Why Seventh-Day Adventists are Vegetarians If Jesus Was Not

It is a common misconception that all Seventh-Day Adventists (SDAs) are vegetarians. While not all SDAs follow a vegetarian diet, the emphasis on health and ethics in their teachings leads a significant number of members to adopt a plant-based lifestyle.

Did Jesus Follow a Vegetarian Diet?

Was Jesus a vegetarian, or did he eat meat? This question often arises because the Bible initially describes the original human diet as vegetarian, before mentioning the later shift to a mixed diet. It's important to note that the diet of individuals like Jesus, as described in the Bible, does not directly dictate the dietary choices of modern-day Christians, much less Seventh-Day Adventists.

Scientific and Ethical Reasons for Vegetarianism

Today, scientific evidence supports the benefits of a vegetarian diet, including better health outcomes. Seventh-Day Adventists often cite a combination of health and ethical reasons for their dietary choices:

Proven health benefits Ethical treatment of animals Disease prevention Promotion of a healthier lifestyle

The Role of Ellen G. White in Promoting Vegetarianism

The plant-based diet recommended by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church is rooted in the teachings of Ellen G. White, one of its co-founders. White emphasized the importance of health and the most nourishing foods in her writings.

“I advise every Sabbath-keeping canvasser to avoid meat eating not because it is regarded as sin to eat meat but because it is not healthful.” - Ellen G. White manuscript 15, 1889

White believed that a vegetarian diet contributed to long, healthy lives, which would enable members to serve God more effectively. Her writings extend beyond health to include a plea for mercy toward animals:

“God is trying to lead us back step by step to His original design—that man should subsist upon the natural products of the earth.” - [Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene 119] (Counsels on Health 450, 1890)

She continued to advocate for a vegetarian diet, stating:

“Vegetables, fruits, and grains should compose our diet. Not an ounce of flesh meat should enter our stomachs. The eating of flesh is unnatural. We are to return to God’s original purpose in the creation of man.” - [Manuscript 115, 1903]

Returning to God's Original Purpose

White's teachings challenge modern practices by suggesting that the global diet should evolve to a plant-based one:

“Is it not time that all should aim to dispense with flesh foods? How can those who are seeking to become pure, refined, and holy that they may have the companionship of heavenly angels continue to use as food anything that has so harmful an effect on soul and body? How can they take the life of God’s creatures that they may consume the flesh as a luxury? Let them rather return to the wholesome and delicious food given to man in the beginning and themselves practice and teach their children to practice mercy toward the dumb creatures that God has made and has placed under our dominion.” - [The Ministry of Healing 317, 1905]

White's use of archaic language can sometimes be misleading. When she refers to "dumb creatures," she does not mean "stupid creatures," but rather "creatures that are mute"

Contemporary Relevance

The teachings of Seventh-Day Adventists related to vegetarianism continue to resonate in modern times. With scientific studies proving the benefits of a plant-based diet, veganism becomes trendy and appealing to many, including those who are not followers of the Adventist Church.

Conclusion

The emphasis on a vegetarian diet in Seventh-Day Adventist teachings is rooted in health, ethics, and a return to God's original design for humanity. While not all members follow this path, the principles they advocate continue to influence discussions about diet and health in contemporary society.