QuakerQuaker

Primitive Christianity Revived, Again

Quaker "Fasting": Simplicity in Food

Hello Friends,

I have searched for answers to this question, but have found yet no one really discussing this very much. The topic: Simplicity in Food. I suppose this could be a discussion topic in the Plainness and Simplicity group, but I don't know if it would be welcome there, and so, I hesitate to clutter that page unnecessarily. I will say that I feel a commonality between what seems to be a call to me to eat simply and Quaker Jane's description of why she went plain.

My question is: Does anyone here similarly feel called by God to eat simply? I don't mean to be vegetarian or vegan (which I certainly see as valuable as well). I mean to eat just to satisfy your need for nourishment and not for pleasure. I have often felt this calling, but have just recently began to take it more seriously. I want to get to the bottom of it.

I know that George Fox describes this in his journal, saying: "I might not eat and drink to make myself wanton but for health." So I am not alone. Also, many faiths adhere to periods of fasting, which must be seen as somewhat similar: Islam, Baha'i, Catholics, Greek Orthodox, etc. If you follow the Greek Orthodox calendar, for example, there are over 180 days where the diet is restricted. On the strictest of days, one may not consume meat, fish, dairy products, oil, or wine. Of course, I think there is a distinction between fasting and eating for nourishment and not pleasure, but as I said, they are similar: Both come from a notion that in eating simply we draw our focus on God and seek joy in God, not in food.

I'm trying diligently to discern what I believe may be a calling from God and to understand what exactly my Quaker Simple Eating would look like.

I would appreciate any thoughts or insights.

Michael

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Comment by Lindsay on 10th mo. 19, 2009 at 6:41pm: I also think that eating for nourishment would be a good rule to live by... and to be simple in your food choices in my mind means to eat food just as god made it, whether from the animal or from the ground... no hormones, preservatives, preferably organic or pasture fed, etc. I do not, however, think that simplicity and pleasure are divergent. Some of the simplest things in life bring great joy; a fine piece of music, or a sunrise or a simple handful of grapes and some good cheese. I absolutely think we should eat for nourishment above all else, but if there is no joy in the food, it will not nourish.

Comment by MJ on 12th mo. 19, 2009 at 4:33am: I can most certainly understand your leading, but as with Raye, I do tend to enjoy treats and such, and maybe a bit too much. But this is something that I have read and given thought to.

I am one of those fortunate in our nation of many that have an abundance of food. I do realize that this is a serious leading to many, just as dressing moderately plain is a serious leading of mine.

But as I try to explain to those who ask about my need to dress plain, it also must come with simplicity. With that, I mean that I do not wish to spend much effort on dressing plain, just as I would not wish to spend much effort on dressing what we have nicknamed in our household "fancy". What will I wear, where will I get it, spending time and effort searching for the right clothing, colors, style, amount of modesty, etc. In the beginning I did this, then realized that there is no simplicity in the matter of searching endlessly to dress simply.

The same may be said for eating simply. I know that organic and eating local foods is great for our bodies and our local farmers, but in addition, much time and effort can be spent in doing so. My opinion in this would be if you can easily get it, then do so. If you can easily grow it yourself, then do so. But I do hear of many (not necessarily Friends) driving to the far reaches of other counties to buy from organic farms or to purchase from natural food stores....at the expense of time wasted and consumption of gas not to mention high ticket organic items. I have also heard others express their desire to eat organic, eat locally from these farms and stores in their area, but cannot afford to do so.

Simplicity should be that...simple. If much effort and time is consumed in the quest to eat simply, then you may as well consume food as you wish which may be much more simple in the long run.

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