6 Reasons Why Christians Should Go Vegan For Lent
What will you give up for Lent? How about cruelty? As the website PETA Lambs points out, the Bible is chock-full of reasons why we should all be vegan. Here are some:
1. God’s Original Menu Was Vegan
“Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground – everything that has the breath of life in it – I give every green plant for food. And that is how it happened.'”
– Genesis 1:29–30
2. God Created Wonderful Animals
“And God said, “Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.” Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters of the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”
– Genesis, 1:21-23.
3. Eating Meat Causes Climate Change
Christians are called to be caretakers of creation, yet meat, eggs and dairy foods waste valuable resources and contribute to the deadly climate change. One of the single most effective things that Christians can do to steward God’s creation well is to go vegan.
4. Animals Need Our Mercy
Jesus always stood up for those who are repressed and weak and we can extend that compassion to animals.
“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82.)
4. Raising Animals For Food Denies Them Any Opportunity To Express Their Natural God-Given Type Of Behaviour
The bodies of chickens used for meat today have been manipulated to grow so heavy so fast, they often suffer heart failure.
Such farming processes are like saying to God, “I don’t think you created chickens quite right!”
5. So Instead of Abusing Animals in Horrific Ways, Show Them Mercy and Compassion
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
– Matthew 25:40
6. God Wants Us to Be Kind to Our Human Neighbours, Too
Raising animals for food is extremely inefficient. For every kilogram of food that farmed animals are fed, only a fraction of the calories is returned in the form of edible flesh. So instead of funnelling huge amounts of grain, soybeans and corn to animals that are raised for our food, would it not be better to use it to feed our hungry fellow humans?
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For animals, the planet and your own health, going vegan during Lent (and everyday) just makes sense. Sacrifice cruelty and order PETA India’s free vegan starter kit, which is packed full of recipes, tips and advice, including nutritional information and ideas, for quick, tasty vegan meals.
