Is it a sin to eat meat
Based on Ellen White's writings, eating meat is not directly labeled as a sin in every circumstance, but it is strongly discouraged, especially for those who have access to fruits, grains, and nuts in abundance. Here are the key points from her writings: - Ellen White states, "We do not mark out any precise line to be followed in diet; but we do say that in countries where there are fruits, grains, and nuts in abundance, flesh food is not the right food for God's people." (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 159) - She warns that meat eating "has a tendency to animalize the nature, to rob men and women of that love and sympathy which they should feel for everyone, and to give the lower passions control over the higher powers of the being." - She also says, "If meat eating was ever healthful, it is not safe now. Cancers, tumors, and pulmonary diseases are largely caused by meat eating." (9T 159) - In some cases, she refers to eating meat as a "great sin" if one is aware of the health and spiritual implications and continues regardless: "You have never felt that it was a great sin on your part." (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 153) - She emphasizes that God is leading His people back to the original diet of fruits, grains, and vegetables, and that "meat-eating will eventually be done away" among those waiting for the coming of the Lord. (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 119) - She also notes that "meat eating deranges the system, beclouds the intellect, and blunts the moral sensibilities." (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 63; Healthful Living, p. 102) - However, she acknowledges that those who have always eaten meat "do not see the evil of continuing the practice, and they must be treated tenderly." (Healthful Living, p. 97) In summary: Ellen White does not universally declare eating meat to be a sin, but she teaches that it is not the ideal for God's people, especially in light of health, spiritual, and moral consequences. For those with knowledge and access to better foods, persisting in meat eating can be considered a serious wrong, and in some contexts, she refers to it as a "great sin." However, she also calls for patience and understanding toward those who are transitioning away from meat. References: - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, pp. 60.4, 63.3, 153.2, 352.1, 404.2. Pacific Press. - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 159. Pacific Press. - White, E. G. (1926). Counsels on Diet and Foods (CTBH 119.1). Review and Herald. - White, E. G. (1897). Healthful Living (HL 97.3, 102.1, 102.4, 182.4). Review and Herald. - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing (MH 315.2). Pacific Press.
Note: Ellen Chat may generate unexpected or inaccurate responses. Please verify any quotes with original sources.

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