question for vegetarians?

Question

do people ask you why you are a vegatarian?
i get people asking me all the time. and when i answer them, they always say "God made animals for us to eat!" and my answer is always the same:
"God made a lot of things, doesnt mean i have to use them!"

does any vegetarian have people saying this to you?

Julia S- Wow. i just read the thing about vegetarianism and the bible! it does make a lot of sense! thanks for mentioning that.

for anyone who says that dominance over animals is what God intended:
http://www.thenazareneway.com/biblical_%20vegetarianism_denis_giron.htm

BEW- you are one of the nicest 'athiests' on Y!A. thanks for being polite about that! and, no, you didnt offend me. =)

Answer 1

i eat what i choose and allow others to do the same without fear of judgement.

Answer 2

Yes, I have been asked why I am vegetarian. I do get defensive about it, and some people are being shallow but other people are genuinely interested and respect me for the strength I have not to eat meat. Some even say they would like to give it a try but they admit it would be too hard for them.

If I think the person is being challenging, I will usually say "well why do you eat meat? " Why do animals need to be killed when there are so many alternatives we can eat and get ample nutrition. Plus there are many health benefits.

Another point, do you think the people that give you the "god" aspect on things are really good Christians, or are they just trying to make themselves feel better that they eat poor animals.

But if the people are asking from a genuine interest I will answer them in a less challenging way that is more informative. Firstly saying it is a choice I make that I don't want animals to be killed. Secondly I enjoy health benefits.

Probably after people get to know you they will get used to it, but you do have to be strong. It is nice when people are asking the question because they are genuine and respectful and it makes me feel that I am glad that I stick by my feelings with my diet.

While we are talking about the bible, I have heard that Jesus may have been vegetarian as he was an essene, who are often vegetarian, or sometimes vegetarian for some periods, and I believe they eat a lot of grain.

When it talks of Jesus eating flesh, an explanation is that they used to say things like the flesh of the fruit or the meat of the fruit. It is really hard to find something that actually says he ate an animal. He may have helped the others eat flesh, bet did he eat it himself?

I haven't read all the bible myself but I have heard this argument and I thought it was interesting.

Answer 3

People are always astonished when I tell them I am vegetarian (soon to be vegan, I really want to be.) and they go on rambling that you NEED meat to survive/thrive, etc. But you know what's funny? I'm even more athletic than them. I can run. I can do pullups, chin ups, push ups, crunches, etc etc etc. I think I would be better off without meat or dairy, maybe I'll be stronger. Not about the God part though, actually sometimes, but my response is different, and it might be offending to some others so I would rather not stir something up. It's not that insulting, I just say that it seems rather selfish that humans think we are superior for any other things and I don't believe in god. (I'm very sorry if that offended you, in no way was I trying to) I respect your beliefs though, I do not want to bash people's religions.

Answer 4

Julia S you are so misinformed the Bible does state exactly what meats are meant for eating.

For the poster, you know if someone asks you why you don't eat meat just say you don't like the way it taste they can't refute that.
There is NO reason you should have to defend your decision nor should you have to give an answer that will not be satisfying to the asker.

There really is no need to mention God. Or you can tell them, "God disapproves of cursing (and a ton of other things)...do you abide by those? or do you do what's convenient to you?

Answer 5

What part of the bible your talking about, old or new.

In the new there are several parts there Jesus uses animal flesh, he part took in the passover feast, which involves lamb and you have the feeding of the 5000 and 2000 with bread and fish. To be honest the worst thing that God would say is that he would not want you to but he would forgive you for it. But then again I'm not a deity yet.

majnun99

If I reminder correctly the Hindu scriptures say that your not meant to kill any creature or indirectly kill. Hindu priests/monks are allow to eat meat, but they can only do so if it is not killed for them in the process and that it was given as aims or was going waste.

Sorry majnun99 I was getting buddist and Hindu monks mixed up....

Answer 6

i have been a vegetarian on and off and its really hard to put up with the crap about having to eat meat. the facts are I think there are more choices that are vegan and vegetarian and i have no issues with telling people, infact I find the vegan recipes very tasty and nutritious but there are some people most older out of touch people that really cannot understand that you dont have to eat meat with every meal. These days I don't bother but eat what I wnat and let others do therething. By good luck

Answer 7

My daughter is vegetarian. When she chose to stop eating meat, I wanted her to understand that God did give people dominion over animals, meaning that people and animals are not created equal and that some animals were intended as food sources. I do not belittle her choice and respect it very much. Although I am not a vegetarian, I get annoyed at other people "badgering" her about not eating meat; as if they can convince her stomach not to churn at the thought of putting an animal in her mouth. I believe that people will respect your decision much more if you reply with a more mature response, such as, "I respect that. However, I can't tolerate the thought of an animal dying in order for me to eat. There are many more types of food available, and those foods are actually healthier for me."

Answer 8

Nobody asks me anymore. A lot of people probably don't know it.

I'm religious, but I'm not Christian. My wife is a Hindu, and that religion has recommended vegetarianism before there was a Bible.

If somebody did give me that "God made animals for us to eat" jive, I would probably start quoting Hindu scripture or say something like "my dog found a dead squirrel yesterday, I can send it to you for a snack if you like, I'm sure it's nice and crunchy like beef jerky." That always shuts them up--a lot of meat eaters are remarkably easy to gross out.

Answer 9

i have people askk me that all the time. they always say
that plants and animals are like the same. and we're
eating plants so we're still cruel. it reaaaaally bugs me.
and my parents were really mad when i turned vegetarian.
they took away my ipod; cell phone; and even threatened
to starve me (which they didnt). but i dont see why people
cant understand that this is our belief. i believe that God
made animals; but not for us to eat. and i really enjoyed
reading about the link about the Bible; i am Christian and
people give me a hard time saying that God made animals
for us to eat and i always argue that eating animals was
not his intention in the first place. so thank you so much :).
now i have an argument over all the people who give me
such a hard time :D.

Answer 10

That's really only happened to me once in real life. I ordered a vegetarian sandwich at Subway and the girl asked me if I wanted bacon on it (?!?) so I told her no, I was vegetarian. And she told me that God gave us the animals to eat. I told her thank you very much, but I came in for a sandwich not a sermon. I just think religion is something that you leave out of a business transaction.

Answer 11

I do eat meat but my cousin Katie doesn't, i think that she has a right to not eat meat, and a right to her opinions and so dose every one else. We are not all the same and if we were than life would be blank. It is wrong for people to judge one another but no one will ever stop that, so we have to enjoy life as our self's even if we eat meat, fruits and veggies or if we look different.