Food Choices: A Faithful Matter

Grace Lenhart
REL210: Research Methods in Religion
April 3rd, 2015

In the United States today, the consequences of climate change are increasingly
noticeable. Intensifying storms, unraveling of fragile ecosystems and rising seas threaten to
disrupt the daily life of United States residents. The United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) explains climate change is largely caused by the increased emissions of
greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. These emissions are heavily connected to industrialized
nations food, energy, and transportation methods.1 The EPA identifies the USA as one of the
largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions.2 Interestingly, the USA is also largely
Christian. 3 Do United States Christians believe in destroying the Earth? Perhaps not, but their
dinner plates illustrate a different story. The animal agriculture industry is one of the largest
contributors to U.S. carbon emissions and the industry is running to pile high Americas plates
with meat, dairy, and eggs. In the Christian doctrine of creation, Christians are given the
responsibility to be stewards of Gods creation. Caring for creation while eating a diet largely
composed of animal products is discordant. If U.S. Christians are to be faithful stewards of
creation, they need to consume fewer animals.4
The faithful act to be stewards of creation begins within the doctrine of creation. The
doctrine of creation is the attempt to explain God created the universe. This belief is fundamental
to the Christian Tradition.5 The belief in God as creator stems from the creation passages in the

"Climate Change: Basic Information." United States Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed March 9, 2015.
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/basics/.
2
"Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data." EPA. Accessed March 9, 2015.
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/global.html.
3
Pew Research Forum found 73% of US citizens identify as Christian. "Nones" on the Rise." Pew Research Centers
Religion Public Life Project RSS. October 8, 2012. Accessed March 9, 2015.
http://www.pewforum.org/2012/10/09/nones-on-the-rise/.
4
Consuming fewer animals optimally means eating no animal products at all, but this could also mean saving
animal consumption for holidays or special occasions. Just as with everything there is a spectrum - in this case, the
fewer animals the better. It is important to also keep in mind other ecological factors that we cannot touch in the
scope of this paper.
5
"Creation." In The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, edited by F. L. Cross and E.A. Livingstone, 432433. 3rd Revised ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.

Book of Genesis, where God creates the earth, light, water, land, vegetation, sun, moon, stars,
water creatures, birds, land animals, and humans. The doctrine is expressed in Christian theology
as Alister McGrath explains:
In its doctrine of creation, classical Christian theology asserted that the world was made
out of nothing by the agency of God. The creation was conceived of as contingent,
having been brought into being and sustained by the Creator, and as moving towards its
telos6 in the purpose of God.7
Assertions to God as the creator are found throughout scripture and Christian faith practice.
Creation is referred to in the giving of sacraments, sung in hymns, and recited in creeds. 8 For
much of Christianity, belief in God as creator was nearly synonymous with belief that the
universe was created in six days in accordance with the creation stories of Genesis 1 and 2.
However, the way some Christians believe in the doctrine of creation has evolved. Scientific
knowledge and discovery, such as the theory of evolution, have demanded a new understanding
of creation as a continuous process through time. In this perspective, Christian theology points to
a dependence on Gods sustaining and preserving power through the continuous process of
creation, rather than an explicit six day creation narrative.9
Today, a growing question in regards to the doctrine of creation is to what extent
Christians are called in faith to respond to the growing ecological crisis. In the first creation
passage of Genesis, God said to humans fill the earth and subdue it and as John Webster

Telos refers to the Greek noun meaning end-goal or purpose. Information from "Strong's Greek: 5056. (telos)
-- an End, a Toll." Bible Hub. Accessed March 9, 2015. http://biblehub.com/greek/5056.htm.
7
"Creation, Doctrine of." In The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Modern Christian Thought, edited by Alister E.
McGrath, by John B. Webster, 94-97. Oxford: Blackwell, 1993.
8
Mentions of creation and God as creator figure in the Bible as compiled by Katheryn Tanner in The Cambridge
Dictionary of Christianity: Gen1:1-2:3; Gen 2:4-25; Isa 40-55 (40-48) Psalms (,9,104) Prov. 8:27-29; God as potter
(Isa 29:15-16, 45:9-13; Jer 18; Rom 9:20-21) created by Word (Gen 1; Ps 33:9, 148:5; John 1:1-2; Heb 11:3; 2 Peter
3:5-6). Creation is also mentioned in creeds and hymns. For example, the recognition of God as creator is overtly
recited during in the Apostles Creed I believe in God almighty, the creator of heaven and earth this creed and
others can be found at http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/P13.HTM.
9
Cross, Creation, 433.
6

