Here is exactly what the Bible says about this, Romans 14:1-4
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
To put a finer point on it, from Romans 14, it is not for you to judge what God will honor more. We are each convicted according to our own conscience. You are free to do what you feel is best, and so should I be.
Whenever the topic of veganism comes up with fellow bible-believing Christians, there are certain scriptures that are always pointed to, and that Romans passage is one of the most popular ones.
However, as you know, when it comes to the Bible, context is very important, and it’s also important to look at the Bible as whole. So instead of shutting down discussion, let’s take a closer look…
The context of that Romans passage is Paul addressing a division among believers, on whether or not eating food that may have been offered to idols constitutes idolatry.
There were two groups, one that wanted to exercise more caution and abstain from eating food that may have been sacrificed to idols… and a second group who exercised less caution, and felt that if they didn't know whether the food had been sacrificed to idols, it was OK to eat it. Only if they knew for sure it had been sacrificed to idols, they would not eat it.
Paul was attempting to keep believers from being divided over this issue. When he admonished both groups, he was specifically speaking about those differing positions in regard to abstaining from foods of unknown origin.
I respectfully disagree that the Romans passage can be used to say “We are allowed to eat whatever we want, and no one can ever say anything about it!!!”
Actually, it’s not quite that simple. In response to the first claim, there are still certain commands regarding food that are clear and in effect today.
For example, not eating blood or flesh that has blood in it. (Genesis 9:4, Acts 15:29, etc.)
As for the second claim, about judging… as you know, nonbelievers often point to scriptures against judging as a catchall against us speaking on any controversial moral topics, such as homosexuality, etc.
So as I’m sure you’d agree, it’s important to differentiate between the type of judging Christians are told not to do (which is more like condemning, e.g Luke 6:37, also judging hypocritically, e.g Matthew 7:1-5), and the type that Christians are not only allowed to do, but told to do, judging with right judgement / discernment. (John 7:24, Proverbs 31:9, etc.)
There is nothing wrong with speaking the truth, even on controversial issues, as long as it is done in love, and not from a hypocritical standpoint.
In fact, I believe that the church needs exhortation and Christians who are willing to speak on uncomfortable issues. Again, as long as it is done in a respectful way, in love, as opposed to pointing the finger and pronouncing condemnation on others, or judging things that only God can judge (the motives of a person’s heart.)
I don't think any of the Christian vegans on this thread, myself included, have said that eating meat is a sin. However, there are a number of things associated with meat eating that are sins, and the Bible clearly states that if we are doing things that cause ourselves or others to stumble, then we should not do that thing.
The Bible is clear that cruelty to animals is a sin, it is against God's will. So when Christians support cruel industries, it is not wrong for other Christians to speak the truth on that, not in condemnation of the person doing it (most of the time the person doesn't even realize what they are supporting) but simply to share the truth and exhort others toward being merciful and doing all things in love.
So sharing information, asking questions that provoke thought, and exhorting people toward mercy, love and compassion is not “judging” in the wrong way, it is doing what the Bible says we should be doing.
I used to be on the other side of this issue, and I too would argue with vegans, I even said that I would never ever go vegan or vegetarian, because I loved eating meat too much. But as I mentioned earlier on the thread, I am
very glad that someone showed me the reality I had previously turned my eyes away from, because if they hadn’t, I would still be supporting things that the Bible clearly speaks against. And frankly I believe it hinders our spiritual growth when we do things (even unknowingly) that go against God’s perfect will and when we have an attitude of never wanting to change.
So I’m forever thankful for those who planted seeds and shared truths with me that eventually led to my change of mind on this issue. And just about every vegan I know has said the same thing…. their only regret is not doing it sooner.