Why is fish not considered meat?

[dchet121272]

My wife asked me the following question:

Why do catholics think fish is not a meat? Thereby making fish, but not beef or chicken o.k. for consumption on Fridays during lent?

Meat is defined as “the flesh of animals as used for food”. Fish falls into that category.

If we were to truly abstain from eating meat on Fridays during lent, shouldn’t we avoid fish as well?

Silly question I know, but still a bit confusing. Thanks.

 

[Reginald_Plum]

dchet,

This link should explain why the Roman Catholic Church allows fish, reptiles, and insects to be eaten on fasting days. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by this link, please contact Catholic Answers directly.

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