The Growing Case for Compassionate Eating

By Molly ConnollyIn 2008 The Humane Society of the United States produced Eating Mercifully, a documentary highlighting the importance for people of faith to think critically about the way our food is produced and the ways we are implicated as Christians. Since that time we have seen a steady increase in the Church’s engagement on issues related to sustainable agriculture and eating.

A recent article in the online magazine of the Presbyterian Church in America, By Faith, entitled, "The Case for Eating Compassionately" is evidence that the Church's voice on these issues is growing.

Blogger Phil Mobley contrasts the 1:11 farmer to consumer ratio of the 1940s the "intensive farming" that America relies on for its food today and how this implicates Christians who are called to be stewards of creation.

Matthew Hatleman, associate professor of philosophy at Calvin College, has written for the Humane Society of the United States’ Faith Outreach Booklet Series and is highlighted in the article explaining the intersection of animal welfare and Reformed theology:

"If there is not a well-developed Reformed theology of animal welfare, Halteman concludes, it is not because our tradition lacks the theological framework for it. The idea that all of creation will be redeemed is indeed a glorious one, but it carries with it the idea that all of creation needs redeeming, and that includes our agricultural system."

Read the full article HERE

(Photo: Byfaithonline.com)