Pastor encourages veggie diet for health first, animal rights concerns will follow

In response to the Note from the Coordinators in Issue 3, 2004:

As I read "Back to the Future," I was struck by one constant thought. I was pressured out of the vegetarian lifestyle by the church where we attended because people saw it as some Eastern religious activity. Then, years later, I was pressured out of the vegetarian lifestyle again by the church where I served as pastor. After two years of constant problems created by my view, I just gave up and returned to the SAD [Standard American Diet].

As I read Kaj Dessau's remarks, I began to replay some of my own conversations. I am now retired (almost, I still teach), and I have been a plant-based dieter for almost four years....

Vegans press their issue over animal rights when it is never necessary. I was ashamed to admit to my vegetarian lifestyle because folks think it was over animal rights.

Also, there is less press and almost NO advertising that claims any physical advantage to a vegetarian lifestyle.

I am a stable diabetic and have led dozens of people into a plant-based diet based on the health advantages. As was the case with me, they become more sympathetic to the animals' plight when it isn't forced on them....

I would qualify as a vegan now that I've had a couple of years to consider the devastation animals are placed in because of our appetites. I don't wear leather or any animal products. I support two rescue homes for animals and have learned a lot about the terrible treatment of animals that is screened from the public. But I will never call myself a vegan because I immediately and always lose my audience....

Feeling positive that a plant-based diet is the only answer for the health of our world, I am investing my time in any effort to make the health issues available to my friends and neighbors.

How then can I find a group to work with in the southern tip of Texas? The closest group I've found is in San Antonio (5 hours north). I am willing to form a group, but I don't have the credentials to speak on the subject outside of personal experience. People have heard so many horror stories (lies) that they are very fearful--even after I get them started on the right path. How then can I help?

Sincerely,

John A.

Mission, TX

COPYRIGHT 2005 Vegetarian Resource Group
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning