Catholic Vegetarians & Vegans

Originally Posted by Isaiah_53

I started a plant based diet in December 2012. I tried to start this diet unsuccessfully in 2010. It was difficult for me to change my palate and addiction to animal food, dairy, and processed foods.

I primarily changed for health reasons to prevent cancer and live a healthy and long happy life. After I did a significant amount of research, I was quite disgusted to read how animals are treated to obtain their flesh as well as obtain their milk. The cruelty is staggering.

St. Francis of Assisi ascribed to the fair and ethical treatment of animals. Would he help to contribute in modern day by eating meat/dairy foods from factory farms? I doubt it.

I am attending two pre-seminary residences this year. I may have to eat meat/dairy if necessary to survive, but I hope to avoid it.

My question is, how should I approach this topic for the people and priests around me who may not be well informed on this matter? If they knew where their food products were coming from, I doubt they would condone the methods. I don't want to be perceived as one who feels the diet is 'not good enough to eat' or 'too picky'. I feel this is one of the challenges I am going to have to face and would appreciate any advice or references to plant based diets in the modern Catholic church, scripture references, and/or other information and experiences.

AMDG

Originally Posted by 4elise

In the US - most fresh tofu comes the kind in the white plastic dishes with the clear wrap on top are about 14oz, (about 400 grams) 5"x3.5"x

For seasoning sure fresh garlic, fresh onion - I use garlic and onlon powder also in lots of things --- to give a specific flavor to things so it isn't necessarly instead - just a seasoning - here is a link to info on nutritional yeast http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutritional_yeast -- not just yummy - but great source B vitamins

Welcome welcome welcome ---

Originally Posted by Vincent187

Carnivores have a short intestinal tract, but herbivores have a long intestinal tract. This is because there are toxic substances that are created by the digestion of animal-protein, which can cause cancer. The carnivores' digestion-systems are far more acidic (to boost the break-down of protein-structures), and their gastro-intestinal tracts are shorter (to decrease the time that toxins spend in the intestines).

Originally Posted by simpleas

Your welcome, I think this priest is great!

Originally Posted by FrancisBenedict

Spending too much money does not mean our dear beloved companions on this Earth should not be fully cared for as our brothers and sisters of creation.

All of God's creation both living and otherwise reflects the glory of God and as such should be treated with respect and utmost care and love.

Pax et bonum+

Originally Posted by FrancisBenedict

I am Catholic, I have been vegan since 1993, 20 years now.

I do not think you have to be vegan to be Catholic but I do think being vegan is a logical extension of Christ's compassion and God the Father's love of all his creation.

These days it's very easy to be vegan so if we can live and reduce suffering why not?

Also I believe it was God the Father's original intention that we should be vegan, see of course Genesis 1:29.

Remember it is not what goes into our mouths that make us unclean but what comes out of it. But I do believe living vegan is a more compassionate way to live,so I do, and have for 20 years now.

But we must not judge others in this, and it is better to live by example than to accuse others of having no heart.

Pax+