Judaism, Islam, and some Christian denominations do not eat pork.
Religions Forbidding Pork Consumption
Certain religions have dietary laws that forbid the consumption of pork. These laws are rooted in religious texts and traditions, considering the pig an unclean animal. This article explores the primary religions that prohibit pork consumption, including Judaism, Islam, and specific Christian denominations.
Judaism
Kashrut Dietary Laws
In Judaism, the dietary laws known as kashrut outline which foods are permissible (kosher) and which are forbidden (treif).
- Unclean Animal: The pig is explicitly listed as an unclean animal in the Torah (Leviticus 11:7 and Deuteronomy 14:8).
- Forbidden Flesh: Consuming any part of a pig is strictly prohibited.
Islam
Halal Dietary Laws
Islamic dietary laws, known as halal, dictate permissible foods and practices.
- Prohibition of Pork: The Quran explicitly forbids the consumption of pork in several verses (e.g., Quran 2:173, 5:3, 6:145, 16:115).
- Considered Impure: Pork is deemed impure and unsuitable for consumption.
Christianity
Varied Practices
Christianity's stance on pork consumption varies by denomination.
- Adventist Church: The Seventh-day Adventist Church, a specific Christian denomination, advises against eating pork based on the Old Testament dietary laws, viewing it as an unclean meat.
Other Denominations
Most Christian denominations do not have dietary restrictions on pork, following interpretations of the New Testament that suggest dietary laws were fulfilled and are no longer binding.
Summary Table
| Religion | Dietary Law | Pork Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| Judaism | Kashrut | Forbidden |
| Islam | Halal | Forbidden |
| Seventh-day Adventist | Kosher | Forbidden |
Conclusion
The religions that do not eat pork primarily include Judaism, Islam, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. These dietary restrictions are based on religious texts and traditions that deem the pig an unclean or impure animal. While most Christian denominations do not follow these dietary laws, the Seventh-day Adventist Church adheres to them based on their interpretation of biblical texts.
