A Life-Changing Way To Christian Journey

I’m a monotheistic believer – Christian, and this is my story of why I stop eating pig’s meat. It sounds delicious when you say Roasted Pork Belly, Lechon Kawali, Chitcharon, Sisig, Pork Barbeque, Grilled Pork Chop, and so on. Filipinos are known for being foodies; we love to cook and eat. 

I grew up in a Christian family that consumes pork. Pork meat is easy to access, economical compare to other meats, and easy to cook. As a child growing up; I’m fussy when eating. My mom was problematic during meal time; especially when pork dish is served. I prefer fried because it’s crispy and tasty. Adulthood, I still seldom eat pork unless it’s Sisig, Letchon Kawali and or Chitcharon.

Why am I fussy when pork?

I’m not too fond of the smell. I find it ‘mapanghi’ (having a reeky smell), especially when the animal is old or was not properly slaughtered. Some vendors sell double dead meat in the market, and if you are not cautious, you will be easily scammed. I wouldn’t say I like the meat texture; it’s hard to chew and swallow, especially if it was not properly cooked. So, I grew up rarely eating pork.

A Life-Changing Way To Christian Journey

Until I lived and worked in the middle east, I was in a Muslim country where pork meat is totally banned and or strictly regulated for the benefit of non-Muslims. I got curious and interested why Islam forbids eating pork meat when it is a God’s creation. I believe that God’s creations are all good for their purpose.

Here’s what I found:

1. Scientifically speaking, pork meat contains unwanted microorganisms that are harmful to the human body. Its meat is easy to decay and contains unhealthy fat, which gets deposited in the vessels and causes hypertension and heart attack. Nowadays, poultry companies use lots of injectables and feed to grow pigs faster than usual for their market. (Sadly, yes! It’s all about money instead of providing quality products.)These medicines are synthetic, and processed animal diets remain in their meat. 

Also Read: 3 Shocking Revelations Not to Eat Pork

2. In cultural terms, the pig is the filthiest animal on earth. It lives and thrives on waste, feces, and dirt. Unlike other animals such as cows or goats, they will not eat any grass stepped on, and they will only eat fresh grass! Thus, a question grew in my mind, why will I eat something that lives for muck? 

3. Religiously speaking, the Quran and the Bible has clearly stated that man must not eat pork’s meat. Let’s read some verses out from the many:

“He has forbidden you only dead animals, and blood, and the swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for other than God.” (Quran 2:173)

“Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah…” (Quran 5:3)

“Say, “I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled out or the flesh of swine – for indeed, it is impure…” (Quran 6:145)

(Leviticus 11:3-8) “If an animal has hooves that are split into two parts, and if that animal also chews the cud, then you may eat the meat from that animal. Some animals chew the cud, but they don’t have split hooves. Don’t eat these animals. Camels, rock badgers, and rabbits are like that, so they are unclean for you. Other animals have hooves that are split into two parts, but they don’t chew the cud. Don’t eat these animals. Pigs are like that, so they are unclean for you. Don’t eat the meat from these animals. Don’t even touch their dead bodies! They are unclean for you.”

(Isaiah 66:17) “They that sanctify themselves and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.”

(Deuteronomy 14:8) And the swine, because it divided the hoof, yet chewed not the cud, it [is] unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass.

I was stunned! The Bible declared not to eat pig’s meat!

Questions in my mind started to flux. How come this is not being taught or practiced by Christians? Is it a matter of free will when we must strictly obey our God Almighty’s law and teachings as Jesus’ followers? Then why was the pig even created in the first place?

Remember the story of Noah’s Art in the Bible?

Our God Almighty commanded Noah to build a huge ark to save his family and the animals on earth from the flood He has brought forth. Noah did what is exactly commanded to him, and there inside the ark, Noah placed his family and all the animals by pair, including Pigs. The purpose of the pig is to clean the waste produced inside the ark. Pigs are scavengers. It is basically created to help the ecosystem. Be one of the cleaning means, and not be eaten by humans. God is so brilliant! He gave us animals to eat, and some animals to work for us!

Another bible story that I want to share; Mathew 8:28-32 (Demons and Pigs) 

When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They lived in a cemetery and were so violent that no one could go through that area. They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?” There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.” “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.

Reflection

I realized this is basically why I am so fussy about pig’s meat since I was a kid. I’m not too fond of the smell and its texture. But beyond those, it’s a call for me as a believer of true faith. I penned this blog not to question nor ask you to convert to any religion or change you. I wrote this to share with you what I have learned and discover upon seeking the truth. And yes, I stopped eating pork for about almost three years now and counting.

As a monotheistic believer, I believe that humanity was created in the image of God. Hence, cleanliness is next to Godliness. We should eat physically and spiritually clean food. Don’t you want to have a clean body and soul? To live in a healthier way of living inside-out? Because I do, this is my reason why I completely stop eating pork and fully embrace a life-changing way to the Christian journey! What’s your story? Let me know and comment down below. I’d love to hear from you!

References: Al Qalam, Dar Al-Ifta, The Religion of Islam, Jay Kim, BibleGateway, King James Bible Online, Bible Study Tools

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