기독교 채식주의의 역사와 사회윤리적 담론 이해

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the nature of Christian vegetarianism based on historical research on the Christian vegetarian tradition and to examine the socio-ethical discourse implied in the dietary practice. The tradition of prohibiting meat in Christian dietary practices began with the ascetic lives of monks. This practice became the main rule of the monastery and was inherited as a Christian dietary tradition, emphasized by precedents such as Lent and Ember days. However, due to factors such as the strict prohibition of eating meet by the sectarians, the moderating of monastic asceticism, and the criticism of the monastic practices by religious reformers, the dietary practice of carnivores was not inherited in the Christian religious tradition. Nevertheless, Christian vegetarian traditions based on the prohibition of meat include social ethical discourse in terms of animal welfare and maintaining social order. Therefore, it is meaningful to reflect on these Christian dietary practices in modern society. In particular, in the 21st century, when vegetarianism is emphasized as an alternative diet to solve the crisis of climate change, Christianity suggests that it is necessary to inherit its practical wisdom by reflecting on the ecological discourse implied in the vegetarian tradition.