Institutions and Religions
Understanding the position that Christianity takes on eating pork is a complicated matter, with many factors and individual beliefs coming into play. For many centuries, there have been laws and conventions – religious and otherwise – that have prompted debate and offered instruction on consuming pork. The Sanhedrin, the rabbinical court assembled in the first and second centuries, decreed that neither Jews, nor their descendants, could partake in eating pork products. This was based on their interpretation of the Mosaic Laws contained in the Torah, the first five books of Jewish scripture. The ancient Romans believed that pork, and swine in general, were unclean and associated typically with gluttony.
Christians, on the other hand, have no such dietary law contained in the Bible and there is no general consensus on the subject of eating pork among Christian communities. This is why it is difficult to draw a firm conclusion as to whether eating pork is contrary to Christian beliefs or practices.
Arguments and Counter- Argument
There are those who argue that Christians are not bound by Jewish law, so there is no restriction on consuming pork, or any other food for that matter. Relevant passages from the bible, such as Leviticus 11, which sets out dietary restrictions for the Israelites, are not applicable to modern day Christians. They cite that the New Testament is based on the concept of liberty, allowing believers to make their own moral decisions on what food to eat.
On the other hand, there are those who think that eating pork does go against Christian principles. They point to Biblical passages that refer to Jesus as the ‘light of the world’, and say that, according to Christian values, one’s beliefs should extend to matters of dietary choice. Such people believe that believers should eschew porcine products, particularly if it out of respect for Jewish laws and traditions that have been carried down over time.
Scientific Evidence
While opinions on this subject vary, there is scientific evidence that eating pork can have adverse effects on our health. Pigs are omnivorous animals and are known to be scavengers, meaning they are more likely to pick up bacteria and other pathogens through their scavenging activities which can be passed on to humans through consumption. According to the World Health Organisation, pork can be a carrier of various types of parasites and worms, such as trichinella, which can cause serious illnesses. As such, those who wish to eat pork are encouraged to purchase their pork from reliable sources, to help avoid the risks associated with pork consumption.
That said, it should be noted that careful research has shown that when pork is cooked to the appropriate temperature (minimum 63°C for 30 minutes), most of the microorganisms which can cause human illness are destroyed.
Public Opinion
Given the complexity of the topic, individual opinions on the matter can vary widely. Pollsters have surveyed individuals in the United States and have found that there is no uniform consensus on the subject among Christians. It was found that over half of the respondents believed that the Bible does not prohibit the consumption of pork, whereas 35 percent believed that it does.
The survey also showed similarities in views among members of different denominations. For example, there was no difference between Roman Catholic and Protestant views in the United States on the matter, with over half of each believing that pork can be eaten, according to the Bible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is difficult to answer the question of whether eating pork is against Christianity with a definitive yes or no. It is a subject that requires nuanced consideration, taking into account the religious, scientific, and historical aspects of the issue. The majority of Christian communities in the United States are of the opinion that the Bible does not prohibit the consumption of pork, a belief which can also be extended to other relevant Christian denominations.