describes Many now argue that the abuse of natural order can be rooted in the Judaeo Christian
traditionthe direction to subdue the earth, it is suggested, has been interpreted as giving license
to an exploitative attitude to the rest of creation.10 The interpretation that Christians are called to
subdue the earth in an exploitative manner may have to do with the anthropomorphic centered
Christian view of creation, and the common-held understanding that non-human nature is less
divine, or non-spiritual.11 Although this notion is common held, it can be dangerous. When
people and cultures operate under the assumption of permission to subdue and exploit creation,
problematic, un-sustainable, and quite destructive actions occur. Examples of these harmful
practices can be seen all over the world.12 The United States food industry, and the American
persons insatiable appetite for animal products proves to be one of these destructive systems.13
Many faith communities recognize the environmental and societal dangers to exploitation
of creation, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). The ELCAs social
statement Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice offers a vision of Gods intention for
humanity to be caregivers of creation.14 The statement identifies sin and humanities separation
from God and creation as the central cause of the environmental crisis, and it articulates that
excessive consumption by industrialized nations jeopardizes efforts to achieve a sustainable
future.15 Saying the idea of the earth as a boundless warehouse has proven both false and

10

"Creation, Doctrine of." In The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Modern Christian Thought, edited by Alister E.
McGrath, by John B. Webster, 94-97. Oxford: Blackwell, 1993.94.
11
Ibid.
12
Examples of these harmful practices include the rapid deforestation of the worlds rainforests, and industrial
pollution of the worlds air, among others. To find out more visit EPA.gov.
13
Here, when reffering to American persons, I mean people living in the United States of America.
14
"Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice." ELCA.org. August 28, 1993. Accessed March 9, 2015.
http://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Social-Statements/Caring-for-Creation. A social statement on Caring
for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice: Adopted by a more than two-thirds majority vote as a social statement of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by the third Churchwide Assembly on August 28, 1993, at Kansas City,
Missouri.
15
Ibid, 4.

dangerous. In response to the identified environmental crisis, the statement calls the church to
pursue sustainable development strategies including actions to support U.S. farmers who are
turning to sustainable methods and to industries to produce sustainably and that faithful action
summons each of us, in every aspect of our lives, to behave in ways that are consistent with the
long-term sustainability of the planet.16 Some Christian faith communities also point to the story
of Adam and Eve, who did not eat the flesh of animals until after the fall leading some to believe
humankind was originally meant to eat exclusively plants.17 Other Christians point to nonviolence as a reason to not slaughter animals, as well as the care for the poor and hungry,
because the majority of crops produced in the world are used to feed animals, crops and land
which could alternatively be used to feed those in need.18
The move to eat more plants is advocated for in the secular world as well. The Gallup
poll finds 5% of Americans now consider themselves vegetarian, and 2% vegan, a number up
from years past.19 Many plant lovers find their motivation in the statistics. The People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) explains, going vegan is one of the most effective ways
to fight global warming citing the fact that producing one calorie from animal protein requires
11 times as much fossil fuel input, releasing 11 times as much CO2- as does producing a calorie
from plant protein. Basically; feeding, killing, transporting and storing animals is incredibly
energy intensive. A vegan (a person who eats exclusively plant matter) releases 1.5 fewer tons of
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year than their meat/dairy consuming counterparts (See

16

Ibid, 8.
Many other religions besides Christianity also indicate favor for vegetarianism including Hinduism, Jainsim,
Buddhism, Taoism, and Judaism. Visit http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~soa29/Religious%20Issues.htm for more
information.
18
Ibid.
19
Newport, Frank. "In U.S., 5% Consider Themselves Vegetarians." In U.S., 5% Consider Themselves Vegetarians.
July 26, 2012. Accessed March 9, 2015. http://www.gallup.com/poll/156215/consider-themselves-vegetarians.aspx.
17

