Meat is healthy and is produced in humane ways

To the editor:

I am writing in response to Dr. Stephen W. Stigers' letter in which he stated that a diet containing meat was un-healthy and led to cruelty of animals and that a meat eater "simply cannot follow the heart of Christ's message." I disagree.

Updated research continues to find that meat can be part of a healthy diet. An abundance of nutritional facts supporting this can be found at www.beefnutrition.com, including this statement : "A person can consume six ounces of lean red meat five to seven days a week as part of a heart-healthy diet and still lower blood cholesterol levels."

Besides being healthy, meat is produced humanely. As part of a family-owned beef operation, I can inform firsthand that the majority of operations are safe and cattle are checked daily for health. In all of the processing plants I've been to, facilities were sanitary and animals were killed instantly and painlessly. As a member of 4-H and Future Farmers of America, I ensure that showmen take pride in caring for and presenting their livestock at its best.

Lastly, Christianity isn't about what we consume. True, it is important to take care of our bodies. However, Romans 14:17 addresses the issues of eating: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." The chapter concludes that we should eat what we feel comfortable with and then focus on serving God.

LAURA PUCHBAUER

Jackson, Mo.