Eating pork?

[beauty7]

Do you believe that you can eat pork und other meats that were called unclean in the book of Leviticus? I know that many have wondered on the same thing. I myself belief that you can because of I Timothy 4:4:

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving

I think this will be an interesting topic ^-^

 

[rahmiyn]

Do you believe that you can eat pork und other meats that were called unclean in the book of Leviticus? I know that many have wondered on the same thing. I myself belief that you can because of I Timothy 4:4:

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving

I think this will be an interesting topic ^-^

If you have to, I believe you can eat anything and it will not harm you. But, from a strictly nutritional standpoint, wild pig has been scientifically proven to retain toxins a cow's complex digestive system will remove naturally. In studies I've read, these toxins, consumed over a period of time, can build up in the body and cause disease.

I would liken it to a diet today rich with salmon and dark-colored vegetables and fruits, versus a diet rich in shellfish (which consume the waste in a body of water) and lots of white, starchy foods. Clearly, the person eating the salmon and vegetable rich diet will look and feel healthier. They will suffer less disease caused by inflammation.

So, again, I believe this scripture is meant to keep us from being afraid to consume whatever our neighbor has placed in front of us at the table, but we should choose a healthy diet when we are feeding a family on a daily basis. It's simply healthier.

 

[beauty7]

Very interesting ^^ Do you believe that if you ask God to bless and sanctify it before eating it that any impure things that were present will be removed?

 

[rahmiyn]

I believe if you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can move mountains. But, if I'm truthful, I have never had that kind of faith. And I've never read an account where someone has moved a mountain. :-D

If I'm in a situation put on me by others, then yes, I believe I can pray this prayer, and nothing I eat will harm me. Especially if my prayer is rooted in the desire to not offend my neighbor who has placed the meal before me.

But, on the other hand, if I'm in a situation where I'm making a choice for my self and my family, then I believe I should make the right choices.

Here, it's no different than any reason behind why you would give your child milk, water, or juice to drink as opposed to colas or sugared drinks at every meal. One is healthier than the other.

 

[beauty7]

I believe if you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can move mountains. But, if I'm truthful, I have never had that kind of faith. And I've never read an account where someone has moved a mountain. :-D

lol ^^ neither have I und I myself am also on the path of obtaining such faith

Here, it's no different than any reason behind why you would give your child milk, water, or juice to drink as opposed to colas or sugared drinks at every meal. One is healthier than the other.

Great point! I was thinking though, that well is it a bit different since it's natural? By natural, I mean that it is made by God and not like a cola which is put together with the ingredients of men. Sorry if it seems like am being difficult, I just want to make sure that all of my questions are answered und I appreciate your patience with me

 

[rahmiyn]

lol ^^ neither have I und I myself am also on the path of obtaining such faith

And I cheer you on!

I was thinking though, that well is it a bit different since it's natural? By natural, I mean that it is made by God and not like a cola which is put together with the ingredients of men.

I see what you mean, but the earth is full of natural poisons. So, I think the dietary laws were designed to steer us towards the healthier options. I do believe he does not want us to obsess over it, but he wants us to take care of our bodies.

I read a book once written by a pastor who was dying of cancer at a young age. In answer to a desperate prayer one night to God, he believed God directed him to the OT dietary laws, and he changed his diet. Slowly, his cancer left him, and he fully recovered. His book highlighted all the research he found on just why healthier foods are better for the body. They minimize inflammation. They boost the immune system. They help rid the body of toxins on a more regular basis.

But again, like the apostles of old, we could still find ourselves in a situation where we can't make these choices, and in those cases, we can have great faith that God will keep the foods we eat from harming us.

Please don't hesitate to ask away! It's the best way to really get to the bottom of our questions.

 

[Xenon]

When I think of this, I think of jellyfish.

A friend told me about her experience of eating "jellyfish salad" at a sushi bar. Her and her fiance love sushi, and every time that they went to this one place she said that she was going to try it. Finally, she worked up enough courage to try the salad. When she did, she got a strange look on her face and immediately spit it out. According to her, it tasted like vinegar mixed with formaldehyde. She swore never to eat it again.

