Why do Christians eat pork?

[Firecat]

I've often wondered about this. IMO, the Old Testament was clear in creating the dietary law. The New Testament didn't create any new laws in that regard, so what's the deal?

I've read a few arguments (from Christians) that fall on both sides of the issue.

Thoughts?

I know it might not be that interesting of a subject..if so, maybe we can just talk about the alleged "Gospel of Judas" that was recently released. 8)

[zenkidori]

Because they aren't real christians. This is why I don't go to church with my family any more, because if you really read the bible, there are so many things that go against what christianity is supposed to be all about it makes you wonder why these people bother at all. They seem to follow only a select few of god's laws, the ones that suit them the best. there are more than 10 laws or commandments you know. Also, they seem to make up new ones from either poor translations, interpretations or just pull them from thier ass to fit thier vision of the world.

What is the point of Christianity? To follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and live your life as christ like as possible, correct? Well then why on a daily basis do people go not only against the teachings of Jesus, but do things that he wouldn't do?

I believe that to be a good christian you must first be a good Jew, and I see Jews as brothers, not enemies or non-believers as some would think.

Just my $.02

[FATMOUSE]

Originally Posted by Firecat

I've often wondered about this. IMO, the Old Testament was clear in creating the dietary law. The New Testament didn't create any new laws in that regard, so what's the deal?

Because it tastes good and people don't give a damn?

I feel this explanation is apt because, well, since when were humans any good at following law and order?

[ryosuke]

the people who declared fish to be no meat, so that they could have meat on fridays? 8)

[Firecat]

Originally Posted by zenkidori

Because they aren't real christians. This is why I don't go to church with my family any more, because if you really read the bible, there are so many things that go against what christianity is supposed to be all about it makes you wonder why these people bother at all. They seem to follow only a select few of god's laws, the ones that suit them the best. there are more than 10 laws or commandments you know. Also, they seem to make up new ones from either poor translations, interpretations or just pull them from thier ass to fit thier vision of the world.

What is the point of Christianity? To follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and live your life as christ like as possible, correct? Well then why on a daily basis do people go not only against the teachings of Jesus, but do things that he wouldn't do?

I believe that to be a good christian you must first be a good Jew, and I see Jews as brothers, not enemies or non-believers as some would think.

Just my $.02

Good points. And it applies to Muslims and Jews as well. Case in point, Afghanistan wanting to kill the so-called "apostate".....It runs counter to Islamic scripture. Actually, the whole "Shia, Sunni etc" debate is really counter to Islam (which stands opposed to sectarianism). Which is why I reject those labels.

The sad thing is, the people that do go against whatever teachings don't believe they are doing anything "wrong".....In fact, some even have a holier than thou attitude

[tloekke]

I always got the impression that pork is outlawed throughout the whole middle-east region because of trichinosis, but up here in the north, trichinosis wasn't that common because of the cold weather, so.....

[Firecat]

Originally Posted by FATMOUSE

Because it tastes good and people don't give a damn?

I feel this explanation is apt because, well, since when were humans any good at following law and order?

Yeah, people don't give a damn. And maybe it doesn't really matter. But it's hardly an inconvenience to abstain from eating a certain kind of meat. I don't think Christians are chowing dogs and cats. Maybe it tastes good (I wouldn't know), but I don't believe it's a healthy choice.

[mmap]

Ih God didnt want us to eat it, then why does it taste good??

If he/she/it made it taste good and then forbid us from eating just for the fun of it (wanting to fuck with us) then that's reason enough for me to eat it.

Also christianity has split into several factions (as if no one knows) each with its own interpretation of what is right and what is wrong (and no one can prove any of them / us wrong so there...)

[mmap]

As for the Gospel of Judas, I don't see what the big deal is. It's been known since forever that the church omitted several writings from the bible on the basis that they conflicted with their agenda / they thought that they could diminish the churches power, so no biggie.

I donät even see the content of the "new" gospel as anything amazing, its just another viewpoint. It's not like its claiming that Jesus was a drunken biggot into beating women and eating little children.

[FATMOUSE]

Originally Posted by Firecat

Yeah, people don't give a damn. And maybe it doesn't really matter. But it's hardly an inconvenience to abstain from eating a certain kind of meat. I don't think Christians are chowing dogs and cats. Maybe it tastes good (I wouldn't know), but I don't believe it's a healthy choice.

It might be an inconvenience to some, maybe pigs grow better than other livestock in some areas or something.

In addition, meat is meat. The reason people don't eat dogs/cats is not because it is unhealthier (in my opinion) than chicken or pork or whatever, but because of the social stigma associated with eating your own pets.

So in places where they are not traditionally considered pets, they might be considered dinner.

[zenkidori]

The same goes for the whole apocrypha.

If he/she/it made it taste good and then forbid us from eating just for the fun of it (wanting to fuck with us) then that's reason enough for me to eat it.

this is the same reasoning hedonists use for pretty much everything.

[mmap]

Originally Posted by zenkidori

this is the same reasoning hedonists use for pretty much everything.

Well you wont see me denying that

[zenkidori]

I'm just saying that if a christian(or any religion) says that, then you can use the same type of logic to contradict thier entire religion.

[mmap]

^^ gonna have to disagree with that one... And ask how so?

If religion is believing in a higher force and that your actions on earth (decisions on how you choose to live your own life) affect / have an impact on "eternity" etc.

I don't really see how the same logic would contradict anything.

I suppose if someone took the bible literally and truly believed that EVerYTHING in it is the pure word an will of god then yeah, But really that's no challnge at all. You donät have to use any logic to disprove that.

[zenkidori]

well if someone finds killing, stealing, lying enjoyable, you could reason, "well if god made it so fun, then we're meant to do it".

[mmap]

Riight, you mean it like that, OK..

The only problem is that those things are illegal... And I seriously doubt that none of the Christian factions have approved them. (where as eatting pork is).

But I sorta get your point. I dont think it really valid, but at least I understand what you ment.

[Firecat]

Unforutantely the taste argument doesn't hold much water, because the same God forbade the Jews from eating it. From what I understand, during the time Jesus was alive he didn't consume pork nor did the apostles

[mmap]

Originally Posted by Firecat

Unforutantely the taste argument doesn't hold much water, because the same God forbade the Jews from eating it. From what I understand, during the time Jesus was alive he didn't consume pork nor did the apostles

First of all, when I used "the taste argument" I was only kidding (not that religious myself). But the fact that jews etc. do not use it does not disprove it in anyway. It only proves that they disagree with it and choose to follow the bible literally (at least in that aspect).

It's all a matter of faith remember, others feel that such a "rule" from god is not fair and do not wish to believe in a god who would be so petty as to do it.

It really boils down to the fact that religion and beliefs are everyones individual choices, there is no absolute right or wrong in matters of religion. Just because someone says its wrong to eat pork does not mean that it absolutely is wrong always and everywhere.

[YF19pilot]

Originally Posted by Firecat

Unforutantely the taste argument doesn't hold much water, because the same God forbade the Jews from eating it. From what I understand, during the time Jesus was alive he didn't consume pork nor did the apostles

Well, He did drive evil spirits into pigs, which then ran into some body of water that was close by and drowned.

As for why we eat pork, I always thought it was okay. Hmm...guess I should do some reading. (and I kinda thought the reason why Jews weren't allowed to eat pork was because it was considered 'dirty' in the sense of what someone said earlier about it carrying diseases).

[trionic]

There are, what over 500 old testament rules? Not even jews obey them all.

General opinion is I guess that new testament overrules old one, because its new alliance. Everything starting from sacrifice is gone.

I have heard also that pork was something not wise to eat back then.