New to this group

[thomasj349]

Hi I am new to the group and a recent vegan. I have made the change to a vegan lifestyle mainly for my compassion for animals. My wife and I rescue dogs and has just lead us to have a lot more compassion for all animals. Anyways I am also new to this site and have found a lot of people on this site seem to pit down people striving for compassion for animals and have heard some negative comments that vegans worship animals. I was born a catholic am struggling with the little compassion that some Catholics seem to have for animals, is my experience normal or similar to others. I do not know how I can stick with a religion that puts so little value in God's creations. Thanks for respOnding

[creationlover]

Originally Posted by thomasj349

Hi I am new to the group and a recent vegan. I have made the change to a vegan lifestyle mainly for my compassion for animals. My wife and I rescue dogs and has just lead us to have a lot more compassion for all animals. Anyways I am also new to this site and have found a lot of people on this site seem to pit down people striving for compassion for animals and have heard some negative comments that vegans worship animals. I was born a catholic am struggling with the little compassion that some Catholics seem to have for animals, is my experience normal or similar to others. I do not know how I can stick with a religion that puts so little value in God's creations. Thanks for respOnding

Yes, some on this website do seem to display little compassion for animals, but in my humble opinion, their attitude is NOT reflective of Catholic teaching. I think most are reacting to secular animal rights groups who tend to put animals and human beings on a the same level; i.e. having the same value. Please do not let their attitudes/reactions deter you. I think most Catholics do care for animals, but some may care more than others and judgemental attitudes creep in, unfortunately from both sides. The Cathoic Church is very respectful of creation, but yes, some Catholics for whatever reason are not. We welcome you to this group, and please, continue to talk with us!

[mozzarella]

Originally Posted by thomasj349

Hi I am new to the group and a recent vegan. I have made the change to a vegan lifestyle mainly for my compassion for animals. My wife and I rescue dogs and has just lead us to have a lot more compassion for all animals. Anyways I am also new to this site and have found a lot of people on this site seem to pit down people striving for compassion for animals and have heard some negative comments that vegans worship animals. I was born a catholic am struggling with the little compassion that some Catholics seem to have for animals, is my experience normal or similar to others. I do not know how I can stick with a religion that puts so little value in God's creations. Thanks for respOnding

There are bad apples in every bunch. My faith (I'm Jewish but converting now) would never allow me to treat animals without compassion in any way, and I know I'm not alone.

I honestly think it's a matter of not seeing where food comes from that is the cause for much of the cruelty you see in people of all faiths. If people saw the cow UP CLOSE before it became a burger, I don't think they could eat it. This isn't universal, obviously, but I think it could describe a majority of people.

Just remember not to throw the baby out with the bathwater, so to speak. Maybe you are the one that is supposed to show the people in your parish how to show compassion? Instead of getting discouraged, try seeing it as an awesome opportunity to do good for the furry ones that cannot help themselves. Just a thought....

[4elise]

Originally Posted by thomasj349

Hi I am new to the group and a recent vegan. I have made the change to a vegan lifestyle mainly for my compassion for animals. My wife and I rescue dogs and has just lead us to have a lot more compassion for all animals. Anyways I am also new to this site and have found a lot of people on this site seem to pit down people striving for compassion for animals and have heard some negative comments that vegans worship animals. I was born a catholic am struggling with the little compassion that some Catholics seem to have for animals, is my experience normal or similar to others. I do not know how I can stick with a religion that puts so little value in God's creations. Thanks for respOnding

Thanks Thomas - and welcome!

Sometimes when people are new to Catholic Answers I shoot them off a private message letting them know that outside our group - in the general forums - you may find some real ardent and loud objections to our choice of a plant based diet - especially for those for whom it is a choice based upon compassion - be assured that this is neither an official site of the Catholic Church, nor the teaching of our Church - and I have quoted the following from our Catechism many times:

Respect for the integrity of creation

2415 The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity.195 Use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral imperatives. Man's dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation.196

2416 Animals are God's creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory.197 Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals.

2417 God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image.198 Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.

2418 It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.

------------

I have argued (till I am blue in the face) that since I do not NEED animals for my diet - for them to suffer and / or die for my food is contrary to the teaching of the Church, even though we teach it is clearly legitimate - it is (where and when I am living) unnecessary. So my choice of a vegan diet is supported by the teaching of the Church.

There are some very loud objectors on the regular forums - and this is why I began this group... Welcome!

