Forbidden Animals in the New Testament: Understanding the Dietary Laws

Understanding the dietary restrictions in religious texts, especially those found in the New Testament, can be quite revealing. The instructions given in the Old Testament, particularly in Leviticus, have long been clouded by confusion. However, the New Testament offers a clearer perspective on these dietary rules and their applicability to Christians.

The Old and New Testaments on Dietary Laws

The Old Testament, notably in Leviticus 11, provides strict guidelines on which animals are permissible for human consumption. These dietary laws were not only specific but also deeply intertwined with religious practices and moral codes.

However, early Christians were predominantly Jewish, and the Old Testament dietary laws were observed by them. Over time, these laws became more relaxed for non-Jewish converts to Christianity, making it more appealing and accessible to gentiles (non-Jews).

Verses and their Implications

Next, let's delve into some key verses and their implications:

1 Corinthians 10:25-26

"Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience for The earth is the Lord's, and everything that is in it.

No testing of what is sold in the market concerns your conscience, for ‘the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.’"

These verses suggest that Christians are free to eat whatever is on the market without giving much thought to its origin, given that everything belongs to God.

Colossians 2:16-17

"So let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink or regarding a feast or a new moon or sabbaths. 17For these are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."

This passage indicates that the Old Testament dietary laws were symbolic and not binding anymore on Christians, as they point forward to the spiritual realities in Christ.

Acts 15:19-20

"Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 20For in every city, as I passed along and observed, I saw temples devoted to the glory of the unknown God. Therefore you are to tell them, ‘The God who made the world and everything in it, since he is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made with hands. 21Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all human beings life and breath and everything. 22And he made from one man every nation of mankind to inhabit the whole earth, and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 23God did this so that people would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”'

This does not only address dietary laws but also broader moral and ethical standards that early gentile converts should follow to avoid offending non-Jews.

Matthew 15:11-12

"‘Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth this defiles a man.’ [12]Then His disciples came to Him and said, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying’"

Jesus emphasizes that it is not what we eat but how we live and what we say that defiles us. These teachings have implications for our ethical and moral behavior beyond diet.

Galatians 3:1-3

"O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? [2]This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith? [3]Are you so foolish, having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?'

This passage reflects the tension between legalistic adherence to the law and genuine faith in Christ.

Matthew 5:17-18

"‘Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. [18]For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass, not an iota or a dot will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.’"

Here, Jesus clarifies that He came to fulfill the law, not to destroy it. His fulfillment does not negate the need to follow dietary laws but rather to substitute a legalistic approach with a more spiritual and loving one.

Romans 14:20-23

"‘Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food indeed is clean, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. [21]It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine, nor anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak. [22]Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. [23]But he that doubts is condemned if he eats, because he eats not from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.'"

Paul advises that while freedom in Christ grants us a broad moral landscape, Christian freedom must not lead us to offend our brothers and sisters in faith. This shows that even in a liberalized Christian framework, consideration for others is paramount.

1 Corinthians 8:9-13

"‘[9]But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. [10]For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? [11]And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish for whom Christ died? [12]But when you thus sin against the brethren and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. [13]Therefore, if food with makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.’"

This passage showcases the importance of not offending our fellow believers by our actions, even if it means forgoing some freedoms.

Conclusion

It is clear from the New Testament that no animals are forbidden to eat by Christians, given that the Old Testament dietary laws have been superseded. Christians are free to choose their food, as long as they do not offend their fellow believers. The essence of Christian faith lies in love, trust in Christ, and the avoidance of actions that create moral barriers for others.