Some things just aren't meant to be eaten. Pork certainly has more nutritional content than what amounts to an amorphous blob, but the dangers of eating pork are well-documented. They only have 1 stomach, which considering that they are "pigs" when they eat gives them less time for the acids to break down anything harmful. They are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Trichinosis, while not very prominent in the US where pigs are fed a grain-only diet (partly for the reason of avoiding this), can be debilitating. A teacher of mine, when he was in the Navy as a cook, was told repeatedly to make sure that the pork was thoroughly cooked. The reason? "We don't want live worms, we want dead ones!" And while both beef and poultry are graded on various levels for consumption, the USDA only gives pork 2 grades: Acceptable and Utility.

I have no doubt that, if need be, God will bless the food that I eat. But I'm certainly not going to tempt Him to do it on a daily basis.

 

[beauty7]

And I cheer you on!

thankies ^^

I see what you mean, but the earth is full of natural poisons. So, I think the dietary laws were designed to steer us towards the healthier options. I do believe he does not want us to obsess over it, but he wants us to take care of our bodies.

That is so true. The earth is indeed full of natural poisons ^^ It came to mind just now like how it would be unwise to eat a poisonous frog. I believe I understand now ^^ So really, it is alright to eat pork but better to make healthier choices? ^^

I read a book once written by a pastor who was dying of cancer at a young age. In answer to a desperate prayer one night to God, he believed God directed him to the OT dietary laws, and he changed his diet. Slowly, his cancer left him, and he fully recovered. His book highlighted all the research he found on just why healthier foods are better for the body. They minimize inflammation. They boost the immune system. They help rid the body of toxins on a more regular basis.

amazing story and it is great to know that he fully recovered ^^ Hmmm...makes me wonder a bit now. ^^

Please don't hesitate to ask away! It's the best way to really get to the bottom of our questions.

thankies so much

 

[Yuyuchan]

Interesting post here I shall sit back and read for now. :3

 

[beauty7]

A friend told me about her experience of eating "jellyfish salad" at a sushi bar. Her and her fiance love sushi, and every time that they went to this one place she said that she was going to try it. Finally, she worked up enough courage to try the salad. When she did, she got a strange look on her face and immediately spit it out. According to her, it tasted like vinegar mixed with formaldehyde. She swore never to eat it again.

Is this a case of not eating something that is offensive to you? I mean, I believe that it is perhaps alright to eat jellyfish but she just didnt like it.

Some things just aren't meant to be eaten. Pork certainly has more nutritional content than what amounts to an amorphous blob, but the dangers of eating pork are well-documented. They only have 1 stomach, which considering that they are "pigs" when they eat gives them less time for the acids to break down anything harmful. They are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Trichinosis, while not very prominent in the US where pigs are fed a grain-only diet (partly for the reason of avoiding this), can be debilitating. A teacher of mine, when he was in the Navy as a cook, was told repeatedly to make sure that the pork was thoroughly cooked. The reason? "We don't want live worms, we want dead ones!" And while both beef and poultry are graded on various levels for consumption, the USDA only gives pork 2 grades: Acceptable and Utility.

Do you think that eating pork is okay but not the healthiest choice?

I have no doubt that, if need be, God will bless the food that I eat. But I'm certainly not going to tempt Him to do it on a daily basis.

Can you explain what you mean by this please? ^^ I understand all but the daily basis part

 

[beauty7]

Interesting post here I shall sit back and read for now. :3

lol ^^ interesting indeed sis *glomps* am about to sign out for now but will be back to post more under here some time soon

 

[metherion]

I seem to remember something from the New Testament where Jesus stated that only things coming from the inside could make a man unclean as a way of declaring all foods clean and doing away with the OT dietary laws. And furthermore it being mentioned in Acts around the time of the Council debating circumcision that pretty much only blood was unclean. I'm absolutely TERRIBLE with chapter/verse, but... yeah.

So it seems to me that if Jesus declared all foods clean, there should be nothing wrong with eating it, as long as all safety precautions are taken: cooking it thoroughly, washing it, etc. Also, pork isn't the only thing usually only found thoroughly cooked in the USA. You have to go far and wide, usually to a continental European restaurant to find poultry served rare.

Metherion

 

[Yuyuchan]

Alrighty sister! I shall see you later. :3

Great point Metherion.

 

[beauty7]

I seem to remember something from the New Testament where Jesus stated that only things coming from the inside could make a man unclean as a way of declaring all foods clean and doing away with the OT dietary laws.

Yes ^^ I remember reading that as well und i agree^^ excellent point ^^

And furthermore it being mentioned in Acts around the time of the Council debating circumcision that pretty much only blood was unclean. I'm absolutely TERRIBLE with chapter/verse, but... yeah.

