Food, Faith, and Ethical Choices

On February 1, 2023 I attended the online panel discussion Faith in Food: Individual and Collective Responsibility in Food Practices. The panel discussion was sponsored by Faith in Food. I am interested in the movement to increase indigenous foods and indigenous food systems. I am interested in the movement to reduce food deserts and food insecurity. This discussion seemed like an extension of those interests. This was the third annual panel. I attended one previous discussion.  

The moderator was Dr. Andrienne Krone. Dr. Krone is an assistant professor of Religious Studies Allegheny University. Panelists included: Bob Isaacson (Buddhist), Karyn Bigelow (Christian), Magfirah Dahlan (Muslim), Rev. Tera Landers (Unitarian-Universalist) and Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner (Jewish).  

The organizations represented included:  
Creaturekind (Christian) 
Jewish Initiative for Animals 
Unitarian-Universalist Animal Ministry  
Faith in Food 

The panelists were asked, “How do religious sources encourage individual and collective responsibility to create food?” 

Rabbi Shuval-Weiner spoke first. She said that for Jews the issue is one of power and responsibility. She told us that “when G-d turned over creation to humanity He said, if you destroy it there will be no one there to repair it.” For Jews the issues are justice, social responsibility, and compassion. “We are all of us in this together.”  
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Jewish dietary laws provide guidance. The laws help people refrain from undue suffering of animals. The traditions provide structure for action. This includes the mandate to not destroy, for crop rotation, and to allow the earth to rest every seven years. Today we live in a world of shipping, slaughterhouses, industrial farming, and the result is the world is paying for this. The rabbi reminded us that “We are not obligated to complete the task, but neither are you allowed to desist from it”. That is a call to action. 
 
The Rev. Tera Landers addressed how Unitarian-Universalist are guided by an ethic of love for all of creation. They are also guided by Seven Principles and Purposes. For this question she highlighted two principles. The first was to uphold the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Principle seven is a call to uphold and respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. 
 
If the principles are followed, we fall in love with our earth. Animal farming leads to increased greenhouse gases. We are called to care for creation. 
 
Bob Isaacson addressed Buddhist teachings on the issue. “If one is a sensate being we are expected to show compassion. He provided a guide, “Silence leads o mindfulness which leads to concentration which leads o knowing all sensate beings want to avoid pain.” Bob is a lay Dharma teacher. He is active in Dharma Voices for Animals. This organization is to remind Buddhists that they should do no harm and that factory farming is the number one cause of global warming.    
 
Magfirah Dahlan stated that Muslims are guided by Halah and by what is good or ethical. She said this is then applied to the world we live in. This is a world of global industrial food systems that exploits workers, animals, the earth and consumers. She stated that “we need to see ourselves as more than consumers. We can make collective changes.” She talked about sermons and curriculum aimed at educating youth about the environment and the consequences of our choices and behavior. She said Muslims are called to “bear witness” which hopefully leads to change. 
 
Karyn Bigelow spoke about the Christian concept of Creation Justice. That she said, should guide us to ask: 
Where is the food sourced? 
Is it sustainable? 
Is it ethical following the wisdom of indigenous peoples? 
Is it guided by the wisdom of interconnectedness? 
 
Karyn stated that is we take care of creation it will take care of us. She ended by pointing out the Lord’s Prayer provides the correct emphasis for Christians, “Give us this day our daily bread”. That is sustainability, not greed.  
If it appears the latter speakers had less to say you are correct. That is because they all shared so many common values that they chose not to repeat what the earlier speakers had said. What is evident was the urgency and importance of their work. They were also moving to be inclusive and collaborative and not trying to force their “truths” on others.  
 
In the last year I have heard speakers from the Detroit Black Food Security Network, from indigenous leaders advocating for traditional food sources and food systems, and interfaith leaders talking about food justice by taking care of creation. It is clear these issues are intertwined. I look forward to learning more about being greener while caring for creation, animals and food, and food systems.