Why I Eat Funny April 16, 2008

There are probably just as many reasons for becoming a vegetarian as there are vegetarians themselves.  Perhaps this is why once someone finds out that you are vegetarian you are immediately questioned as to the reasoning behind your decision.  Not that it’s troublesome, mind you, it just always seems to happen that way.  So, here I will share various reasons to be a vegetarian and how much I think that bears weight on my own decision.

Animal Rights.  This is the first one that comes to mind, usually.  It might even be the most popular.  The animals that are used to make food are often badly mistreated and slaughtered (probably in ways that we really don’t want to know or hear about).  Becoming a vegetarian for this reason is a way of “sticking it to the man” of the companies and businesses that mistreat the animals and refusing to support the way the animals are poorly treated.  I think this is really a pretty good reason, but I must admit it is probably down at fiveish on my list.  (Yes, that’s right, my “Reasons for Being a Vegetarian” list; arranged in order of importance, of course.)

Health Benefits.  This was a main reason I began thinking about becoming vegetarian.  (Health nut, I know.)  There are many not-so-good-for-you things that get pumped into the meat we eventually consume.  Also, some meat just isn’t that great for you anyway.  Your risk of getting certain types of diseases is greatly increased if you eat meat (heart disease being an obvious one).  A diet that is high in fruits and vegetables is just plain good for you.

Environmental Concerns.  A well-known utilitarian ethicist and philosopher, Peter Singer, describes this rather well in his book, Animal Liberation:  ”Those who claim to care about the well-being of human beings and the preservation of our environment should become vegetarians for that reason alone. They would thereby increase the amount of grain available to feed people elsewhere, reduce pollution, save water and energy, and cease contributing to the clearing of forests. When nonvegetarians say that “human problems come first” I cannot help wondering what exactly it is that they are doing for human beings that compels them to continue to support the wasteful, ruthless exploitation of farm animals.”  Now, I’m an admitted tree hugger, so this is a very appealing reason.  I sensed that there could be a connection between the two issues, but I was not even aware of its true existence until later.  I guess this reason may rank slightly above animal rights on my list, but maybe only directly above.

Religion/Convictions.  For some this is an open and shut case.  Buddhists and Hindus are all over being vegetarian, as are many other major religions.  Well, I’m Christian.  I am not commanded to be a vegetarian.  In fact, I’m told that eating meat is acceptable.  But, there are some interesting items in Scripture that are connected with vegetarianism.  That is a whole blog for some other time, but for now if you are curious there is this essay/talk by Matt Krick of Mars Hill church.  He does an excellent job at examining the scriptures that relate to how we should care for the planet (and mentions vegetarianism a few times).  Though my religion does not directly instruct me on if I should be vegetarian or not, it does allow for me to have unique convictions, and that is what I believe this is a case of.  God calls each of His children to follow Him in different ways; I think that vegetarianism or other diet choices can be simply that to some believers.  (P.S.-Many Christian monastic communities [you know, nuns and monks] have a tradition of being vegetarian at least a few days a week if not their entire lives.)

Living Intentionally.  Of course, I have saved the strangest, most important (to me) reason for last.  I see being vegetarian as a way for me to be more aware of not only what I am consuming, but also the somewhat uncomfortable realities of the world.  Every time I eat and deny myself certain things I am reminded of those who have no choice in what they eat or how they have no choice in the fact that they do not eat at all.  It’s a reminder that brings me a bit closer (even if just in thought) to the large majority of the world which is less “well-off” than me.  The only thing I can liken it to is a fast that is a permanent part of one’s lifestyle.  This is not a guilt thing, it is just one small way that I can perhaps become less concerned about my own desires and focus a bit more on those in need.

For those of you who are keeping track, or are perhaps just curious, I’ve included my list of reasons below, in order of importance.  (The list itself was made in a tongue-in-cheek tone, but it does truly reflect what I think and believe.)

1. Living Intentionally
2. Religion/Convictions
3. Health Benefits
4. Environmental Concerns
5. Animal Rights

For me, reasons one and two are very much intertwined, almost to the point of being inseparable.

P.S. – One thing that really got me to thinking about this was a simple blog on Relevant Magazine online, found here.

P.P.S. – Do I one day want to become a vegan?  Maybe, maybe not, we’ll see where God and the journey of life takes me.