Can Christians eat pork? This is a common question asked by both new believers and people exploring Christianity.
You might have heard that the Bible talks about clean and unclean foods, especially in the Old Testament.
But does that still apply today? What does Jesus say? And what do different churches believe?
In this post, we will break it down clearly.
Why People Ask This Question
Many people are confused about whether Christians should eat pork.
This is because the Old Testament, especially in the book of Leviticus, talks about not eating pigs because they are “unclean.”
But in the New Testament, Jesus and His disciples seem to have a different view. So which part should Christians follow? Old or New?
Let’s take a closer look.
What the Old Testament Says About Pork
In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites special food laws. These are found mainly in:
- Leviticus 11:7-8:
“And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.”
- Deuteronomy 14:8:
“The pig is also unclean; although it has a split hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are not to eat their meat or touch their carcass.”
So clearly, under the Law of Moses, eating pork was forbidden.
These laws were part of a larger system that made the Israelites different from other nations. They were meant to teach obedience, purity, and separation.
Why Pork Was Considered Unclean
Pigs were labeled as unclean not because they were “bad” animals, but because they didn’t meet certain rules God gave the Israelites.
Some Bible scholars also suggest health reasons. In ancient times, pigs could carry diseases like trichinosis if not cooked properly. These laws may have protected the Israelites.
But more importantly, these laws were spiritual symbols. They pointed to a deeper meaning; being holy and set apart for God.
What Jesus and the New Testament Teach
When Jesus came, He fulfilled the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17). This means He didn’t throw it away; but He completed its purpose.
Now let’s look at what Jesus actually said about food:
- Mark 7:18-19 (NIV):
“Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?… In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.”
That’s very clear. Jesus taught that spiritual purity is not about what you eat, but about your heart and actions.
This statement by Jesus was revolutionary for His Jewish followers who had always followed strict dietary rules.
What the Apostles Said About Food Laws
Even after Jesus left, the early church struggled with food issues. Many Jewish Christians still wanted to follow the old food laws, while Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians didn’t.
Here’s what we see:
- Acts 10:13-15: Peter sees a vision of unclean animals (including pigs) and hears God say,
“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
This vision wasn’t just about food; it was also about accepting Gentiles into the church. But it shows that food restrictions were being removed.
- Romans 14:14 (Paul writes):
“I am convinced… that nothing is unclean in itself.”
- 1 Timothy 4:3-5 (Paul again):
“They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods… For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.”
Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, clearly said food is not what makes us holy.
Different Christian Views Today
Most Christian denominations today do not forbid pork. They believe that Jesus set us free from the Old Testament food laws.
However, some denominations or groups still choose not to eat pork:
- Seventh-day Adventists: They follow many Old Testament health laws and encourage a vegetarian diet or clean meats only (no pork).
- Hebrew Roots Movement: Some Christians who want to live like early Jews still avoid pork.
But this is usually a personal choice, not a requirement for salvation.
Do Some Christians Still Avoid Pork?
Yes, but for different reasons:
- Health reasons – Some avoid pork because it’s high in fat or sodium.
- Cultural reasons – In some cultures, eating pork is not popular.
- Religious conviction – Some Christians feel they want to honor Old Testament laws even though it’s not required.
As long as it’s not used to judge others or feel “holier than thou,” it’s okay.
Should You Eat Pork as a Christian?
Here are some things to consider:
You are free to eat pork.
According to the New Testament, there is no sin in eating pork.
Your faith matters more than your food.
Romans 14 says don’t judge someone for what they eat or don’t eat.
Pray over your food.
1 Timothy 4:5 says food is “sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”
Respect others’ choices.
If someone doesn’t want to eat pork for personal or religious reasons, that’s okay too.