First Council of Toledo

[kimbaichan]

17. If anyone says or believes that the flesh of birds or of animals, which has been given for food, not only ought to be abstained from for the chastising of the body, but ought to be abhorred, let him be anathema.


In light of the fact that we abstain from eating meat on Fridays, what's up with this? Also, how does one reconcile vegetarianism with this (canon?creed?) Thank you much, KimBoLee

[The_Harlequin_King]

In light of the fact that we abstain from eating meat on Fridays, what's up with this? Also, how does one reconcile vegetarianism with this (canon?creed?) Thank you much, KimBoLee

That particular council was convened in response to an extremist ascetic group called the Priscillians. They believed in abstaining from all things related to the flesh, including meat and marriage.

Vegetarianism is okay with the Catholic faith if it's done out of health reasons or personal preference; it's a heresy, though, to teach that the eating of meat is evil or that it should be "abhorred".

The decree does not forbid abstaining from meat "for the chastising of the body". It says "not only... but ought", indicating only the last statement is anathema.

Finally, it should be noted that this particular council is a local one for early medieval Spain; one of 30 in the period between 400 and 700 A.D. It does not number among the ecumenical councils which apply to the universal Church.

[Herr_Mannelig]

17. If anyone says or believes that the flesh of birds or of animals, which has been given for food, not only ought to be abstained from for the chastising of the body, but ought to be abhorred, let him be anathema.


In light of the fact that we abstain from eating meat on Fridays, what's up with this? Also, how does one reconcile vegetarianism with this (canon?creed?) Thank you much, KimBoLee

I had a feeling it was as HK explained. A similar verse is in the bible.

Now the Spirit manifestly saith, that in the last times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to spirits of error, and doctrines of devils, Speaking lies in hypocrisy, and having their conscience seared, Forbidding to marry, to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful, and by them that have known the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be rejected that is received with thanksgiving:  For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Over time, various sects have come about which think the body or material world is "evil" or that animals are sacred.

Here is a blog post of a Catholic vegan: http://nonpeccabis.blogspot.com/2009/06/according-to-its-kind.html

[kimbaichan]

Thanks, HK, I completely misread the first part of that.

Rosarium- What do you think of abstaining from commercially farmed meat? It's not sin to have an ethical reason for abstaining from some meat, is it?

[glgas]

17. If anyone says or believes that the flesh of birds or of animals, which has been given for food, not only ought to be abstained from for the chastising of the body, but ought to be abhorred, let him be anathema.


In light of the fact that we abstain from eating meat on Fridays, what's up with this? Also, how does one reconcile vegetarianism with this (canon?creed?) Thank you much, KimBoLee

Good example that any official decision shall be interpreted in the full context. Only the statement that the flesh is intrinsically wrong and thus shall be abhorred is anathemised, not the abstinence in itself

[Herr_Mannelig]

Rosarium- What do you think of abstaining from commercially farmed meat? It's not sin to have an ethical reason for abstaining from some meat, is it?

I think we can use our free will.

As long as we do not deny God's design, we are fine in this regard.

The root reason why I consume nothing from animals is because it is not necessary. For most factory farm meat, there is also a legitimate health concern as well.

You are not bound to do anything really.