In all things

And now, a friendly message from PETA.

"Dear President Monson:
On behalf of PETA's more than 1.8 million members and supporters, I am writing to wish you the best during this time of transition for the Church. I'm also writing to urge you to emphasize God's requirement to protect His creatures and to treat our bodies as sacred gifts by urging Mormons to go vegetarian."

Full Article

A scripture for your reading pleasure:

D&C 49:18
And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God.

And another:

1 Tim 4:1-3
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

The scriptures say we can eat meat, and they say we should not not eat meat. Whither, then, is truth? It's somewhere in the middle. In fact, with this scripture, it's laid right out for us: "sparingly".

Here, though, there isn't a real contradiction. I am with PETA that we should eat vegatables. I stand away from PETA in that I believe the scriptures show we are able to choose and not be forced to eat no meat (whoso forbiddeth to abstain). The power is yours!

Contradiction is necessary for progress and all happiness. (2 Ne. 2:11) Opposition forces me to look at where I stand and where I intend to go. It confronts my current beliefs about myself and the world, daring me to reconcile the difference. This is a good thing, and I am grateful for struggle. “There is not a single condition of life that is entirely unnecessary; there is not one hour's experience but what is beneficial to all those who make it their study, and aim to improve upon the experience they gain” (Brigham, Journal of Discourses, Vol.9, p.292 p.293)

But is it possible these contradictions, so-called, are in the scriptures? All over the place. "Every verse, whether oft-quoted or obscure, must be measured against other verses. There are complementary and tempering teachings in the scriptures which bring a balanced knowledge of truth" (Boyd K. Packer, Oct. General Conference 1984). P. Packer's talk gives a wonderful example. An example that has brought great understanding of the Atonement in my life is the juxtaposition of grace and works. That understanding has led me to know that if I reconcile myself to Christ and do my very best in this life, I can live in eternal happiness with my family. The truths are all over the scriptures, especially modern scripture. The word of God has changed me more than any man ever has.