Many Religions Support Veg
Vegetarians
can be found in all religions and among those with no religion.
Here’s an example from Judaism, a religion not normally associated
with vegetarianism. This is from the newsletter of Jewish
Vegetarians of North America: http://jewishveg.blogspot.com Of
course, as in all religions, Jews differ among themselves in their
views. Most Jews are not vegetarians.
I can sum up "my" views regarding the relationship of Human Beings
to non-Human life, nature and the environment simply. (Of course,
there are other valid paths to becoming a vegetarian.) It is simple
for me because I accept the following (Torah) axioms:
1) Ha'Shem (G-D) is the eternal, infinite, almighty. omniscient,
all-merciful (compassionate/loving) Source of ALL there is.
2) HIS attribute of love motivates HIM to create a Being (Human by
virtue of the DIVINE gift of free moral choice) less than HIM
(necessarily) to choose to (lovingly) seek HIM. Any student of
psychology will affirm that "love" is a benevolent emotional
relationship chosen between two FREE participants.
3) Nature and the animal world are created to be Man's assistants
in this quest. The non-Human creatures are (like Man) BEINGS not
THINGS. They (like Man) belong ONLY to G-D. Each (like Man) has a
unique soul and mission, which will be fulfilled. ALL (like Man)
are rewarded by G-D for this service.
4) Humans are commanded to emulate G-D's attributes of loving
kindness, mercy and compassion.
5) Man's survival has the highest priority in G-D's plan.
From the above, one may conclude that Man's behavior towards the
animal world is explicitly/stringently dictated and regulated by
the commandments just as it is towards his fellow men. Man may not
act in a whimsical self-centered fashion towards non-Humans. Man
must protect and conserve the world created for his benefit.
Man may take non-Human life ONLY IF it is necessary to ensure his
survival. Humane methods are demanded by G-D. Failure to recognize
these principles with the frivolous use of G-D's creatures as
objects/commodities is cruel abuse. This is expressly forbidden and
condemned by G-D. We do so at our peril.