A person cannot live on oatmeal alone...
October 2, 2012 6:04 AM   Subscribe

QuakerFilter: reading materials (books, blogs) on how the principles of S.P.I.C.E. could inform food/dietary choices?

Tried Googling "quaker spice food", got a lot of hits for oatmeal, and a Thai restaurant in Perth.

I have had luck finding information about vegetarianism from a Quaker perspective stemming from the principle of non-violence, but I am interested in readng about a diet that also promotes simplicity, integrity, community and equality. Preferably from a Quaker/spiritual POV, but any perspective will be interesting and nformative.

Any books or blogs/website recommendations appreciated!
posted by peacrow to Religion & Philosophy (6 answers total) 4 users marked this as a favorite
 
Instead of "quaker spice food", try "quaker vegetarian".

A sample hit.
posted by Tanizaki at 6:44 AM on October 2, 2012 [1 favorite]


The Friends Journal has a few articles about a Quaker relationship to food. You may also get better results by including "religious society of friends" in your searches.
posted by cocoagirl at 6:45 AM on October 2, 2012 [1 favorite]


Can you define S.P.I.C.E, please? I've found over fifty uses of that acronym, and none of them are about food.

In my experience, there is a strong tendency towards vegetarianism, and there have been strong advocates for it since the 18th century. It nearly became part of the peace testimony in the early part of the 20th century - that's about as close to a central tenet as an organisation with no central tenets can have.
posted by scruss at 8:11 AM on October 2, 2012


Response by poster: Sorry, I did define them but didn't make the connection to the acronym obvious or clear. Mea culpa!

SPICE stands for simplicity, peace, integrity, community and equality. I was also told via a MeMail that some Meetings have added "stewardship" to this (SPICES).

You're correct that it does not directly pertain to food; these are Quaker principles, or testimonies.
posted by peacrow at 8:48 AM on October 2, 2012


I just learned of this site yesterday, and it may be of some use to you: http://quaker-animals.co.uk/
posted by QuakerMel at 6:53 PM on October 2, 2012


Veganism is, for me, an extension of my spirituality/Quakerism. Here are some thoughts I've come up with just now about how my food choices could be a reflection of the Quaker Testimonies, and may be a starting point for you. [note that this is a process for me, and I don't practice all of these]. A lot of these overlap, of course.

Simplicity: Eating minimally processed food or raw food. Eating mindfully, and not to excess.

Peace: Giving thanks for all those, human and otherwise, who have contributed to bringing food to my table.

Integrity: Recognizing that my choices have an impact on others and on the environment, and endeavoring to live by my values.

Community: eating locally-grown food and buying from local small businesses. Sharing food and fellowship with friends and family.

Compassion: [this is not a widely-held testimony, but is meaningful to me] avoiding all animal products, because in developed countries we can and ought to choose to eat in a way that minimizes suffering.

Equality: Recognizing that even though I am on a limited income, I have an abundance of everything I need, and sharing food and time with others who may not have enough.

Stewardship: Buying organic food where possible, choosing foods which have a reduced negative impact on the environment, avoiding food that is out of season or shipped from great distances, or which contributes to the destruction of the environment or animal habitats.

Thank you for your query, which has helped me to articulate some things that have been in the periphery of my thoughts for a while.

I have not yet read, but have on hold at the library, this book: The World Peace Diet, which approaches veganism as a spiritual practice.
posted by QuakerMel at 7:09 PM on October 2, 2012


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