The question of whether eating pork is allowed by the Bible has been a topic of debate among Christians and scholars. In the Old Testament, specifically in Leviticus 11:7-8 and Deuteronomy 14:8, the consumption of pork is explicitly prohibited for the Israelites. These passages describe the pig as an unclean animal because it does not chew the cud, despite having a split hoof.
For many Jewish people, these dietary laws, known as Kashrut, are still observed today. However, the New Testament presents a different perspective for Christians. In Mark 7:18-19, Jesus declares that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of their heart. This passage suggests that dietary restrictions are not central to spiritual purity.
Additionally, in Acts 10:9-16, Peter has a vision in which he is told to eat animals previously considered unclean. The voice in the vision tells him, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision is often interpreted as a sign that the dietary laws of the Old Testament were no longer binding for Christians.
Most Christian denominations interpret these New Testament passages as a lifting of the Old Testament dietary restrictions, allowing the consumption of pork. However, some groups, such as the Seventh-day Adventists, continue to follow the Old Testament dietary laws.
In conclusion, while the Old Testament prohibits eating pork, the New Testament offers a broader interpretation, emphasizing spiritual purity over dietary restrictions. As a result, the consumption of pork is generally considered permissible for Christians.