Adam was a vegetarian — really, he was. So were Eve and their kids, too. In fact, the next several generations likely avoided meat was well. How do I know this?
After creation, God told Adam that he could eat any plant or fruit tree for food. Meat was definitely not mentioned as an option, (Genesis 1:29).
However, less we conclude that we are supposed to be vegetarians, consider God’s follow-up instructions after the great flood. At that time, God gave all animals to Noah, stating that they would also be used for food (Genesis 9:2-3).
One might argue that God’s original plan was for a vegetarian lifestyle. That is an acceptable conclusion, but it needs to be kept in balance with the also acceptable perspective that meat was given to us to be enjoyed. Both are biblically defensible conclusions.
So, be we herbivore or carnivore, we need to get along with each other; that is even more in line with God’s desire for us.
Bon Appétit!
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.
