Group 1
Pork is one of the foods considered to be ‘unclean’ in
the food laws given to the Children of Israel. Many other foods are also
regarded as ‘unclean’. A complete list can be found in Leviticus chapter 11. I
will deal with this question in the context of clean and unclean meats.
The first reference to 'clean' animals is found in
Genesis when Noah was told to take 7 of each of the clean animals on board.
Since animals are only known as 'clean' or 'unclean' in the context of whether
or not they are good to eat, this suggests to me that meat was on the diet in
pre flood times.
Genesis 7:2-AV Of every clean beast thou shalt take to
thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that [are] not clean by
two, the male and his female.
There is another important aspect to this verse in
that this was still quite a long time before there was ever a Jew. Those who say
the food laws apply only to the Jews should note that animals were regarded as
'clean' and 'unclean', by God, before the flood.
Now, after the flood Noah was told that all animals
were to be 'meat' for him.
Genesis 9:3-AV Every moving thing that liveth shall be
meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
Consider carefully this verse. We know from the above
that Noah knew full well what was 'clean' or not. We also know that God does not
change. So this is not a reference to God changing what was 'clean'. By this
time the only food not destroyed would have been what Noah brought with him on
the Ark, and possibly, fish. I believe that this is God telling Noah that he
could decide himself what to eat, probably to avoid waste as much as anything
else. I would expect that Noah and his family would have eaten 'clean' food
whenever possible.
Then we come to the food laws. A careful examination
of these laws will reveal that they were given more in the interests of good
health than anything else. It is evident too that these health laws also
included instructions for personal hygiene and methods of dealing with boils,
leprosy and other maladies. Following these laws did also set the Jews apart
from those around them.
One thing one learns when exploring the Bible - God is
very practical. There are some quite good medical reasons for following the food
health laws. Here are some of them.
All 'clean' animals are ruminants. That is they have
four stomachs. This ensures a much more thorough processing of food than is
possible with one stomach, and less pollutants are stored in the flesh. It has
also been discovered that ruminants are not subject to flesh worms. These can be
acquired from eating the flesh of almost every other animal. The pig which got
special mention as 'unclean' stores poisons in its body fat. A snake cannot kill
a pig. The poison is just stored in the fat under the skin and is ingested by
anything that subsequently eats that pig. Many outback Australian properties
keep pet pigs around the home buildings to deal with snakes which come in plague
proportions when the cracks in the ground, where they live, are closed by the
swelling of the earth after rainfall. Pigs love snakes - they suck them up like
spaghetti. My wife grew up with pet pigs that were kept for this purpose.
Concerning the flesh of the pig. With today's hygienic
methods of raising these animals it is unlikely they would carry the same risk
as one raised in the wild, but consider this: the meat takes 4 days to digest in
the bowel instead of 2 for 'clean' meats. Bowel cancer has been linked to
excessive meat consumption and if the length of time spent in the bowel has
anything to do with it then pork is twice as bad as beef.
Likewise the birds that are clean have an organ called
a 'gizzard' which again permits the bird to process it's food more thoroughly.
Most of what we call 'sea food', prawns, crabs, shell
fish etc. are filter feeders. What they do is clean up the pollution in the
oceans and store it in their bodies. Oysters for instance thrive best downstream
from sewerage outlets. When one eats these creatures the pollution becomes more
concentrated in our own bodies. Calcium kidney stones for instance are often the
result of over indulgence in these foods. Fish without scales, like sharks and
catfish, are scavengers and are at the top of food chains. Their bodies will
contain a much higher level of pollutants than creatures further down the chain.
God’s advice concerning food notwithstanding, the bible makes it clear that the
Christian has freedom in Christ to eat other foods. Let us look at some
references that point this out.
1Corinthians 10:23-AV All things are lawful for me,
but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things
edify not.
1Corinthians 10:24-AV Let no man seek his own, but
every man another's [wealth].
1Corinthians 10:25-AV Whatsoever is sold in the
shambles, [that] eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
1Corinthians 10:26-AV For the earth [is] the Lord's,
and the fulness thereof.