Tables A/B).20 The push for plant-based diet sustainability is also supported by new findings.
Damian Carrington of the Guardian reports Curbing the worlds huge and increasing appetite
for meat is essential to avoid devastating climate change21. This is further supported by data
of a recent Chatham House report that states global livestock industry produces higher
greenhouse gas emissions than transport.22 Meaning; the business of meat, milk and other animal
products emits more carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases into the
atmosphere than all planes, trains, boats, automobiles, and all other forms of transport combined.
In response to these startling statistics there is a call by some to abstain from meat, dairy and
other animal product consumption, because dietary change has the potential to drastically lower
greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental advocates arent the only people that recognize the
importance of eating more plants, investors see potential in the area as well. Kate Murphy
writing for the New York Times highlights: high-tech food entrepreneurs are focusing primarily
on providing alternatives to animal protein. The demand is certainly there.23 Continuing to
explain, livestock production uses huge amounts of land and water in inefficient ways and
contribute highly to runoff and air pollution, and investors see the importance in building
products and technologies for a plant-sustained future.24
Although there is much hype and enthusiasm for adopting higher plant based diets, not
everyone is ready to jump on the vegetarian/vegan band-wagon. National Public Radio (NPR)
heard feedback from thousands of people on the issue who were skeptical that equating meat

20

"Fight Global Warming by Going Vegan." PETA. Accessed February 23, 2015.
http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/global-warming/
21
Carrington, Damian. "Eating Less Meat Essential to Curb Climate Change, Says Report." The Guardian,
December 2, 2014. Accessed February 23, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/03/eating-lessmeat-curb-climate-change.
22
Ibid.
23
Murphy, Kate. "Rethinking Eating." New York Times, August 23, 2014. Accessed February 23, 2015.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/24/sunday-review/rethinking-eating.html?_r=0
24
Ibid.

eating with non-environmentalism was dismissing cultural traditions, not recognizing financial
burdens, or was a privileged persons problem.25 Some people didnt understand why eating
animals was uniquely harmful to the environment. Others argued, while eating lower on the food
chain certainly is ecologically conscious, so is recycling, or composting, or riding a bike to work.
Mark Tereck the CEO of The Nature Conservancy identified that a campaign to convert peoples
diet faces big obstacles and instead we should focus on producing more meat from existing
pasture and farmland. That means paying more attention to soil health, water conservation and
agricultural extension, giving farmers the support they need to produce more and do it
smartly.26 Others question the move to be reliant on plants, as they are more vulnerable to
diverse weather conditions, and some popular diet movements have advocated that eating meat
and high amounts of animal products is essential to health. Concerns over food security, local
food, and transporting plant foods sway some to believe locally harvested food including meat is
better than plants shipped in from halfway around the world.27 On the theological side, people
point to the command in Genesis 1:28 to subdue the earth as enough reason to produce animal
products as much as they like.28 Others hold up biblical traditions of sacrificing animals as an

25

Barclay, Eliza. "Can You Call Yourself An Environmentalist And Still Eat Meat?" National Public Radio. June
11, 2014. Accessed February 23, 2015. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/06/11/320776028/can-you-callyourself-an-environmentalist-and-still-eat-meat.
26
Ibid.
27
Ibid.
28
Genesis 1:28 (NIV) God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and
subdue it. Rule over the fish n the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the
ground.

example, that consuming animals is okay. Some Christians cite Romans 14:20-21, especially
verse 20, to give assurance that people can eat whatever they like.29
If Christians care to be faithful stewards of creation, there is no doubt in my mind that
eating frequent plates full of animals is indisputably irresponsible. Even animals who are raised
in nice environments require ten-fold the amount of energy to produce. As climate change
becomes a larger and more threatening issue, it is time U.S. Christians examine how their diet
affects the world and the people in it. If you need to eat meat to carry tradition, or for enjoyment
purposes, save it for the holiday feast, or another special, or uncommon occasion. Besides being
ecological conscious, and supporting the well-being of the earth and humanity, eating more fruits
vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains is healthy! Vegetarians live longer than meat eaters, and not
eating meat can be more economically conscious.30 Basically, consuming less animal products is
a win-win-win. It is time for U.S. Christians to take ownership of their food choices to reflect
those of a true faithful steward of creation.

