I pose this question for those who know or don't know me....I feel anyone can offer their opinion on this matter....however, please do not choose to be offended by what I am about to say.
For those that read the Bible, we know about the meat that was eaten after being sacrificed unto idols, and how that was not good. But, we know it was happening. I believe that it was probably also being sold in the markets and such-and give me a bit and I'll find where it was I found whatever I found to imply this idea. Now, I've also heard that when Peter had the vision of the animals being ok'd to eat, it wasn't that God was permitting those animals that were not meant to be eaten to therefore be eaten (pig, certain fish, etc.). Rather, he was permitting the partaking of the animals that weren't forbidden to eat on face value, but those that had been used as sacrifice for pegans/idols. I heard this being spoken on, and it raised an interesting thought into my mind. It may or may not be affected by the above information, I haven't come to that conclusion as of yet.
Here's my question. It is okay that someone (me for instance) eats meat that is "halal". Halal meat, for those that don't know, is basically the Islamic version of Kosher. In Islam, how an animal is butchered as well as what is said during the butchering is what determines if the meat is halal. What is said during the butchering (in arabic) basically is saying they are butchering that animal in the name of Allah. Sort of how Christians pray that God blesses their meal before they partake. Now....first, does butchering fall under sacrafice? Second, does butchering an animal under "Allah's" name or, in God's name under the umbrella of a different religion, mean that the animal has been butchered under a pagan religion...what is the definition of a pagan god?
I would appreciate any thoughts on this matter...even if you don't know specifics about Islam...just based on what you know, or what this explains, would you constitute eating "halal" meat forbidden?
If you don't have an answer, but have some thoughts on the idea in general, I welcome those as well.
2 comments:
fascinating question Wendeth! I think there are two implications that paramount the issue 1) what is a person's definition of "butchering" and 2) what is a person's definition of "sacrifice."
I think what we are really talking about is purpose. What is the purpose of butchering, mind you that one's definition will determine the answer, and what is the purpose of sacrifice. Also, there is a spiritual implications that fall into each question.
Do I think it's alright for you to eat Halal, sure. Eat shellfish, fish....does it really matter. What would a person eat if they were visiting a country that served Halal? Would that be a sin? No, I don't think so.
So the verse you were talking about prohibiting meat sacrificed to idols is mentioned several times in Acts (15:20,29; 21:25) and was the decision by the elders in Jerusalem after Paul and Barnabas went to them about the problem of what to require of the Gentiles. Circumcision being one of the main issues there... the precautions they gave were for gentiles who would have come from that culture.
Much like reformed catholics who choose not to celebrate Christmas anymore (their choice).
Later Paul covers this issue again in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8:9-13, 10:25-33. He revisits this issue and says avoid it if it causes a weak person to stumble. And later he says buy meat from the market and don't ask questions for a clear conscience.
In the end though, you need to evaluate what would be said by your actions. Would it make others think you were compromising your own beliefs? This is definitely something to pray wisdom for, and I could go on, but I think I've made my point. Pray for wisdom, and God's Spirit will provide.
I initially was going to go with the "freedom in Christ" answer... but reading scripture... it kind of opens my eyes to how this could affect your influence of Christ in their world. In the end you know their culture better than I do, and you can make that call better than I could. Interesting question. I hope I've helped.
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