The Welcome Table
Thank you for your wonderful issue, The Welcome Table (Spring 2019), which seemed like a virtual Babette’s feast! I was somewhat uncomfortable, however, with what seemed like an unquestioning view of meat consumption. While I am not a vegetarian or vegan, I am increasing aware of the building evidence that worldwide meat consumption, especially beef consumption, is probably the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions today. The ongoing destruction of forests to raise more beef and the increasing production of methane from beef is a serious problem. Perhaps inviting a vegetarian or vegan to the Welcome Table to share their commitments might have made the meal more complete. In the end, questions regarding how we can best care for creation are complex, and I applaud the efforts of the farmers and ranchers whose stories are found in the spring Plough Quarterly
I wanted to write a quick note of thanks for the work you are doing with Plough Quarterly. I have received complimentary copies of the magazine for the past several issues and your magazine has become one of my favorite reads. In fact, I plan to subscribe later tonight to show my appreciation! Yours is one of the few magazines that brings me joy as I read each issue. This past issue on food and hospitality was excellent. Blessings in your continued good work.
As usual, I read The Welcome Table (Spring 2019) with interest. As I set down this issue, however, it seemed that something was missing from the discussion. There was nothing about the importance of family meals. Eating together as a family not only strengthens the bonds between parents and children, but it creates an event, a gathering to which others can be invited. At family meals, the practice of thinking of others, welcoming and serving them, and enjoying the company of friends from beyond the family circle can be instilled in children. Learning to welcome those who may seem strange, or difficult to be with, those who are lonely and without their own families, or visitors who show up unannounced, are important values for parents to teach young children.
On Johannes Meier’s interview “Beating the Big Dry” (Spring 2019):
I painted “Farmer Boy at Oberfellendorf” in response to the photograph of young people planting olive trees in Australia.
Harro Preiss, Farmer Boy at Oberfellendorf
Artwork by Harro Preiss. Used by permission.