[sheila0405]

I am new to this group as well. On January 1 I started my vegan/vegetarian life. I'm not sure if I will end up hard core vegan, but I made the decision not to eat meat any longer, and avoid dairy as much as possible. The only dairy I've used is some grated cheese on my pasta. I use vegan milk and vegan mayo. Yesterday I found vegan "cheese" which was a great help for me. Dairy is the hardest habit to kick. Anyway, my main reason for switching was due to my triglycerides being really really high, and the fact that I am an overweight diabetic. I'm not a good steward of the body God gave me. When I went looking for information on vegan/vegetarian lifestyles, I started watching documentaries that disturbed me. Films about factory farming. What are we doing to God's creatures, and why are we putting that kind of food into our bodies? So, it's fruits, veggies, nuts, grains, and seeds for me. It's taken an effort to try to think through what I need in my kitchen, and how I will utilize all of the produce I'm buying, but I realize I just need to make new habits when it comes to food.

[4elise]

Originally Posted by sheila0405

I am new to this group as well. On January 1 I started my vegan/vegetarian life. I'm not sure if I will end up hard core vegan, but I made the decision not to eat meat any longer, and avoid dairy as much as possible. The only dairy I've used is some grated cheese on my pasta. I use vegan milk and vegan mayo. Yesterday I found vegan "cheese" which was a great help for me. Dairy is the hardest habit to kick. Anyway, my main reason for switching was due to my triglycerides being really really high, and the fact that I am an overweight diabetic. I'm not a good steward of the body God gave me. When I went looking for information on vegan/vegetarian lifestyles, I started watching documentaries that disturbed me. Films about factory farming. What are we doing to God's creatures, and why are we putting that kind of food into our bodies? So, it's fruits, veggies, nuts, grains, and seeds for me. It's taken an effort to try to think through what I need in my kitchen, and how I will utilize all of the produce I'm buying, but I realize I just need to make new habits when it comes to food.

Welcome!

I always say that once learned - it is impossible to 'un-learn' - we can ignore what we know, we can justify, but when we KNOW something - well we either have to live according to that new knowledge, or strive to ignore or justify not acting accordingly.

There are many, many documentaries - and you may have seen me recommend Forks Over Knives - I never made this choice for health - it is a great bonus - but that has not been my motivation - THIS movie really brings home, I think especially in the area of dairy, the health issues -

I am not a fan of most soy cheese - rice cheese I have found to be ok... there are recipes for cashew cheese that are fantastic - and I make a cheese sauce for pasta, or for nachos that the entire family likes:

In food processor:
One package drained extra firm tofu
juice of 4 - 5 limes
1 cup nutritional yeast
1 tsp salt (add more to taste)
mix....

In medium pot
melt a tablespoon of Earth Balance
add tablespoon flour
add 1/2 cup unflavored soy milk
stir till thickened (add a bit more soy milk if it 'over thickens'.
should cook a bit and come out like really thick gravey

add this to the food processor -
adjust seasoning - more salt -

use this for mac and cheese or add a can of green enchilada sauce use to make an enchilada casserole / add can of green chilies use for nachos /

Welcome - and glad you are here!
add peppers to use a

[4elise]

We have some new members here ---- please introduce yourselves and let us know how you come to be with us!

Blessings on this beautiful spring day!

[sheila0405]

I posted early on in this group. My attempt to go vegan lasted 21 days. But it was a good experience. I know I have to be better prepared when I try it again. I did it to live a healthier lifestyle, but it was January, and there were no decent fruits/veggies in season. Now that we are into spring, I will be able to get a better array of produce. I wish everyone involved in trying out the vegan or vegetarian lifestyle much success.

[4elise]

Originally Posted by sheila0405

I posted early on in this group. My attempt to go vegan lasted 21 days. But it was a good experience. I know I have to be better prepared when I try it again. I did it to live a healthier lifestyle, but it was January, and there were no decent fruits/veggies in season. Now that we are into spring, I will be able to get a better array of produce. I wish everyone involved in trying out the vegan or vegetarian lifestyle much success.

Welcome again!

http://www.oprah.com/packages/vegan-starter-kit.html

This is a very good starter --- there are others, but Oprah has done a nice job.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions - concerns - challenges --- that is one of the reasons we started this group!

God Bless,
Elise

PS --- REALLY recommend seeing FORKS OVER KNIVES - movie available on Netflix / on line --- since health is your motivation --- this movie will certainly reinforce your choice!!

[kootenaylakebc]

Just joined the Catholic Answers earlier today and then i came across this and joined. It is a worthwhile pursuit (being vegan that is) and i hope to contribute to it from time to time as well as learn from it.
Bob

[creationlover]

Originally Posted by kootenaylakebc

Just joined the Catholic Answers earlier today and then i came across this and joined. It is a worthwhile pursuit (being vegan that is) and i hope to contribute to it from time to time as well as learn from it.
Bob

WELCOME! We are a bunch of folks who are into the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle; we seek to support one another and be a resource to anyone curious about the lifestyle. Please feel free to jump in, comment, ask questions and support us. We look forward to your inputs!

