Interesting article! Some of these surprised me. Didn't know anything about Yazidism except their tragic history. Also didn't know about the many faiths that eschew various forms of meat but allow others. My own faith (Latter-day Saint) teaches that meat is to be used sparingly and only in times of cold or famine and always with thanksgiving. This is counsel, not commandment, but I think medical science has proven the benefit of it. I just wish I didn't love barbecued brisket quite so much! This is one area that I really need to improve upon!
p.s. @Deborah - please don't impose your own standards on the rest of the faithful. If your beliefs teach that these things are wrong, the by all means, follow your standards. If mine teaches that all these things were placed on earth for our proper use, then allow me to follow my own without your judgment. Same with those who believe they should practice certain rituals of cleansing or dedication or giving thanks or whatever that they are taught. That is not for us to say it's right or wrong or that they should or shouldn't. I'd far rather see someone who faithfully follows teachings different from my own than someone who claims to have a belief but then ignores it. I work hard enough to keep the commandments I am taught. Who has time to keep track of everyone else's?
Deborah Harris - 11 years ago
If people have any religious beliefs, they should be vegetarians. Are we not to be in harmony with nature and respect other sentient beings. At very least, those who choose to eat meat, poultry, dairy and eggs should not patronize rituals, processes or institutions that employ cruel methods of housing, raising or slaughtering any animal. Therefore, all persons with religious affiliations should avoid halal, kosher, or factory farmed foods.
jas - 14 years ago
great article but how come SIkhism is off the list
Orthodox Christian - 14 years ago
Amazing that (Eastern and Oriental) Orthodox Christians were omitted from this list.
Interesting article! Some of these surprised me. Didn't know anything about Yazidism except their tragic history. Also didn't know about the many faiths that eschew various forms of meat but allow others. My own faith (Latter-day Saint) teaches that meat is to be used sparingly and only in times of cold or famine and always with thanksgiving. This is counsel, not commandment, but I think medical science has proven the benefit of it. I just wish I didn't love barbecued brisket quite so much! This is one area that I really need to improve upon!
p.s. @Deborah - please don't impose your own standards on the rest of the faithful. If your beliefs teach that these things are wrong, the by all means, follow your standards. If mine teaches that all these things were placed on earth for our proper use, then allow me to follow my own without your judgment. Same with those who believe they should practice certain rituals of cleansing or dedication or giving thanks or whatever that they are taught. That is not for us to say it's right or wrong or that they should or shouldn't. I'd far rather see someone who faithfully follows teachings different from my own than someone who claims to have a belief but then ignores it. I work hard enough to keep the commandments I am taught. Who has time to keep track of everyone else's?
If people have any religious beliefs, they should be vegetarians. Are we not to be in harmony with nature and respect other sentient beings. At very least, those who choose to eat meat, poultry, dairy and eggs should not patronize rituals, processes or institutions that employ cruel methods of housing, raising or slaughtering any animal. Therefore, all persons with religious affiliations should avoid halal, kosher, or factory farmed foods.
great article but how come SIkhism is off the list
Amazing that (Eastern and Oriental) Orthodox Christians were omitted from this list.