Christians eat pork because they believe God has declared it clean for consumption.
Biblical Basis for Eating Pork
Many Christians follow the teachings of the New Testament, which differs from some dietary restrictions found in the Old Testament. Here's why:
- Acts 10:15: In the New Testament, the apostle Peter has a vision where God states, “What God has declared clean you must not call common.” This verse is often interpreted to mean that the dietary laws of the Old Testament, including the prohibition against eating pork, are no longer applicable to Christians.
- 1 Timothy 4:3: This passage refers to "foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth." This verse suggests that all foods created by God, including pork, are acceptable for believers to eat with gratitude.
Old Testament Restrictions vs. New Testament Freedom
| Old Testament | New Testament |
|---|---|
| Dietary restrictions existed (e.g., pork prohibited) | Dietary restrictions are viewed as no longer applicable for Christians. |
| Meant to separate the nation of Israel | Emphasis on God's grace and the freedom from the old law through Jesus Christ. |
Practical Understanding:
- Not all Christians agree: While many Christians eat pork, some may still adhere to Old Testament dietary restrictions for personal or cultural reasons.
- Focus on Thanksgiving: The key is that whatever Christians eat, they do so with thanksgiving, recognizing that God is the giver of all good things.
- No condemnation: The Bible also teaches that Christians shouldn't judge one another based on food preferences.
Essentially, the Christian view on eating pork rests on the belief that God has declared all foods clean and that freedom in Christ allows believers to eat what they choose with a grateful heart.
