I have gotten a lot of comments from people lately that lead me to believe they don't understand the answer to this question. I'm going to bear my testimony as simply as I can.
First I know that animals have spirits and it is immoral to take their life just so that I can have pleasure. Second, I think the way animals are mass produced for our consumption is not only cruel but is devastating for our planet. Third, it has been shown in numerous studies (If you would like examples go to the Cancer Project.org website, the link is to the left) cutting the consumption of animals out of your diet reduces the risk for Cancer , and heart disease and so many other unpleasant things. Forth, I know that my body is a gift from God and that it is my job to care for it in the best way possible. There are many promises in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89 that I would love to obtain. I am in no way perfect and I still have a lot of work to do concerning the things I put into my body, however, I know that I will never again consume another animal unless it is to save my life and even then I would do it with dignity and respect to one of Heavenly Fathers creatures. I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
P.S. The comment I have heard most often from SO many people is "Moderation in all things". This comment really confuses me because if I were to do everything moderately then I would smoke a cigarette a day and only one beer a day, only cheat on my husband occasionally... I'm kidding obviously but that statement can only be true if moderation is defined as the "right" amount which could be none at all such as smoking, drinking, and adultery. I've said my two cents and I would LOVE to here your comments. I really would like to here from anyone who has their own two cents. I love sparking debates and learning new things from others.
2 comments:
Bruce R McConkie says in 'Mormon Doctrine' -
There is no prohibition in Section 89, for instance, as to the eating of white bread, using white flour, white sugar, cocoa, chocolate, eggs, milk, meat, or anything else, except items classified under the headings, tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor. As a matter of fact those who command that men should not eat meat, are not ordained of God, such counsel being listed by Paul as an evidence of apostasy. God has created "meats," he says, "to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." (1 Tim 4:3.)
If some particular food or drink disagrees with an individual, then that person should act accordingly without reference to the prohibitions in this particular law of health.
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So in my opinion - it seems to me that meat disagrees with you and your belief system and you're acting accordingly. I don't recall you prohibiting meat, nor are you commanding others to. You've said that if circumstances require you to eat meat, you will, with respect and gratitude.
All commandments that the Lord gives are spiritual laws. So I believe that HOW you live the Word of Wisdom is subject to personal revelation, and as long as you're acting in accordance with the Spirit, you won't go off course.
I don't think there is a streamlined answer for how to live the word of wisdom when it comes to dietary recommendations, since bodies handle foods differently and have allergies and stuff, so 'everything in moderation' is the closest we can get to apply it to everyone in general. It's up to us to learn and search and ponder and pray to determine how to particularly apply it to our individual lives.
Feel free to share that with anyone who gives you guff.
Elder Faust said, "Part of the spirit of the Word of Wisdom is moderation in all things, except those things specifically forbidden by the Lord."
Moderation in all things does not mean we can occasionally have a beer because we have been told specifically no alcohol. Moderation in all things is specifically talking about the food we eat. Is it bad to have one piece of cake? Of course not! Is it bad to have a piece of cake every day? I would say yes because that is not using moderation.
Speaking of animals President Kimball said,"...and they were to be used only, as I understand, for food and to supply the needs of men."
Meat is ok in moderation or sparingly. That doesn't mean we have to cut it out completely.
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