What is the Christian viewpoint on vegetarianism?

Answer 1

Each person has their own convictions. Jesus declared no food unclean. For that reason, we are free to eat what we want. But, right living still requires wise choices. The Jewish Law dictates certain foods to be unclean, and there are reasons why there are restrictions to diets for different religions, but as Jesus declared all foods to be edible, we have the freedom to eat as we like.

Further to this, according to the Christian perspective, it would be wrong to demand vegetarianism (or meat in the diet either) as necessary or in any way compulsory. Every believer is called to freedom in those things which have no eternal significance, including diet. This, of course, as long as it is as balanced and as healthy as far as our current knowledge permits. Personally, I don't believe the New Testament favors a massive focus on the body and outward appearances such as figure and 'body image' etc. In fact, this could be regarded as self-centred vanity, whereas we ought to accept the outward body that God has given and look after it as best we can. If we have made wrong choices in the past, and are now better informed, we ought to use that knowledge as to how to be more healthy. A healthy body and mind are usually more useful to God, than sick ones. (Although of course even illness and disability can glorify Him - just ask Paul).

Regarding vegetarianism, The Bible seems to indicate that people were possibly vegetarian before the great flood and were certainly given permission to eat meat after it. Many think this relates to the changes to climate, as well as a likely lesser availability of certain proteins and enzymes necessary for life and good health after the flood. These essential items not being as readily available and so needing to be replaced by meat. This does not make meat eating compulsory, nor does it outlaw vegetarianism. The only thing the New Testament outlaws in all of this is looking down on others and thinking one is better for doing one or the other, although it certainly makes clear that 'all things are lawful,' as stated above.