What we eat, how much we eat, how it is produced and prepared, and its cultural and ecological significance, has forced food sustainability onto the national news agenda.  A newly published book looking at these issues from a specifically Christian angle is the main output of a three-year project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Theology on the Menu: Asceticism, Meat and Christian Diet by the theologians Dr David Grumett (University of Exeter) and Dr Rachel Muers (University of Leeds) covers a fascinating history of feasting and fasting, food regulations and resistance to regulation.  It also examines the symbolism attached to particular foods, the relationship between diet and doctrine, and how food has shaped inter-religious encounters. 

The new book is the first systematic and historical assessment of Christian attitudes to food and its role in shaping Christian identity. It cites examples of major figures in Christian history who advocated abstaining from certain foods. These include Basil of Caesarea, the 4th Century theologian; William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army; Saint Benedict, the 6th Century Italian monk; and John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement.

The project has excited considerable interest.  By focusing on everyday life, it has made an impact on many people who would not normally engage with theology.  For example, Dr Grumett is appearing on What Would Jesus Eat? on BBC Radio 4 on Easter Monday.

You can read more about the project on the University of Leeds website.

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Media contacts:
Jake Gilmore, AHRC Communications Manager; T: 0797 099 4586, E: j.gilmore@ahrc.ac.uk

Notes to Editors:
About Arts and Humanities Research Council: Each year the AHRC provides approximately £102 million from the Government to support research and postgraduate study in the arts and humanities, from languages and law, archaeology and English literature to design and creative and performing arts. In any one year, the AHRC makes approximately 700 research awards and around 1,350 postgraduate awards. Awards are made after a rigorous peer review process, to ensure that only applications of the highest quality are funded. Arts and humanities researchers constitute over a quarter of all research-active staff in the higher education sector. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits but also contributes to the economic success of the UK.