General Christian Views on Dietary Laws
For the vast majority of Christian denominations today, there are no permanent or universal dietary prohibitions against specific types of food. The New Testament marks a significant shift from the detailed and strict dietary laws found in the Old Testament books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. This change is often attributed to several key biblical passages.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is quoted as saying that "nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them" (Mark 7:18-19), a passage interpreted by many to mean that all foods are now clean. Furthermore, the Apostle Peter's vision in Acts 10, where he is commanded to eat from a sheet containing all kinds of animals, is widely understood to signify that God has made all foods permissible.
The Apostle Paul also reinforced this idea of freedom regarding food, particularly concerning food sacrificed to idols (1 Corinthians 8 and 10), though he added the important caveat of being sensitive to the conscience of other believers. This emphasis on personal conscience and spiritual purity over ritualistic food rules became a cornerstone of mainstream Christian thought on diet.
Specific New Testament Prohibitions
Despite the general relaxation of food rules, the early Church did institute a few specific prohibitions for Gentile converts during the Council of Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 15:20. These were intended to promote harmony between Jewish and Gentile Christians and included directives to abstain from:
- Food sacrificed to idols
- Blood
- The meat of strangled animals
These restrictions were practical considerations for the new, multi-ethnic Christian community rather than a reinstatement of all Old Testament law. While the consumption of blood remains a significant issue for some denominations, and the practice of eating food offered to idols is generally avoided, the prohibition on meat from strangled animals is less commonly observed today.
Denominational Differences and Fasting
While the New Testament provides a general framework, different Christian denominations have developed their own specific dietary practices, often related to periods of fasting and spiritual discipline. These are generally not considered permanent prohibitions but temporary acts of penance or devotion.
Common Denominational Practices:
- Catholicism: Catholics are required to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent. Fish and seafood are permitted on these days. Fasting, consuming only one full meal, is also required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for healthy adults.
- Orthodox Christianity: Orthodox Christians follow a stricter fasting schedule for up to 200 days a year. During these periods, they often abstain from meat, fish, dairy, and olive oil, consuming a plant-based diet.
- Seventh-day Adventism: This denomination follows the Old Testament dietary laws, viewing them as still applicable for health reasons. Adherents therefore avoid pork, shellfish, and other foods listed as 'unclean' in Leviticus 11. Many also follow a vegetarian diet, though this is a personal choice.
- Other Protestant Denominations: Most mainstream Protestant churches, including Baptist, Methodist, and Lutheran traditions, do not have mandatory dietary restrictions. Some, however, may observe fasting periods, such as the Daniel Fast, where believers temporarily give up certain foods for spiritual purposes.
Comparison of Dietary Practices
To better understand the diversity of Christian dietary practices, the following table compares the approaches of various traditions.
| Denomination | General Stance | Prohibited Foods (Permanent) | Notable Fasting Periods | Alcohol Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainstream Protestant | All foods are clean; focus on personal conscience. | None, beyond Acts 15:20 guidelines (blood, strangled meat, idol food). | Optional individual or congregational fasts (e.g., Daniel Fast). | Most permit in moderation; drunkenness condemned. |
| Roman Catholic | All foods are clean outside of designated fasting periods. | None. | Abstinence from meat on Fridays during Lent; fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. | Permitted in moderation; drunkenness condemned. |
| Orthodox Christian | All foods are clean outside of designated fasting periods. | Abstain from blood and strangled meat. | Numerous fasting periods (e.g., Great Lent, Christmas Fast) with stricter diets. | Permitted in moderation; drunkenness condemned. |
| Seventh-day Adventist | Follows Old Testament dietary laws for health. | Pork, shellfish, and other biblically 'unclean' foods. | Not specified in the same way, but many adhere to a vegetarian diet. | Strongly discouraged or prohibited. |
Conclusion
The question of what foods are Christians forbidden to eat is not a simple one, as interpretations have evolved significantly over time and vary widely among denominations. The Old Testament's detailed dietary codes are no longer considered binding for most Christians, superseded by New Testament teachings emphasizing spiritual purity and personal conscience. While many believers freely enjoy all foods, early Church teachings regarding the consumption of blood and food offered to idols remain relevant for some. Furthermore, traditional practices of fasting and abstinence, especially within Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, introduce temporary dietary restrictions for periods of penance and reflection. Ultimately, a Christian's diet is a matter of personal faith, denominational tradition, and understanding of biblical principles.
For more information on the biblical basis for Christian dietary decisions, consult resources on biblical interpretation and denominational doctrines. You can find useful insights into the development of dietary thought within Christianity from reputable sources like the Christianity.org.uk.
