Comments shiftingbaselines has made
More on what is not meat, etc.
Not only was capybara not considered meat in the New World but either were turtles, turtle eggs, or manatees. Back in the Old World, geese were also exempt.
I also have no doubt that the fishing industry, which often teams up for brief periods with the health industry, has done much more to promote consumption than religion. But the story there is obvious and much less interesting. As for religion, playing a legitimate role, it's worth mentioning that KFC asked the Pope to bless their new fish sandwich just last year (which is also sold only during Lent). So some diligent parishioners must still be paying attention to the rules...On Would Jesus eat fish during Lent? posted 1 year, 8 months ago 34 Responses
Religion and demand for fish
It's wonderful to see an avenue to my piece at the wonderful Gristmill! If folks are willing to concede that overfishing is really an issue of overeating, then we must look at why we're eating fish. One of MANY reasons is that religion has promoted fish as the non-meat. Between the Friday Fish Fries and the Filet of Fish at McDonald's (as well as the other innumerable fish sandwiches at fast food chains--many of which are offered only during Lent) we can see the direct link. Not only is the notion that fish is not meat absurd but the fact that its consumption is being PROMOTED in an age of scarcity is equally baffling. Thanks for bringing some more attention to the issue...On Would Jesus eat fish during Lent? posted 1 year, 8 months ago 34 Responses