What can a Christian eat?

Around a quarter of all sheep slaughtered in Britain are killed using the Halal method. It is the case that many of these are unwittingly consumed by non-Muslims.

Much the same applies to cattle.

It may be that you are not too concerned about the completely avoidable suffering caused to these animals by slitting their throats whilst they are fully conscious. However, do you really wish to eat meat that has been prayed over by a Muslim? Since for the Muslim the Quran abrogates the Bible, it would seem logical that any prayers given by that Muslim would over-ride any subsequent prayers given by a Christian over that food.

It is the case that pigs are not Halal. However, it is worth reconsidering whether they should be permitted for Christians.

"And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase." Deuteronomy 14:8

I am aware of the following verse, which would appear to make it permissible to eat anything:

"There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man." Mark 7:15

However, there are also these verses:

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17-18

Presumably the law includes the injunction not to eat swine. (See Deuteronomy 14:8 and other similar verses.)


At the present time it may be unwise to eat chicken or turkey due to H5N1 bird flu. We are advised that it is perfectly safe if it is cooked. Does that imply that it may be unsafe raw? However, it is generally received and handled in an uncooked state. There appears to be a logical disconnect.

It may be that the ideal diet of the Bible is that of a vegetarian or a vegan. It appears that Adam and Eve were vegans before the fall.

"The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD." Isaiah 65:25

"He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations." Isaiah 66:3

Really it is your own choice whether to eat Halal meat or not. Likewise, it is your choice whether to be a Christian or a Muslim or an atheist etc. However, the reality in Britain today, if you choose not to eat Halal, is that it is necessary to simply avoid eating meat altogether (except pig meat), since you have no idea whether the meat is Halal or not.

A final thought:

"For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him." Romans 14:2-3

So, in your own conscience applied to yourself: What can a Christian eat?

Humanity needs peace not Islam.