Reformed Theology teaches us how to Grub

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was reading Herman Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics on the divine right of man to eat meat, when my inner neander was awakened. Never has the might of the chicken wing jones descended upon humanity with such force. Perhaps it is Reformed Theology’s rather positive view of creation and its lawful pleasures that struck me. In any case, Truth’s arrow had sped to its mark, and I was conquered. It seems I was not alone:

“Calvin and most Reformed theologians were of the opinion that eating meat was permitted to humans even before the flood and the fall.” (2:575)

Meat is amazing. Like all types of food. Whatever our chosen portions, we spend enough of our lives chowing down grub to learn how to do it well. This is where Reformed Theology offers herself as our hostess. Once she has marked gluttony and unthankfulness as the cosmic atrocities they are, she teaches us to eat freely and fully.

God’s goodwill teaches us to eat freely: he beckons us partake and experience his goodness in deliciousness. His bounty teaches us to eat fully: every color, aroma, texture, and flavor speaks the hospitality of our Maker. It’s personal; he provides you with the very items you eat. Savor every bite and step away from the table satisfied with God’s goodness to you. In this we have a living emblem of faith in Jesus, who is to us True Food.