The Theology of Farming

I read an encouraging article in the New York Times today. "Of Church and Steak: Farming for the Soul" reports more and more Christians are paying attention to how our food is made, and how the animals we eat are treated. The article profiles one farmer, Scott Lively, an evangelical Christian who raises his animals humanely and is the largest organic meat processor in the country, Dakota Farms. He sells a lot of his meat to Hasidic Jews, who eat Kosher meat -- meaning the animals have to be raised and slaughtered according to Hasidic laws (which means humanely).

Here's an excerpt:
"Mr. Lively adheres to a diet he believes Jesus followed. Like Mr. Wiesenfeld, he says the Bible prescribes that he use organic methods to respect the earth, treat his workers decently and treat the cattle that enter his slaughterhouse as humanely as possible.

“We learn everything from the Old Testament,” Mr. Lively said, “from keeping kosher to responsible capitalism.”

Humane, sustainable practices like Mr. Lively’s are articles of faith for many Americans concerned with the way food gets from farm to plate. But they are even more deeply held matters of faith for a growing number of farmers and religious groups. In the past few years protecting the environment has emerged as a religious issue. Now, something similar is taking place in the way people of faith view their daily bread."

Oh, and I was surprised to discover the article mentions my friend, Hope Egan's book: "Holy Cow! Does God Care What We Eat?"

So if you prefer not to become a vegetarian and forgo meat altogether, you might try eating Kosher meat. At least you'll know the animals have been treated humanely. I agree with many interviewed in the article -- it's a spiritual and moral issue.