I was recently told by a friend of mine, who is a Christian, that the Bible teaches us that eating meat is wrong. She pointed out that when God created man He said that all plant life was for his food—but not meat. Does the Bible teach us not to eat meat?

I'm sure your friend is very sincere. She is, however, misinformed. Let's take a look at the Scripture to which she referred: "Then God said, 'I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food'" (Gen. 1:29 NIV).

In the beginning, before Adam sinned, God intended for us to eat only plants and fruits. Then God made additions to His divine menu for mankind. Many years later, after the flood of Noah's day, God gave man permission to eat meat. Take a look at this Scripture:

The fear and dread of you (man) will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything."
(Gen. 9:2-3 NIV)

Not only are we given permission to eat the green plants and fruits, but we're now given the liberty to eat any type of animal that moves on the earth. We also know (from the Scriptures) that Jesus ate fish and lamb. The Bible isn't against eating meat. I'm convinced, however, that God wants us to use wisdom and moderation in this matter.

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