How Do You Decide To Be a Vegetarian or a Meat-Eater? by John Cali

John Cali

14 years ago

Grilling Beefsteaks

In our last newsletter article, The Magical Critters of Wyoming, we had a short video tour of some of Wyoming’s wild and domestic animals.

We received quite a few comments from you, our readers, as many of you are animal lovers. Several of you mentioned vegetarianism. I know the issue of being a vegetarian versus being a meat-eater can be a contentious one.

I personally am vegetarian. But I never try to impose my views on others. As my spirit guides have said, this is an issue each of us must decide for ourselves, based on our personal beliefs and values—and we have no right to judge or criticize those different from us.

For years I went back and forth between being vegetarian and not being vegetarian. I did a lot of soul-searching, and asked myself lots of questions. I finally answered them to my satisfaction, bringing me to what I am now—a committed vegetarian.

Here are some of those questions, in no particular order. I’d love to get your thoughts and comments about them.

How do I feel about the way farm animals are often (mis)treated?

How do I feel about using animals for clothing—for example, fur coats or leather shoes?

Do I believe eating meat is healthy for me?

Do I believe a vegetarian diet is healthy for me?

Is the farming of animals hurting our planet and the environment?

Do not all animals have a right to live out their natural lives, just as humans do?

Can I enjoy eating meat without feeling guilty?

As Dr. Albert Schweitzer said, “If a man loses his reverence for any part of life, he will lose his reverence for all of life.” How do I reconcile that with eating meat?

As a meat-eater, how do I feel about vegetarians?

As a vegetarian, how do I feel about meat-eaters?

Do animals have the same feelings and emotions humans have?

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