Question:  Dear Greg,

            I am a Muslim and I have a few questions about Christianity.

1.      Is eating shrimp allowed in Christianity?  Leviticus 11:9-12 says: “These shall you eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall you eat.  And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you: They shall be even an abomination unto you; you shall not eat of their flesh, but you shall have their carcasses in abomination.  Whatsoever has no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.”

2.      Is eating pork allowed in Christianity where the Bible says: “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 carcasses.”

3.      Do you, Mr. Albrecht, consume pork and shrimp?

Zafar

Answer:  Dear Zafar,

            The Scriptures you cite are in the Old Testament.  Christians believe in both the Old and New Testaments, with priority given to the New Testament which interprets the Old in light of the cross of Christ.  Generally speaking, Judaism adheres solely to the Old Testament—followers would, if they follow the old covenant contained therein, follow the instructions as given.

            There are many passages in the New Testament that explain that what one eats is not of importance in terms of a Christian’s relationship with God, which is based upon God’s grace.  These would include Acts 10 (entire chapter), Mark 7:1-23, and 1 Timothy 4:1-4.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht