Carnivore

Do I Eat Meat?

Yes, I am a carnivore. I eat meat. We humans are carnivorous creatures, built to consume meat. It’s the cycle of life in all its gore and glory. However, we are the only creatures who know that we have to kill or take a life to eat – as far as we know anyway.

I’ve watched enough nature shows to see that the prey can somehow sense danger and will often fight for its life. The lion doesn’t think about the details; it just knows it’s hungry and that gazelle is food. Does the gazelle know it’s food? Do the creatures we eat know that they are food?

But as humans, we have a unique relationship with food. We’re not just driven by instinct; we’re also guided by our values and principles. I’ve often wondered, why do we eat meat? Is it just a matter of survival, or is there more to it?

According to the Bible, the story of Adam and the forbidden fruit has a fascinating connection to our relationship with meat. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve disobey God’s command not to eat from the tree of knowledge, and as a result, sin enters the world. Interestingly, it’s not until after this event that God gives humans permission to eat meat (Genesis 9:3).

Some biblical scholars believe that, before the fall, humans were intended to be vegetarian, and that the consumption of meat was a consequence of sin. This idea resonates with me, as it suggests that our desire for meat is, in part, a result of our fallen nature.

But if we do choose to eat meat, how should we approach it? For me, it’s about treating animals with respect and care. The animals we consume should be given a comfortable, loving life, and slaughtered in a ceremonial and humane way. Lovingly rearing animals produces the best meat, and it’s essential to acknowledge the sacrifice that the animal has made for our sustenance. At times these creatures become pets to us and we slaughter them anyway. Several childhood stories have included the ultimate slaughter of the farm animals.

I believe in the importance of approaching meat consumption with reverence and gratitude.

Ultimately, our food choices are a personal reflection of our values and priorities. For me, eating meat is not just about satisfying my hunger; it’s about acknowledging the cycle of life and death, and treating the animals we consume with the respect and care they deserve.