I stopped by Little Italy yesterday for meat stuffed pizza!
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