Am reading Acts now ^^ You arent referring to Peter's vision are you?

So it seems to me that if Jesus declared all foods clean, there should be nothing wrong with eating it, as long as all safety precautions are taken: cooking it thoroughly, washing it, etc.

mhm, i agree as well ^^ do you believe that some foods are healthier than others?

(i will be back soon. i got to sign in again for a bit but i have to leave again for now. take care all)

 

[beauty7]

So it seems to me that if Jesus declared all foods clean, there should be nothing wrong with eating it, as long as all safety precautions are taken: cooking it thoroughly, washing it, etc.

Does this also apply to puffer fish und poisonous animals?

(leaving for real this time lol)

 

[metherion]

Am reading Acts now ^^ You arent referring to Peter's vision are you?

No. I went and looked it up, I'm referring to Acts 15, v20, which says the Gentiles who wish to convert should be told to refrain from food polluted by idols, from sexually immorality, meat from strangled animals, and blood. I honestly don't know how most of the animals I've eaten are killed, tho .

mhm, i agree as well ^^ do you believe that some foods are healthier than others?

Yes, no doubt. I'm sure my arteries would much rather I had say, baked catfish instead of a triple bacon cheeseburger. My taste buds wouldn't really care either way. I'd say that as long as the food has been cooked enough and you're making sure you're getting all your vitamins/minerals/protein/calories, what you eat really doesn't impact your morality at all. According to the Bible of course. I have some friends who are pagan, and if they invited me over for a sacrificial meal I'd be obligated to refuse, no matter how tasty it was.

Metherion

 

[Xenon]

Is this a case of not eating something that is offensive to you? I mean, I believe that it is perhaps alright to eat jellyfish but she just didnt like it.

Nutritional value of one cup of jellyfish (58g):
Calories - 21
Total Fat - 1g
Cholesterol - 3mg
Sodium - 5621mg (over 200% of your daily intake)
Total Carbohydrates - 0g
Protein - 3g

Do you think that eating pork is okay but not the healthiest choice?

No. Plenty of studies have shown that being vegan is really the way to go for health. If I'm going to eat any kind of meat, it's going to be the healthiest possible. The health laws were given after the flood, when it was likely that much of the vegetation was killed off. God gave those laws to the Jews for a reason.

Can you explain what you mean by this please? ^^ I understand all but the daily basis part

I misspoke. I don't want to tempt God with my food (or anything else) at all if I can. I'd rather just avoid it all together. Why eat something knowingly unhealthy and trust that God will cleanse it if it is just to satisfy a selfish desire for tasty food?

 

[Qyöt27]

I think that part of due stewardship is to take care of our health (I'm not going to quote the body is a temple verse, because that has to do with prostitution - something many people seem to either forget or outright ignore), but I in no way see it as restricting certain types of food. With anything of the sort, considerate moderation is the most advisable. Alcohol is not condemned in Scripture, but drunkenness is. And with the decree in the New Testament that there is nothing unclean, that same kernel of wisdom applies to those expanded freedoms as well.

If one's convictions or constitutions mean they should abstain, they should abstain. But that doesn't necessarily apply to everybody. Romans 14 is a good reference point here. Not only does it address an issue of food explicitly (both unclean and of the sacrificed-to-idols sort), but it also addresses conviction and responsibility to others, and applies to more examples than just food. It doesn't mean that you have to abstain completely from something if someone else takes objection, just to abstain in their presence so as not to offend them.

 

[rahmiyn]

Some good points. I believe Paul is referring to "unclean" as the Jews would have understood it. So, "unclean" in this context would not be synonymous with "unhealthy."

Jesus' ministry caused all jewish followers to rethink the law and what it meant with regards to atonement. I believe Jesus was differentiating between the laws provided for health reasons (there are a lot about mold and mildew for another example) that Jews began to confuse with moral and ethical laws, the ones intended to guide someone toward right behavior.

Jesus indicates in his examples that the kind of law breaking that made one unclean are those that guide us morally, ethically (lying, adultery, etc. . .). These are the things inside us that come out and reveal the sin inside. But, eating certain foods were not the same, he's saying.

However, again, he's not addressing health. He's addressing moral law.

 

[Yuyuchan]

Excellent points. I am enjoying reading this thread.