Biblical explanation
In the creation account, God gives humanity plants, fruits, and seeds for food (). After sin, Scripture records permission to eat clean animals, but it never makes eating meat a requirement for every person (; ). Daniel and his companions chose a simple plant-based diet for a period and experienced good health under God's blessing (). The New Testament directs believers away from using food as a measure of spiritual worth. Paul says that God's kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, and he calls for mutual respect in conscientious differences (). The body belongs to God, so a Christian may choose a vegetarian diet for health, stewardship, compassion, or conscience, while remembering that diet does not justify anyone before God. Whatever a person eats should be done with gratitude and for God's glory ().
In brief
In the creation account, God gives humanity plants, fruits, and seeds for food ().
Bible references
Go deeper into this topic Does God Care About Your Body? Start the studyThis answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.