No, God did not explicitly command all people to be vegan. While the Bible outlines various dietary guidelines throughout history, a universal command for veganism is not present. Instead, scriptures offer a nuanced perspective on food, emphasizing freedom, personal conviction, and love for others.
From Eden to the Flood: Dietary Evolution
Initially, in the Garden of Eden, the Creator provided humans and animals with a plant-based diet.
- Genesis 1:29-30 describes God giving "every herb bearing seed" and "every tree in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed" as food for humanity, and "every green herb for meat" to every beast. This paints a picture of an original, paradisiacal, plant-based existence.
However, after the Great Flood, a significant change occurred.
- Genesis 9:3 explicitly states, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green herbs, I give you everything." This marked a clear permission for humanity to eat meat, alongside plants.
New Testament Guidance: Freedom and Responsibility
In the New Testament, particularly for followers of Christ, the focus shifts from specific dietary laws to principles of freedom, conscience, and consideration for others. The emphasis is on spiritual well-being and not causing fellow believers to stumble.
It is understood that all foods are considered clean, and dietary choices are largely a matter of personal conviction and conscience before God. However, this freedom comes with a responsibility to uphold peace and unity within the community. For instance, it is vital not to damage what God is building or cause someone else to stumble through one's eating habits. While all foods are permissible, it is deemed better to refrain from eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that might cause a fellow believer to falter or be led astray. This principle prioritizes the spiritual health and unity of the community over personal dietary preferences.
Key Biblical Dietary Periods
| Period | Primary Dietary Provision | Command for All? |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Flood (Eden) | Plant-based (fruits, seeds, herbs) for humans and animals. | Yes (Implied Design) |
| Post-Flood | Plants and all living creatures explicitly permitted as food. | Yes (Permission Given) |
| Old Covenant (Israel) | Specific clean/unclean animal distinctions, dietary laws for Israel. | Yes (For Israel Only) |
| New Covenant | All foods declared clean; emphasis on conscience & not stumbling. | No (Personal Choice) |
Considerations for Dietary Choices
While not a command for veganism, the biblical narrative offers principles that can inform one's dietary choices:
- Conscience and Conviction: Individuals are free to make dietary choices based on their personal conscience and conviction, whether that involves eating meat or abstaining from it. What matters is that their decision is made in good conscience before God.
- Love for Neighbor: A significant New Testament principle is to avoid causing others to stumble or creating division over non-essential matters like food. If eating meat causes a weaker brother or sister to violate their conscience, or if it contributes to discord, it may be more loving to abstain.
- Stewardship: Some may choose a plant-based diet out of a desire to be better stewards of creation, acknowledging the environmental impact or animal welfare concerns, aligning with a broader sense of God's original design for peace and harmony.
- Health: Personal health considerations can also play a role in dietary choices, as the body is seen as a temple.
Ultimately, whether one chooses to eat meat or follow a plant-based diet is not a matter of divine command for all, but a personal decision guided by conscience, love for others, and an understanding of the broader biblical principles. The focus remains on faith, love, and righteousness, rather than adherence to specific food rules.
