Christian Denominations That Avoid Eating Pork
Eating pork is prohibited in several religions, including Islam and Judaism. However, most Christian denominations do not have any restrictions against pork consumption. Despite this, there are a few Christian groups that abstain from pork based on their interpretation of biblical texts or conservative adherence to ancient Jewish custom.
The Issue of Pork in the Bible
In the Old Testament books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, God explicitly instructs the Israelites not to eat pork, as pigs are considered unclean animals. This dietary restriction was part of the Mosaic Law that God gave specifically to the Israelites after rescuing them from Egypt.
Later on in the New Testament, there seemed to be an indication that these kosher dietary restrictions were no longer binding for Christians For instance, Mark 7 records Jesus declaring all foods clean and sanctioning eating with unwashed hands. Additionally, Acts 10 details the apostle Peter’s vision where God tells him not to call unclean what God has made clean, which led to an understanding that the Gospel is open to all people, not just Jews who followed the Law
Despite these New Testament passages, there is still disagreement among Christians on whether Old Testament pork prohibitions remain in effect today or were only temporary Jewish ceremonial laws that were fulfilled by Christ’s sacrifice. This theological dispute contributes to why some Christian groups still abstain from pork.
Seventh-Day Adventists Avoid Pork
The Seventh-day Adventist Church unambiguously prohibits its members from consuming pork and other biblically unclean meats. Adventists take Old Testament dietary laws literally as health laws that still apply today.
They believe that God expressly forbade the consumption of pork and shellfish to protect human health from toxins and diseases. As a denomination that emphasizes wholistic health, Adventists also cite modern scientific research linking processed meats to increased cancer risk.
In addition to health motivations, abstaining from pork for Adventists is a matter of remaining spiritually pure and maintaining fidelity to God’s commands. By adhering to these biblical dietary guidelines, they demonstrate faithful obedience to the laws God established.
Adventists offer religious liberty to those who feel conviction to eat pork, but urge restraint given pork’s association with various diseases. They see abstaining from pork not as a cultural preference but as a biblical health principle relevant for all times.
Hebrew Christians Avoid Pork
Hebrew Christians, including factions like the Sacred Name Movement, are another Christian group that abstains from pork based on the Old Testament. They believe Christians should continue adhering to the 613 commandments in the Torah, including kosher dietary laws.
These Christians argue that verses like Matthew 5:17-19, where Jesus says he came to fulfill the Law not abolish it, affirm that the Old Testament commandments still stand today. This includes Leviticus 11’s prohibition on eating swine and other unclean animals.
For Hebrew Christians, abstaining from pork has important theological and symbolic significance related to sanctification and denying the flesh. They view choosing not to eat pork as renouncing worldly desires and growing in holiness before God.
Messianic Jews who believe Jesus is the Messiah but retain their Jewish identity similarly avoid pork to observe kosher dietary laws as part of their covenant with God.
Some Holiness Groups Avoid Pork
Certain churches in the conservative Holiness Movement also prohibit the consumption of pork and other meats forbidden under Mosaic Law. These include some Methodist and Baptist churches that branched off into holiness denominations.
These groups teach adherence to Old Testament commandments as a way to achieve outward holiness and sanctification. They prohibit activities considered worldly or sinful, including drinking alcohol, wearing jewelry, cutting hair, and eating pork or other unclean meats.
Holiness Movement churches that abstain from pork believe violating biblical dietary guidelines demonstrates an impure heart and sinful desires of the flesh. They see abstaining from pork as purifying themselves and getting closer to godly living.
However, views on pork vary within the Holiness Movement, as some churches view dietary abstinence as a personal choice not mandated for all members. But those who avoid pork do so out of devotion to God’s word and pursuing holiness in lifestyle.
Most Christians Do Not Restrict Pork
Despite these exceptions, the majority of Christian denominations and churches do not prohibit followers from eating pork or mandate observing Old Testament dietary laws. Here are some reasons most Christians believe pork restrictions were abolished:
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They understand Old Testament kosher laws as Jewish ceremonial laws fulfilled by Christ, not moral laws binding for all time.
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They interpret New Testament passages like Mark 7 and Acts 10 as indicating all foods are now clean and kosher laws are not compulsory.
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They view Paul’s teaching that Christians are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14) to mean Old Testament commandments do not apply.
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They do not consider Old Testament health motivations behind pork avoidance to still be relevant given modern food safety standards.
So while holiness, Adventism, Hebrew Christianity, and Messianic Judaism do prohibit pork consumption, most Christian denominations do not restrict it. Christians have freedom of conscience to eat or abstain from pork based on personal health considerations or religious convictions.
The Debate Over Pork Continues
The issue of whether Christians should eat pork continues to be an area of intrigue, discussion, and debate within Christianity.Biblical interpretation, church tradition, health motivations, and personal standards all contribute to differing views on pork avoidance among Christians.
But a unifying point may be recognizing that complete agreement is not found on this topic. As Paul wrote in Romans 14, accepting one another despite disputable matters demonstrates the Christian ethic of love. So while some groups forbid pork, others permit it, illustrating the diversity that may enrich spiritual community.
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Which Christian religions don’t eat pork?
To learn more about which Christian religions don’t eat pork and why, keep reading! Traditions: Some Christian religions abstain from pork as part of their cultural and religious traditions. For example, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and the Rastafari movement all avoid pork consumption.
Why does the Bible prohibit eating pork?
The Bible prohibits eating pork as part of the kosher dietary laws. These laws are given in the book of Leviticus and are designed to create a separation between the Israelites and the Gentiles.
Is pork a Christian food?
Within most of the culture of gentiles, pork was a common food. So, limitations in the Bible were canceled and justification was found through interpretation. It was accepted in most denominations. But there are Christian denominations where the whole Bible accepted. There are no contradictions like eating pork.
Are there any African churches that don’t eat pork?
Maybe Messianic Christian (incorrectly called Messianic Judaism, but they aren’t (generally) Jews). I think some of the African Churches don’t eat Pork, such as the Eritrean and Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Seventh day Baptists, New Apostolics, and a number of others. My (an atheist) child told me she wants to go to church, no clue where to start.