Castle Quay Books is pleased to announce the release of its newest title – What Would Jesus REALLY Eat?: The Biblical Case for Eating Meat – tackling the controversial subject of meat-eating and what the Bible and biblical tradition say about the subject.
Until relatively recently, vegetarianism was considered a positive dietary alternative for Christians, often considered a preference for those seeking better spiritual awareness for a season. Biblical tradition acknowledged that a plant-based diet wasn’t any more spiritual or moral than eating meat, therefore meat-eating was considered legitimate for humans; not prohibited, and even blessed by God.
But, increasingly, especially in light of the current Green movement that desires to at least limit the eating of meat and alongside the relentless calls by other secular organizations and activists to end meat-eating altogether, it is now more important than ever for people to know what the Bible and biblical tradition have to say about the subject.
Within Christian circles, well-meaning people have been pressuring fellow Christians to turn from eating meat—a practice historically understood as a Christian freedom—to embrace abstinence, and what many are calling “just a new bondage.” Christian leaders are warning the Christian community not to adopt a false commandment that is mostly based on secular activists’ personal convictions. Familiar choruses are now resonating throughout Christian communities:
“Meat-eating isn’t compassionate.” “Animals have rights too.” “Aren’t you concerned about animal suffering?” “We should include animals into the moral community.” “Would you kill and eat your dog Lassie?”
In response to this clamor, Castle Quay Books has brought together a broad group of scholars who have applied their expertise in a wide range of fields including biblical studies, theology, philosophy, resource management, communication, and generational animal farming, to write an accessible response for all Christians.
Contributors to the discussion cover both sides of the debate with their host of important views. Writers include well-known authors such as Dr. Wes Jamison, Dr. Paul Copan, and Dr. Walter Kaiser, as well as other popular authors.
The full list of contributors includes:
- Dr. Paul Copan—New Testament studies and Ethics,
- Dr Wes Jamison—associate professor of communication
- Dr. Walter Kaiser—Old Testament author and scholar
- Dr. Tom St. Antoine—author and professor of communications
- Dr. Timothy Hsiao—professor of philosophy and humanities
- Randy Spronk—managing partner of Spronk Brothers III LLP and Ranger Farms LLP
For those who have always believed that meat-eating is a gift from God, this book offers the range of views, yet a strong scriptural defense and response to all the leading challenges from animal activism outside and inside the church. What Would Jesus REALLY Eat? is a timely and important read for our day.
About the Editors:
Dr. Wes Jamison (PhD, natural resource and agricultural politics) is associate professor of public relations at Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida, and is ordained in the Southern Baptist denomination. He has taught for over two decades at universities in Europe and the US, and has published extensively in journals, books, and popular publications. He also served on the board of directors of the Leopold Center of Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University.
Dr. Paul Copan (Ph.D., philosophy, Marquette University) is professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida. He is a philosopher and a theologian, and he has authored or edited over thirty-five books—both scholarly and popular. They include Is God a Moral Monster? (Baker) and An Introduction to Biblical Ethics (IVP Academic). He is a member of the Institute for Biblical Research.
What people are saying about this book:
“What Would Jesus Really Eat? will help arm farmers and ranchers and others in the animal agriculture industry with the information they need to have informed conversations about the complex subject of religion and eating meat. You’ll be better prepared to push back against activist claims after reading this book.”
—Kay Johnson Smith, president and CEO of Animal Agriculture Alliance,
What Would Jesus REALLY Eat?: The Biblical Case for Eating Meat (click here for the book cover) is available at most bookstores, through Parasource Marketing & Distribution Canada and Castle Quay Books site
Soft Cover -ISBN 978-1-988928-17-3- $16.95 in the USA and Canada
e-book -ISBN 978-1-988928-18-0- $9.95 in the USA and Canada
136 pages, size 6″ x 9″
Distributed by Parasource Marketing & Distribution Canada
Phone: 1-800-263-2664 custserv@parasource.com
Distributed in the USA by Ingram International
Phone: 1-800-937- 8000
Copies also available in the USA from www.animalagalliance.org
For more information visit www.parasource.com or www.castlequaybooks.com
For author interviews or book reviews in the USA and Canada:
Larry N Willard – publisher
lwillard@castlequaybooks.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO6DqZ-W1xk&feature=youtu.be
or The Animal Agriculture Alliance
Hannah Thompson-Weeman- Vice President of Communications,
(703) 562-1413 or HThompson@animalagalliance.org