Divine Shifts in Dietary Traditions

Our nutritional history is not just a change of dishes but a profound cultural and religious process reflected in ancient texts and traditions. In the beginning, humanity primarily consumed plant-based products, symbolizing the purity and original state of being. However, according to sacred traditions, after significant historical turning points—such as the Great Flood—a fundamental shift occurred: a divine command allowed the consumption of meat, marking a new stage in the evolution of dietary culture. This transition reflected not only religious edicts but also the concept that man was granted dominion over animals, a notion reinforced by scriptures and traditions. The image of the Messiah partaking in meat signified a universal sign of blessing, underlining that meat was seen as a natural and sacred component of existence. Thus, changes in the diet were not a rejection of plant food but an evolution based on divine decrees and the changing relationship between humans and nature—a subject that continues to inspire reflection and research today.

What historical and cultural factors could have influenced humanity's shift from vegetarianism to meat consumption?

Based on the presented sources, several key historical and cultural factors contributed to the transition from a predominantly plant-based diet to the permitted consumption of meat.

Firstly, religious tradition and biblical commandments played a significant role. Even in ancient scriptures, it is evident that initially, man relied solely on plant products, but after certain historical events (for example, after the Flood), God explicitly permitted the consumption of meat. As one source states:
"It is possible to surmise that man began to consume animal food much earlier, in the pre-flood period of his existence. But at that time it was the arrogance of people who did not know God, whereas now such a diet has received divine approval." (source: link )

It is also noted that after the Great Flood, plant food was supplemented with meat by divine command:
"But when man, through sin, damaged his very nature and brought a curse upon the earth, plant food proved insufficient for the human race; and from the Bible we know that after the Flood, God Himself, along with the green herbs of the field, provided food for both humans and animals." (source: link )

Secondly, the culture of consuming meat as a symbol of divine blessing was established within the framework of religious traditions. The image of the Kingdom of God and Christ himself consuming meat (including fish and lamb, as during the Passover feasts) indicates that meat was always perceived as both natural and sacred. As noted:
"Christ consumed meat, if only because He observed Jewish commandments... After the Flood, the Lord told Noah and his sons that henceforth every flesh on the earth is food for you; partake of it." (source: link )

Moreover, the concept of man’s dominion over animals, as expressed in sacred texts, granted a recognized legal and moral status to the killing of animals for food. It is stated:
"God gave man dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (source: link )

In summary, the historical transition from a predominantly plant-based diet to including meat was not a departure from the original mode of eating but a gradual evolution of cultural and religious paradigms. This development was driven by divine commands reflected in sacred texts, as well as the transformed human attitude toward nature—from contending with a harsh wilderness to establishing control and responsibility over animals, ultimately legitimizing meat as a source of nourishment.

Supporting citation(s):
"It is possible to surmise that man began to consume animal food much earlier, in the pre-flood period of his existence. But at that time it was the arrogance of people who did not know God, whereas now such a diet has received divine approval." (source: link )

"But when man, through sin, damaged his very nature... after the Flood, God Himself, along with the green herbs of the field, provided food for both humans and animals." (source: link )

"God gave man dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (source: link )

"Christ consumed meat... After the Flood, the Lord told Noah and his sons that henceforth every flesh on the earth is food for you; partake of it." (source: link )