Challenges of Faith: The Ethics of Eating
Challenges of Faith: The Ethics of Eating
Faith and Morality...
Barbara Kingsolver
Author Barbara Kingsolver sat down with radio host Krista Tippet on Speaking of Faith to discuss her new book, "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" and the Ethics of Eating. In this book and during the program, Kingsolver explained her and her family's decision to only eat either food they harvested or locally produced food that did not contribute to the worsening of the environment. They ate food that they produced in their own garden and animals that they "harvested" in their yard. Kingsolver explains it was hard at first, but she and her family just had to change their thinking from what they were giving up to what they gained and they became more grateful for what they had. Most Americans eat food and consume products that are not made in their communities. Barbara Kingsolver attempts to increase the awareness of Americans because as Americans we do not know what our food is made of, what processes it goes through, and where it comes from. Also this constant movement of food contributes to Global Climate Change (Global Warming) with the fossil fuels being used to transport these foods and other goods. The local farmers have suffered because they do not produce for mass production, and most people now get their food from supermarkets. Organic growers must pay more out of their own pocket to sell their products.
Kingsolver says that this consumerist mindset of America, when it comes to food, is a sin and is unethical. This is because by changing our eating habits we do not give up anything, it actually tastes better and it is more healthy, so it is still possible to "self-indulge." Kingsolver says Americans are afraid of changing even though our consumerist culture contributes to Global Climate Change. We are oblivious to the worlds limited resources so we use more than we need without even thinking, which, according to Kingsolver, lacks "moral virtue." Kingsolver personally gave up bananas because all of the bananas in her town were imported, not locally grown. She did not want to buy a product whose transportation used so much fossil fuels. We are clueless because we never think of who raised what we are eating, most likely the poor and lowly paid in this country and others around the world. Kingsolver gives a prime example of the reason all the imported food is bad for our communities: When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans they were devastated and almost helpless because most of their food is imported.
Kingsolver said she did not want to be seen as some hero who did an amazing task because everyone can make small gradual changes. Kingsolver did not continue the entire process of harvesting her own fruits and vegetables, but remained conscious of where her food was being made. I personally like to consume, not so much when it comes to food, but I like to buy things, which makes materialism a challenge of faith for me. I never really thought about who made the things I buy and where they come from and how it was transported. I hope, like Kingsolver, I will become more conscious of what I buy because it can help the environment and those in my community. Doing this will make me a more ethical and moral person.
Barbara Kingsolver and Family
To hear the broadcast
The Ethics of Eating: Speaking of Faith- Krista Tippet/ Barbara Kingsolver
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