Catholics & Vegetarianism

Some vegetarians stop eating meat or have never eaten meat because of religion.

Although vegetarianism is not obligatory for Catholics, its a subject of debate within Catholic theology. Some Catholics view vegetarianism as a living Jesus' mandate to show mercy and compassion to all beings.

Theological Arguments

Catholic vegetarian Bruce Friedrich cites Biblical scripture as reason for vegetarianism being part of Christianity. For example, Adam and Eve were vegetarian in the Garden of Eden and the prophet Isaiah said that during the kingdom of God carnivorous animals will stop eating other animals. The article "A Catholic Case for Vegetarianism" quotes the Catechism as saying that men owe animals kindness because they are God's creatures.

Speculation

Catholic vegetarian organizations believe that one day the Church will condemn eating animals. In 2005 the Vatican condemned the tight quarters of hens, overfeeding of geese and other factory farming techniques.

Famous Ties

Bruce Friedrich is a Catholic animal rights activist who was voted number five in a list of 2003's "Most Influential People" in Details magazine. He's on the board of Catholic Vegetarian Society, the Christian Vegetarian Society and the Society of Religious and Ethical Vegetarians. Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Philip Neri were both vegetarian.

References

• SFGate: Is Eating Meat a Catholic Sin?
• Jesus Radicals: A Catholic Case for Vegetarianism
• Medill Report: Humane Society Reaches Out to Religious