It seems as though there is a default Christian opinion of every issue which we must all adhere to lest they call us sinners or render harsh judgments. When I researched abortion it seemed as though every Christian was pro-life. However the pro-life position makes sense to me. Bible or no Bible, I cannot imagine taking anything other than the position that favors human life.
When I wrote my homosexuality article, I found a lot of opposition (From both homosexual proponents and the Christian camp. Figure that one out.) One person told me that homosexuality should continue to be preached against and another told me that homosexuals should not try to be cured because in fact, it does not work.
It seems as though there is a default position for every organized group of people in regard to every issue. Though I have not observed any strong minded Christians tossing their hat into the omnivore/carnivore ring just yet, and I think it is about time we fight and condemn each other over this.
I think many animal rights proponents and vegans will take opposition to Christians because in their strong-minded republicanism, Christians take opposition to them. I would like to approach this issue with arguments from a worldly perspective and from a religious perspective.
Worldly Argument
Vegans do not necessarily have a 'different' sense of morality than non-vegans. Animal rights proponents perceive animals differently because they have escalated animals to a level that is equal to humans. They contend that level of awareness and intelligence is unrelated to the value of a life.
To disagree with such a statement, I think, I would appear to stand in hypocrisy as I made a very similar argument in my pro-life article. I would be a hypocrite only when applying the animal rights presupposition which escalates animals to a level equal to human beings. But in truth, there is a very big difference between animals and human infants.
Animals, for instance, will never develop the awareness or compassion of a human being. They do not know how to adhere to a standard of morality other than kinship toward their young, nor could they express mercy for another species you as you do for them. Animals are instinct-executing machines. Nothing more.
I do not have any predatory ability. I could not execute a deer that is drinking from a pond. Further, I could never execute a female deer or a baby deer. I think that is not because it would be immoral to do so, but because I cannot look at an animal without humanizing them. My instincts and emotions betray my judgment.
Hunting seems immoral only when you are reigned entirely by your emotions. Humanizing an animal is like humanizing an insect. We find it difficult to feel compassion for the spider because they are nothing like us. However the same arguments which the animal rights proponents apply can also be applied by a spider rights proponent.
Religious Argument
Political diversity throughout Christianity is scarce at best. The second amendment, hunting, republicanism and a Ronald Reagan type of political system is widely sought after and embraced. It would seem that since republicanism aligns with the worldview of Christianity, we are left with something of a monopolized, rather default opinion in regard to the issue of hunting.
Though we do not hear about it much. This may be because veganism is not a prevalent issue in Christianity. Frankly I think when Jesus Christ multiplied a basket of fish to feed hundreds of people, it became clear that the consumption of meat is not objectively immoral from the perspective of the Messiah.
But there are quotes which Christian vegans will often use to support their veganism. I will answer a few of them.
“Thou shalt not kill. Exodus 20:13”
I do believe that the original Greek translation of the word 'kill' is ratzach, which means, the taking of a human life. Obviously there is a massive distinction. For those of you who are swatting flies, I do not think you will suffer the punishment of those who violate this.
“But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.”Genesis 9:4
This is not a command to be omnivores. It is a command to consume nothing that still has life in it.
“It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood." Leviticus 3:17
Likewise, this is a command to eat nothing with life in it.
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Romans 14:1
I suppose the question now evolves from 'is it is wrong to eat animals?' to 'is it wrong to not eat animals?' It seems rather ironic to me that the predatory worldview could be preached as the only worldview with an acceptable morality. It is my opinion that God would not create an animal for the exclusive intention of our consumption.
My articles tend to conclude in an appearance of uncertainty. That is not the case. I am saying that when held to a biblical standard, both the non-vegan and the vegan worldview are acceptable. Vegans do not have to abandon their Christianity, nor must they exclude it as an option, because Christianity does not condemn this practice. This is not to say that some Christians will not condemn it, but atheists will as well. People will always take opposition to any moral stance.
I do not believe that a Christian who practices veganism lives in sin.
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