1Corinthians 10:27-AV If any of them that believe not
bid you [to a feast], and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you,
eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
1Corinthians 10:28-AV But if any man say unto you,
This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it,
and for conscience sake: for the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
1Corinthians 10:29-AV Conscience, I say, not thine
own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another [man's]
conscience?
1Corinthians 10:30-AV For if I by grace be a partaker,
why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
1Corinthians 10:31-AV Whether therefore ye eat, or
drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1Corinthians 10:32-AV Give none offence, neither to
the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
1Corinthians 10:33-AV Even as I please all [men] in
all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they
may be saved.
Paul is consistent here with the trend that has been
emerging. All things are lawful to him but he would not give offence to another
by eating something the other thought unclean, in the other's presence. He would
consider the other's feelings above his own. If invited out to a meal, he would
show good manners by asking a blessing and cheerfully eating what was put in
front of him rather than offend the host by rejecting what would probably be a
carefully and lovingly prepared meal. Meat sacrificed to idols is not a problem
in western cultures but may be in some pagan cultures.
Romans 14:2-AV For one believeth that he may eat all
things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Romans 14:3-AV Let not him that eateth despise him
that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God
hath received him.
The main point here is whether God has received a
person, not what he eats. Some religions make a big issue of food and actively
support vegetarianism. There is no biblical support for this position and such
should be a matter of personal choice.
Colossians 2:16-AV Let no man therefore judge you in
meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the
sabbath [days]:
Jewish converts were critical of Gentile converts and
had been admonishing them for not complying with all the laws kept by the Jews.
Here Paul tells them they can safely ignore any ‘rules’ concerning food and
drink, and ceremonial days. There is a need however, to consider that our bodies
are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we are to keep them in good order. We
should endeavor then to avoid foods that we know may be harmful. I would suggest
that the eating of pork, while not forbidden to the Christian, should be avoided
as the general rule. The main thing to consider is contained in the verses that
follow.
Mark 7:18-AV And he saith unto them, Are ye so without
understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without
entereth into the man, [it] cannot defile him;
Mark 7:19-AV Because it entereth not into his heart,
but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
Mark 7:20-AV And he said, That which cometh out of the
man, that defileth the man.
Mark 7:21-AV For from within, out of the heart of men,
proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Mark 7:22-AV Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit,
lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
Mark 7:23-AV All these evil things come from within,
and defile the man.
Here we have Jesus telling us that nothing that goes
into a man can defile him (in a spiritual sense that is), but what comes out of
him defiles. Dear reader, are you being defiled by what comes out of your mouth?
By your thoughts and deeds? If you confess your sins to Jesus, believe that He
is the Son of God, and proclaim this with your mouth, you will be saved.
Lance Wearmouth
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Leviticus 11:7-8 is very explicit about pork being one of God's unclean animals not to eat. On a lighter note, Jesus in Mark 5 cast out the evil spirits out of the man into the herd of swine which shows the distain He had for pork. Isaiah 65:4 also speaks of unclean pork.
Allan Mann
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Colossians 2:16 & 17 says: Therefore
do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a
religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow
of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Mark 7:15-23 says: There is nothing from without a
man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of
him, those are they that defile the man.
Because of the above verses, many believe that when
Jesus came and died for us, He made it alright to eat pork and have been since
then. Many Jewish and other religions still don't believe so and stick to the
initial rules of the Old Testament. They did not eat flesh in the garden of Eden
before the fall into sin. I believe flesh eating is a result of the fall from
the perfect plan. Ever since the fall, the Lord has been trying to restore
mankind. He will bring about this restoration of man and in that restoration I
believe we will no longer eat flesh of any kind. During his adult years, the
scriptures portray Jesus as being loyal to the "observant" traditions of his
parents. We know that Jesus was careful to observe the Passover and Days of
Unleavened Bread (Matthew 26:17-19), and that he participated in the "Last Great
Day" of the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:37). In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus openly
declared his allegiance to the Old Testament Laws of God (i.e. "law of Moses").
