Animal Rights Cause for Vegetariansim

Animal Rights – Cause for Vegetarianism

There is an ongoing debate dividing people into two groups: those who support and oppose the consumption of meat. This issue has been discussed for many years, with a growing number of debates focusing on the global value and impact of meat consumption. Some argue that eating meat is morally unacceptable, while others view it as a necessary pleasure. Currently, most people choose to eat meat, but there is a small minority following alternative diets. However, the number of vegetarians has been steadily rising. It is widely acknowledged that many religions promote a meat-free diet, though some are more flexible.

Throughout history, vegetarianism has been favored over meat consumption in various religious traditions, including Christianity. Many revered saints have advocated for a meat-free diet due to different reasons. As evidence of this belief, it is mentioned that God himself proclaimed, “Here I have given you all vegetation bearing seed which is on the surface of the whole earth…to you let it serve as food.” (gen.1.29)

Both the Bible (Matthew 5:21) and Hinduism emphasize the prohibition of taking another person’s life. Jesus cautions that those who violate this commandment will face judgment, while in Hinduism, abstaining from meat consumption has been a long-standing tradition. However, under foreign governance, certain individuals were forced to abandon this customary practice.

The significance of vegetarianism is emphasized in this tradition, as shown by scriptures like the Srimad Bhagavatam 1.7.37: “For their own well-being, individuals who selfishly sustain themselves by taking the lives of others deserve to be killed.” Similar quotations can be found in various texts worldwide. However, despite the prevalence of non-vegetarianism nowadays, devout followers who abide by these scriptural texts continue to opt for a diet without meat. This choice remains unchanged even though meat-eating has been prohibited for humans by both God and their ancestors.

Both advocates for vegetarianism and proponents of a meat-oriented diet hold contrasting views. Vegetarian advocates argue that weaknesses of the heart lead many people to consume meat. In contrast, supporters of a meat-oriented diet claim that consuming meat is crucial for a normal and healthy life as it provides necessary protein.

In 1838, Dutch chemist Gerrit Jari Mulder conducted experiments revealing the biological importance of protein for all living beings. This significance arises from the presence of amino acids, which are considered the “building blocks” of life. While animals do provide essential protein for the human body, scientific reports also support a vegetarian perspective. Steven Rosen’s book “Diet for Transcendence” mentions that plants are primary sources of protein while animals serve as secondary sources by directly or indirectly consuming these plants.

Lately, several scientific reports have highlighted disadvantages associated with a meat-oriented diet. According to Rosen’s book, countries with high per capita meat consumption experience increasing prevalence of cancer and heart disease compared to societies with limited meat consumption where such diseases are rare.

With a worldwide increase in the formation of various groups advocating vegetarianism, the issue of vegetarianism will continue to be a prominent topic (Attfield, Robin).

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