by
Paul
Benhaimalso... For everything which kills your foods, kills your bodies
also... And your bodies become what your foods are.' The same
manuscript describes possibly the first reference to food
combining: 'Cook not, neither mix all things one with another, lest
your bowels become as steaming bogs.' Powerful stuff.
India has been in fewer wars than most countries and it
contains nearly a billion people. Most of its population are
vegetarian. Food does effect the mind as well as the body.
On the subject of spiritual nations and vegetarianism I feel
it worthy of noting a very influential figure in this field. Ellen White,
in 1863, received a vision from God. This vision was interpreted
into guidelines now followed by Seventh Day Adventists. She
believed that we should have a concern for health for practical
reasons. Her vision indicated that following these guidelines would
help man to have a clear mind in which to understand higher
matters. In her book, Ellen states that 'Grains, nuts and
vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our creator', and
goes on to say that 'these foods, prepared in as simple and
natural manner as possible are the most healthful and nourishing.
They impart a strength, a power of endurance and a vigour of
intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating
diet'.
In one of her comments about meat she states 'foul blood
will surely becloud the moral and intellectual powers, and arouse
and strengthen the baser passions of your nature. Neither of you
can afford a feverish diet, for it is at the expense of health of the
body, and the prosperity of your own souls and the souls of your
children.' It is possible that as a society in the 21st century, we are
moving closer to this vegetarian way of life. It is my hope that we
all move towards this original diet as laid out in Genesis 1:29; to