Arden: It is helpful to realize that the word “meat” in the Bible does not mean the flesh of animals; it means “food.” In 1 Timothy, the verse you have quoted is most often translated as commanding others to abstain from certain foods (see https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/4-3.htm). This also suggests a similar interpretation of a related verse in D&C 49. Regardless, I very much agree that we should not forbid others from eating certain foods, including the flesh of animals. As both D&C 49 & 89 agree, the Lord has ordained meat for our use. But of course, He not only asks us to use it sparingly, He tells us specifically that “it is pleasing unto me that [meat] should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine” (D&C 89:12–13). The Lord does not command us to eliminate meat, nor should we forbid others from consuming it. But I’m sure we all agree there are blessings we can obtain by doing those things that are pleasing to Him. Apparently, one of those is reserving the use of meat for times of need. Now that science has confirmed we can get all the nutrients we need from plant foods, and that meat consumption is associated with many chronic illnesses, we have even more reason to reserve the use of meat for only those times of need. I hope you’ll consider giving this way of eating a try and discover why doing so has blessed so many people. But if you are not interested, that is fine also, but I hope you will not discourage others from doing that which the Lord Himself tells us is pleasing to Him. (see also https://discoveringthewordofwisdom.com/about/the-word-of-wisdom/wow-faqs/command-to-abstain/).
Arden HansenApril 14, 2015
I'd be real careful about encouraging elimination of meat from the diet. Please see 1Timothy Chapter 4 Verses1-3 : "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth."
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Jane BirchApril 14, 2015
Arden: It is helpful to realize that the word “meat” in the Bible does not mean the flesh of animals; it means “food.” In 1 Timothy, the verse you have quoted is most often translated as commanding others to abstain from certain foods (see https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/4-3.htm). This also suggests a similar interpretation of a related verse in D&C 49. Regardless, I very much agree that we should not forbid others from eating certain foods, including the flesh of animals. As both D&C 49 & 89 agree, the Lord has ordained meat for our use. But of course, He not only asks us to use it sparingly, He tells us specifically that “it is pleasing unto me that [meat] should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine” (D&C 89:12–13). The Lord does not command us to eliminate meat, nor should we forbid others from consuming it. But I’m sure we all agree there are blessings we can obtain by doing those things that are pleasing to Him. Apparently, one of those is reserving the use of meat for times of need. Now that science has confirmed we can get all the nutrients we need from plant foods, and that meat consumption is associated with many chronic illnesses, we have even more reason to reserve the use of meat for only those times of need. I hope you’ll consider giving this way of eating a try and discover why doing so has blessed so many people. But if you are not interested, that is fine also, but I hope you will not discourage others from doing that which the Lord Himself tells us is pleasing to Him. (see also https://discoveringthewordofwisdom.com/about/the-word-of-wisdom/wow-faqs/command-to-abstain/).
Arden HansenApril 14, 2015
I'd be real careful about encouraging elimination of meat from the diet. Please see 1Timothy Chapter 4 Verses1-3 : "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth."
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