[yorkshiregirl]

Hi - I joined this group today because I have finally decided to take the leap to being a full vegan! I have been a vegetarian (mostly apart from the odd bit of fish) for about 20 years but I have been reading up on dairy and think maybe this is the time to ditch that as well. I do rely a bit on cheese but am happy to go without but it's the milk switch that's going to be harder. I have soya milk, which is nice on cereal or in coffee but pretty bleh in tea so I am going to go back to herbal teas which I used to drink many years ago in my 'healthy young woman-hood' !

I do all the cooking in the house so it's easy mostly to stick to a vegan diet but I go once a week to my mum's for lunch and she is like the diet police - 'why aren't you eating that? This is good for you - you shouldn't be so faddy' etc. I wouldn't mind but I'm 43 for heaven's sake!! Anyway she is the one who insists on feeding me fish - because that's what she thinks you eat when you're a vegetarian and don't 'eat meat' ! So I think I will just speak to her at the weekend and tell her to just do me salad - if I was brave enough I guess I could make a dish to take though - anyone have any thoughts?

[4elise]

Originally Posted by yorkshiregirl

Hi - I joined this group today because I have finally decided to take the leap to being a full vegan! I have been a vegetarian (mostly apart from the odd bit of fish) for about 20 years but I have been reading up on dairy and think maybe this is the time to ditch that as well. I do rely a bit on cheese but am happy to go without but it's the milk switch that's going to be harder. I have soya milk, which is nice on cereal or in coffee but pretty bleh in tea so I am going to go back to herbal teas which I used to drink many years ago in my 'healthy young woman-hood' !

I do all the cooking in the house so it's easy mostly to stick to a vegan diet but I go once a week to my mum's for lunch and she is like the diet police - 'why aren't you eating that? This is good for you - you shouldn't be so faddy' etc. I wouldn't mind but I'm 43 for heaven's sake!! Anyway she is the one who insists on feeding me fish - because that's what she thinks you eat when you're a vegetarian and don't 'eat meat' ! So I think I will just speak to her at the weekend and tell her to just do me salad - if I was brave enough I guess I could make a dish to take though - anyone have any thoughts?

Welcome, welcome, welcome!!!

Isn't it funny how family relationships hold so much power - perhaps just an honest discussion, acknowledging how much you appreciate her concern for your health - and assuring her that you are doing the necessary research to make this adaptation in your diet.... offering, of course to share the information if she would like to learn more! Something like Forks Over Knives that is such a strong indictment on dairy in the diet may be something she would like to watch...

And of course, as you quote "Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you; all things are passing; God never changes."

When we get more and more comfortable with our own 'why' it is so much easier to stay true to a committment when people question it...

[ARL337]

Originally Posted by yorkshiregirl

Hi - I joined this group today because I have finally decided to take the leap to being a full vegan! I have been a vegetarian (mostly apart from the odd bit of fish) for about 20 years but I have been reading up on dairy and think maybe this is the time to ditch that as well. I do rely a bit on cheese but am happy to go without but it's the milk switch that's going to be harder. I have soya milk, which is nice on cereal or in coffee but pretty bleh in tea so I am going to go back to herbal teas which I used to drink many years ago in my 'healthy young woman-hood' !

I do all the cooking in the house so it's easy mostly to stick to a vegan diet but I go once a week to my mum's for lunch and she is like the diet police - 'why aren't you eating that? This is good for you - you shouldn't be so faddy' etc. I wouldn't mind but I'm 43 for heaven's sake!! Anyway she is the one who insists on feeding me fish - because that's what she thinks you eat when you're a vegetarian and don't 'eat meat' ! So I think I will just speak to her at the weekend and tell her to just do me salad - if I was brave enough I guess I could make a dish to take though - anyone have any thoughts?

Welcome. I am happy that you decided to make the switch. I hope that you will find it makes you feel a lot better! It sure did with me. As far as food at your moms, I would suggest making a dish to bring with you. Every party I go to I make 2 dishes to bring with me. I usually make some sort of a salad or casserole dish and then I make a dessert as well so that I don't feel deprived when people are eating the cookies and brownies. I find that most people end up eating my stuff as well and they actually enjoy it! Good luck. Please feel free to visit our social group wall to post. You'll have to scroll down to the bottom to see the social wall posts but we post there often.

[ARL337]

I see that you already did post to the social wall group! Please visit and post often! Thanks