Our Philosophy
Genesis 1:29 (NLT)
Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.”
Genesis 2:9 (NLT)
The LORD God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground – trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit.
Genesis 9:1-4 (NLT)
Then God blessed Noah and his sons and told them “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth. All the animals of the earth, all the birds of the sky, all the small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the fish in the sea will look on you with fear and terror. I have placed them in your power. I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables. But you must never eat any meat that still has the lifeblood in it.
Initially, according to Genesis, God prescribed a diet of plants, seeds, and fruit (Genesis 1:29, 2:9), aligning with a contemporary understanding of a vegan diet. This emphasized plant-based foods as humanity's original intended sustenance. Subsequently, more detailed dietary laws were established in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, outlining specific criteria for permissible and prohibited animals. These regulations categorized animals based on specific characteristics, including:
- Permitted: Animals with cloven hooves and that chew their cud (e.g., cattle, sheep).
- Prohibited: Animals such as pigs and camels.
- Seafood: Only aquatic creatures with fins and scales were allowed, excluding shellfish like shrimp and crabs.
- Birds: Certain bird species were also designated as prohibited like eagles, vultures, and owls.
- Insects: Some insects, such as locusts and grasshoppers, were explicitly permitted.
Why Some Animals Were Off-Limits
The rationale behind certain biblical dietary restrictions, particularly those concerning specific animal consumption, has been interpreted through various lenses. One perspective suggests a potential link to public health. Animals that act as scavengers, consuming decaying organic matter, may accumulate toxins or pathogens that, while tolerable to the animals themselves, could pose health risks to humans upon consumption. This interpretation suggests that while these animals' physiological systems are adapted to process toxins and pathogens, human physiology is not.
While some of these dietary restrictions may appear arbitrary from a contemporary viewpoint, they may have offered tangible health benefits within a historical context. This is comparable to modern dietary advice, such as the established correlation between high cholesterol levels (often linked to the consumption of processed meats like pork and bacon) and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Similarly, contemporary medical recommendations often advise pregnant women to avoid certain types of seafood, like shellfish, due to potential health risks.
Furthermore, recent developments in food production, such as genetic modification, have introduced new considerations regarding food sensitivities and allergies. These modifications can alter the composition of foods, potentially triggering adverse reactions in some individuals. This adds another layer of complexity to understanding historical dietary restrictions and their potential relevance to contemporary health concerns.
The biblical texts also emphasize practices related to hygiene and sanitation. These practices, such as washing with water and discarding spoiled or contaminated food (like moldy items), are presented as divinely ordained measures for maintaining health. While the scientific understanding of germs and their role in disease transmission did not emerge until the 17th century, these biblical instructions can be interpreted as practical guidelines for preventing illness based on observable consequences. The text suggests that these practices were given as divine wisdom, anticipating the importance of sanitation for well-being.
While a wide variety of foods may be available, not all contribute equally to health, a point later echoed by the Apostle Paul in his letters (e.g., 1 Corinthians 6:19-20), where he emphasizes the importance of honoring God with one's body. The biblical dietary laws have been subject to diverse interpretations throughout history. Some religious traditions adhere to them strictly, viewing them as ongoing divine commands. Others interpret them symbolically, focusing on the underlying principles of purity, discipline, and respect for creation. Still others view them primarily within their historical context, recognizing that they served social and cultural functions in addition to promoting physical health. Regardless of one's interpretation, these laws offer valuable insights. They underscore the importance of avoiding potentially harmful substances, maintaining hygienic practices, and prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods—principles that resonate with contemporary health recommendations. They also highlight the connection between spiritual values and physical well-being, encouraging a holistic approach to health encompassing the spirit, mind, and body.