A Druid's question on Religion and Food?

Question

The Druid religion has a strong belief in a spiritual force beind nature. We're taught to honor and respect nature for the sake of that spiritual force. Once in a while I get comments from people wondering how I can be a Druid and eat meat too. As far as I've studied into my religion, there isn't anything about not being able to eat meat. So is it wrong for someone with such a high respect for nature to enjoy the occasional steak or pork chop? Maybe through honoring what that spiritual force behind nature provides for me, I'm able to honor the deer I hunt and cook every autumn.

Answer 1

I don't think meat-eating really should be associated with immorality, even in a nature-based religion, as meat-eating is something that occurs naturally in the world, and as omnivores, it isn't something to be ashamed of.

Now if you were hunting deer for antlers and letting the meat rot or something, that might be another story--but I don't think you've got a problem here.

Answer 2

I don't see anything wrong in it. Though I'm not Druid I feel the same way about nature, yet I still go deer hunting and eat what I take from the land. I do everything within my power Not to waste anything and to give back whatever I can. I think it's weird that someone would think it is wrong. Having a respect for nature doesn't mean you would not take from it. It means you'll not take more than what you need from it.

Answer 3

I think that argument can go both ways. Someone could tell you that eating meat is not compatible with your beliefs, and you could tell that person right back that being a vegetarian is not compatible with your beliefs.

Think of it like this.. All of nature is an intricate ecosystem which relies on the participation of all the sub ecosystems to function properly. We know that is not good when certain populations get too large or too small. Furthermore, we are also part of this ecosystem. Choosing to do what we want, whether in good intention or otherwise, with no regard to how the circle of life works is just arrogant. What I'm trying to say here is that humans have the power and skills to hunt, cook and digest meat. These are natural traits of ours, so doing otherwise is like biting our thumb at God (or Nature, I suppose, in your case): we're telling the universe that we don't need to follow the rules, patterns or circle to exist.

So, the argument goes both ways. Do what you think is right.

Answer 4

Actually, there's documented stories of Druids eating a variety of meats. Likewise, they were in charge of overseeing the sacrifices.

See, eating meat (or, anything, for that matter) has nothing to do with honoring (or not) the spiritual forces that exist. It's more a question of how you do it, and why. Are you being respectful while doing it? Giving thanks? Death is part of the cycle, as much as life is. Knowing your place in the grand scheme of things, and not abusing what you've got - that's more the mark of a connection to those forces than whether you choose a burger or a veggieburger.

Answer 5

As a Wiccan I was asked a similar question since we also honor and respect Nature. The thing to remember is we honor and respect Nature but we also exist within it. Life is vamperic in and of itself. Everything feeds off of something else. As long as we do what we can to honor the spirits of the animals we eat and try not to waste what Nature has blessed us with then I don't see a problem with being an omnivore.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 6

Mmmm, deer's really good. I've had deermeat chili before.

Honestly, I see no reason why you can't eat meat. Ancient Druid's did. Why not modern Druids? One Druid I know loves meat (except chicken) and cooks it almost every night.

Answer 7

hun, its really about what feels right to you, if you feel in your heart that it is ok to eat meat. I'm veg, but I used to eat meat. In my current state I don't believe in it but won't have a go at anyone who does, if their heart tells them it is ok.

Answer 8

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