TABLE A

Romans 14:20-21: 20 Dont tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but
it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do
anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.
30
Johnson, Avery. "Vegetarians Live Longer Than Meat-Eaters, Study Finds." Wall Street Journal. 3 June 2013.
Web. 9 Mar. 2015. <http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324423904578523190441042514>.
29

The table above illustrates the carbon footprints of persons with varied diets. As you can see,
someone who eats a higher amount of meat or animal products has a larger carbon foot print than
someone eating more plants.

TABLE B

Table B illustrates more detailed understanding of how specific foods impact ones carbon
emissions. A bar graph breaks down the total carbon emissions into food types in a diet. The
types of food can be seen in the color coded column on the right, and the column on the left
marks the amount of tons per carbon a person releases into the atmosphere each year.
Bibliography
Barclay, Eliza. "Can You Call Yourself An Environmentalist And Still Eat Meat?" NPR. June
11, 2014. Accessed February 23, 2015. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/06/11/32
0776028/can-you-call-yourself-an-environmentalist-and-still-eat-meat.
Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice." ELCA.org. August 28, 1993. Accessed March
9, 2015. http://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Social-Statements/Caring-forCreation.
Carrington, Damian. "Eating Less Meat Essential to Curb Climate Change, Says Report." The
Guardian, December 2, 2014. Accessed February 23, 2015.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/03/eating-less-meat-curb-climatechange.

10

Climate Change: Basic Information." United States Enviornmental Protection Agency. Web. 9
Mar. 2015. <http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/basics/>.
Creation, Doctrine of." In The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Modern Christian Thought, edited by
Alister E. McGrath, by John B. Webster, 94-97. Oxford: Blackwell, 1993.
Creation." In The Cambridge Dictionary of Christianity, edited by Daniel Patte, by Kathryn
Tanner, 283-284. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2010.
Creation." In The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, edited by F. L. Cross and E.A.
Livingstone, 432-433. 3rd Revised ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.
Fight Global Warming by Going Vegan." PETA. Accessed February 23, 2015.
http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/global-warming/. Global Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Data. EPA. Web. 9 Mar. 2015. <http://www.epa.gov/climatechange
/ghgemissions/global.html>.
Johnson, Avery. "Vegetarians Live Longer Than Meat-Eaters, Study Finds." Wall Street Journal.
3 June 2013. Web. 9 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324423904578523190441042514>.
Murphy, Kate. "Rethinking Eating." New York Times, August 23, 2014. Accessed February 23,
2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/24/sunday-review/rethinking-eating.html?_r=0
Newport, Frank. "In U.S., 5% Consider Themselves Vegetarians." In U.S., 5% Consider
Themselves Vegetarians. 26 July 2012. Web. 9 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.gallup.com/poll/156215/consider-themselves-vegetarians.aspx>.
Nones" on the Rise." Pew Research Centers Religion Public Life Project RSS. 8 Oct. 2012.
Web. 9 Mar. 2015. <http://www.pewforum.org/2012/10/09/nones-on-the-rise/>.
Roth, John K. Ethics. Rev. ed. Pasadena, Calif.: Salem Press, 2005.
Roth, John K. "Gluttony." In Ethics, 592. Rev. ed. Vol. 2. Pasadena, Calif.: Salem Press, 2005.
Strong's Greek: 5056. (telos) -- an End, a Toll." Bible Hub. Web. 9 Mar. 2015.
<http://biblehub.com/greek/5056.htm>.
Wilson, Lindsay. "The Carbon Foodprint of 5 Diets Compared." Shrinkthatfootprintcom.
Accessed March 2, 2015. http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/food-carbon-footprint-diet

11

12