unpopular questions Archives

I have to admit that, as much as I love Austin, living here for over a year has made me a little cynical about a few things. One of them: Vegetarians.

There are really good reasons to be a vegetarian. Some people cite the cruel practices to animals. Others don’t like the taste. Others do it for health reasons. I know of at least one preacher makes a good argument that he chose vegetarianism because of his desire to live a life free of violence.

So, should Christians be a vegetarians? Well, the Bible neither encourages it or discourages it. So, do what your conscious tells you.

But WHY do you want to be a vegetarian? Maybe you read the latest Michael Pollan book and got freaked out. Maybe you have good reasons…or maybe you’re just a 20something semi-liberal who lives in Austin.

I’m so disappointed when I hear people get all worked up about food. Do they love their Bibles as much as they love Fluffy? Do they pour as much energy into helping the poor or the orphan as they do cows?

Christians are called to be a set apart people. Our lives should be visibly, markedly different from the world around us. But being a vegetarian in Austin doesn’t set you apart, it lumps you in with the “pervading counterculture” the city is known for. In other words, your strict diet may just be a way of blending in.

So please, do what your stomach and your conscious tells you about food.

But save your passion to be different for the alternative lifestyle of following Christ.

– Sex, Politics, Predestination and Animal Rights
– A Jesus Way: Putting it All Together

When I look at my own life, and interact with Christians of my generation, I can help but think: I’m not sure we think things through. For instance:

There are those of us who flock to the coolest church in town, without thinking how their radical theological differences might affect their faith.
Those of us who hop on the election year bandwagons, both liberal and conservative.
Those of us whose desire to rebel against their strict upbringing engage in partying that makes pagans blush. Then wander into church with a hangover.
Those of us who, in a desire to be kind, are unwilling to judge another’s sexual behavior.
When we are asked about our passions, do we stand apart from our neighbors who don’t follow Christ?

Maybe, it’s not our fault. This is the water we fish swim in, and who thinks about water?
But the fact is, if we are to be a royal priesthood, a city on the hill, the answer is “Christians are the ones who think about these things.” Following Jesus should result in a radically alternative lifestyle from those all around us. While we are doubtlessly called to love our city, we should also stand out like a sore thumb.

Here’s a few questions that might be worth thinking about:

How would you live if we didn’t have birth control?
Would Jesus practice yoga?
Do animals have rights?
Can a Christ-follower fight?
Can your theology of predestination affect your ability to love others?
How does a social media affect my Church Community?
Are computers good for the soul?
How much beer is too much beer?
Would Jesus make a “That’s what she said” joke?
How does a Christ-follower live in pluralistic city?
Do you really believe that some of your friends might go to hell?

Over the next few posts, I’m going to ask some questions about these topics. I do not have the answers. They may not make me popular, but maybe they will make us think.

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Unpopular Questions: Should Christians be Vegetarians?

Sex, Politics, Predestination and Animal Rights

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