He emphatically stated: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the
prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill... Till heaven and earth
pass, one jot (a dot of the i) or one tittle (a cross of the T) shall in no wise
pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." MAY ALL BE BLESSED!
DeeDee
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I do not eat Pork nor do I believe any one should eat
it- Does it not state in the Bible the only meat to be eaten shall come from an
animal that has a split hoof and chews it's cud- A pig( Swine ) has a split huf
, but does not chew its cud which makes it unclean - I know no whether Jesus
speaking of casting the pears into the swine has a thing to do with it -But No I
do not think pork should be eaten =We have to many other choices-But then--I do
not eat meat any way - God Bless --In His Grace
June
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Of course it is. You can still go to heaven even if
you do. However, you will get there faster than a non-pork eater.
God gave these unclean meats instructions in the Old
Testament for our instruction now (2Tim.3:16-17) . They are health laws. They do
not add to or subtract from salvation standing. But they do make for a cleaner
temple of the Holy Spirit.
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The bible tells us in Leviticus in chapter 11 verse1-
47 its tell swine is not good for you.
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Well to be honest with you in my opinion no it is not. Really I believe that God in the scriptures wants us to eat healthy and vibrant foods for the body, for good cell structure and muscle tone and spiritually too.
I have recently discovered how important health is to the Lord and still learning.. I could go in to more detail but I believe God is not done with me yet. But back to the question in general. The pig is considered a hoofed animal and is a trash eater. He eats mostly discarded food and who knows what all. All this is transfer to his meat, and that is what we have eaten. This in general has been bad for our human bodies and has caused many cancers and other diseases in us.
I am learning a lot in a Christian health class that I have been taking and following a diet called the Hallelujah Acres Diet. This diet is Christian based and many testimonies, I am fighting breast cancer, I have just had a breast mastectomy 2 weeks ago. And I really believe God is helping me threw this threw the Hallelujah diet. I have so much to learn and so much yet to go threw. I am standing on God 's word for complete healing and yes it has not been easy because I have been a junk food junky all my life. It has been up hill battle some days are good but some are not so good. But I shall have the victory in Jesus.
I really believe now diet plays a very important part in our life and in our walk with the Lord. I have enjoyed getting your e-mails and there are so many brothers and sisters out there that need our prayers. You know I look at my situation and mine seems so small, my heart goes out to all need of prayer. Jesus is our healer and comforter, my love goes out to each and every one. God Bless you and thanks so much for all that you do. May God Bless You and Yours. Love in Christ
Debbie Monikoor@aol.com
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As to the question about pork. I will try to answer from a Biblical standpoint. Let me direct you to Leviticus chapter 11, and see if that says much.
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It says in Leviticus 11:2-4,7 "Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud. There are some that only chew the cud or only have a split hoof, but you must not eat them...And the pig, thought it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you." I believe that the health guidelines in the Old Testament still do apply because it doesn't say anywhere in the New Testament that they were abolished.
Group 2
Yes, on general principle. The Law of Moses is still
in effect for those of the Jewish faith, but Christians are under the New
Covenant of Jesus Christ. "Acts 10 13 Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter.
Kill and eat." 14 "Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten
anything impure or unclean." 15 The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not
call anything impure that God has made clean." (NIV) Because Christ is the
fulfillment of the Law, we who follow Him are not obligated to follow the Law of
Moses. He has made all things clean by His New Covenant.
"Acts 15 1 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said,
"The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses." 6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?
11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." 12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13 When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: 16 "`After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, 17 that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' 18 that have been known for ages.
19 "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. (NIV) Here, Paul, Barnabus, and Peter are discussing whether new Christians must follow the Law of Moses to be saved. The apostles conclude that the only dietary laws that Christians are obligated to follow are those listed in the scripture above.
Since we are saved by grace, following the Law of Moses is only adding conditions to our salvation that don't need to exist. If God's grace is sufficient, no extra laws should be held as a requirement for salvation. "Romans 14 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. 14 As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15 If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.
Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died."(NIV) Here, Paul is addressing an issue of sensitivity. He is urging us to show love and respect for our brothers and sisters in Christ who follow dietary laws by are not not eating things in their presence that offend them. Even though we are not required to follow the Law to be saved, we should not be a stumbling block to those who do. So, I would say that the Law is in effect for Jews, but as Christians, we are not obligated to follow it in order to be saved. I don't believe a Christian can lose their salvation by following the Law, but I think they may be missing a good part of the Gospel message by doing so. YSIC,
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I think that eating pork all depends
on if you want to or not. As for me I don't eat meat. I thought I read somewhere
in the bible, but not sure where that certain meat was considered unclean and
shouldn't be eaten. Not sure though just know my mom told me that. It also says
something fish and not eating fish that has scales. I really do think that it
really doesn't matter. God will love you no matter what. Just keep him first in
your life and be just like him.
Crystal
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3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. This looks like to me that what ever we eat is ok with God if we receive it with thanksgiving. for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
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In the Old Testament, God strictly prohibits the eating of pork or any cloved footed animal. But If you believe in the New testament also, I think eating pork is OK.
Dave
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Biblically yes its alright but if its against your health then I say no its not ok. The bible speaks of anything harmful to our health is wrong. Pork is bad on high blood pressure and I suffer from that and if i eat pork then its my fault it raises up. From my point of view on this question I feel the question is to that individual. God Bless.
Jeane
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Matthew 15:17 (NLT) "Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes out of the body." Acts 10: 12-16 (NLT) In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat them. "Never, Lord," Peter declared. "I have never in all my life eaten anything forbidden by our Jewish laws." The voice spoke again, "If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't". The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was pulled up again to heaven. Of course you must cook the pork very well, but according to just those two scriptures, food has no way of defiling you. True the Jews were forbidden to eat pork, or even touch the dead body or hair or skin, but that is fulfilled with the birth of the Lamb. There are many other scriptures dealing with the eating of certain foods, and they all say the same thing it isn't what you eat that defiles you it is what you say from you heart and mind.
Dennis
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In the old testament, pork was
discouraged for two reasons, swine were considered unclean, and really still
are, but unclean because of their purpose; to eat garbage. They are also
cannibals, which can carry disease that effect those that consume it. The second
reason was that they hold so much salt that God gave practical advice not to eat
it because they were traveling through dry desert and needed to conserve body
moisture. Salt retains water and water is needed to flush out impurity. Swine
are not unclean in and of themselves, but what they consume and get on them as
well. Anything God declared unclean was because of what they consumed
themselves, like vultures eat by scavenging and not good for us, and so on.
I have a great book called, "What the Bible Says About
Healthy Living" that explains why the food laws were such and a listing of clean
and unclean foods, for practical and healthful reasons, not under the law, since
we are under grace.
Peter received a vision in the new testament that all
foods were then considered clean, he argued with God but the Lord declared that
all he made was good and was considered clean in and of itself. (Acts 10:9-16)
Pork is now a personal decision because of grace, and
not a law. (1 Cor. 10;23)
I like these questions!
Buffy Albertson
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Of course it is OK to eat pork, the reason it is in the OT is because they didn't have the opportunity to cure it properly while in the wilderness, our Father knew that it would be bad for his children uncured, besides in the NT Peter saw in a dream that it is OK to eat any kind of food, and with anyone too.
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Many answers to questions come with
conditions. Its OK to eat pork if,
1. Your eating does not offend anyone else. See 1 Cor.
8: 1-13
2. The pork you eat has not been offered to Idols.
3. It is received with thanksgiving. See 1Tim. 4: 4-5
4. You can eat it in faith, believing that what you
are eating is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. This would not only
apply to pork, but anything else you might eat. In Mark 7: 14-23, Jesus
explains, that it is not what enters into a man that defiles him, but rather,
the things that come out off him.
Pastor Dan danbook@dynasty.net
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Didn't Our Lord say: "It is not what goes into the mouth that is important, it is what comes out of it."
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