Day 20 - Subdue the Earth

The terms "clean" and "defiled" often evoke a sense of fear among average religious readers. However, as we delve deeper into our understanding of the universe and learn how to live in harmony with it, we discover a profound connection between the descriptive nature of reality (what is) and the normative aspects (what ought to be). This connection encompasses the very construction of the universe and humanity's role in maintaining it on Earth.

Deuteronomy 4:6 emphasizes that the universal laws serve as our source of wisdom and understanding, enabling us to be perceived as a wise and discerning nation by those who observe these statutes.

This leads us to reflect: Do we actively seek wisdom and strive to expand our understanding? And if so, what conditions facilitate this pursuit?

In essence, it is our responsibility as humans to organize, preserve, and reform the world we have inherited from our predecessors. To truly grasp the cultural and practical theological significance of Abrahamic thought, we must delve deeply into these subjects, setting aside superficial perspectives that arise from scholars detached from their divine roles.

It is worth noting that many ancient world religions acknowledge the creation of humankind by a pantheon of deities. A beginning which starts with “man” receiving a mandate from the Creator(s) to have responsibility over a present called Earth. Without getting too far ahead of my skis, I want to pose one concept worth meditation:

What if we could bring about significant change in the world simply by making adjustments to our eating habits?

Consider this intriguing concept: There are ancient dietary laws encompassing restrictions on consuming certain carnivorous animals. In His divine wisdom, “clean animals” were created for nourishment and beneficial use by humans, while reserving unclean animals for other purposes. Carnivores, such as mountain lions and wolves, serve a vital ecological role by maintaining balance in nature. For instance, they help control deer populations, ensuring their numbers remain in check. This natural process assists in regulating the deer population, allowing for the removal of older or weaker individuals from the herd.

Another example pertains to sea creatures, where scientific findings suggest possible reasons behind God's declaration of certain sea creatures as unfit for human consumption. "Clean fish" refers to those swimming in bodies of water, while "defiled sea life" predominantly consists of predatory scavengers or bottom dwellers. It is noteworthy that fish and sea life involved in ocean cleaning processes tend to contain toxins that can be harmful to human health. Additionally, the presence of specific bacterial communities in the intestines of shellfish has been linked to their capacity to aid in the cleanup of chemical spills and pollution.

The disruption of the health and balance of ocean ecosystems predominantly arises from factors such as overfishing, industry involvement, and pollution. Regrettably, when we frequent fine dining establishments, we often pay a premium for delicacies that distance us further from our connection to the origins and responsibilities associated with our dietary choices.

Reflection:

What if "You are what you eat" is meant to be quite literal. If so, does it make sense to consume bottom dwelling ocean scrapers? What if these ancient dietary laws are less about 'restriction' and more about simple, intuitive wisdom.

Practice:

If you are not already fasting, consider abstaining from traditionally 'unclean' foods and make journal entries about how your body responds.