No pork for me! Thanks!

1st of all...Thanks Les! I love your response and I think my lack of eloquence and manipulation of words is what makes it so difficult to understand what I am trying to convey. The last 3rd of your response is where I tried to head but without success. Thanks for making it much more clear. :-)

But, as most people that eat all things wonder why we that don't, don't...I thought I'd try to take a whack helping you understand my point of view. Please note, as I know you are already aware, following the "don't eat what God says isn't food" diet doesn't get me to heaven. ...So, here it goes:

1. Conviction - the primary reason is I feel that I shouldn't partake in shellfish, horse, dog, squirrel, pigs, catfish, etc. is because I believe God told ME and MINE not to. I guess it's kind of like multiple wives, owning slaves, etc. I wouldn't do those things either...though the new testament doesn't say it's "wrong". However, I feel strongly that God directed MY FAMILY to steer clear.

2. Gross - after being convicted and thinking about it (not very hard might I add) the thought of it is DISGUSTING. Let's see, eat a big mac made from a cow that eats GRASS. Or, a pork chop on fine china made from a pig that eats...well kindly put, "things that other pigs already ate". Hum, easy decision for me. And, really, the question goes right back toward the free eater. Why don't you eat more cat anyway?

3. The arrogance of man - Initially, (and I think still) God said don't eat it. As in the example of a woman's period, there are good reasons for all that He said. Rarely was there ever a law that was just "let's see if they'll actually do this". So, what changed? Why can we now eat pork when he so strongly advised against it? I know that God created science too, but, I don't think we know as much as God to know why we can now freely partake. So, I'll simply do without.

4. Most people think that the verse that speaks to eating of "ANYTHING in the marketplace" (speaking to meats sacrificed to idols) gives them "freedom" as well as the image that Peter saw with "pigs on a blanket". The first incident, to my understanding, is flawed thinking. The province they were in was predominately Jews...so, to think that they were selling anything but meat that Jews would BUY is poor marketing. According to my research, the meat they sold in said markets did not fall outside of the "law" per se, but, the issue is that the meat may have been from some sacrifice outside that of the Jewish beliefs. The documents stated furthermore that the business men of the time would have been insane to try to sell anything that wasn't supposed to be on the menu. It would just rot. It's not like they had freezers or anything. So, opening up a "Cat on a stick" stand wouldn't have received any business. But, this really plays a minor role in my decision making. I just find it very interesting that folks that many believe there were all kinds of non-clean foods available. When, according to the historians, was probably not the case at all. The other "pigs on a blanket" incident has nothing to do with food...and Peter knew that...moving on. No impact in my life at all...besides that of what was intended. Of which I benefit greatly! :-)

5. Health - In my opinion too many of us live in the "All things permissible" realm but forget the "not all things are beneficial" side. I want to try to stick to things that are good for me and my family. Things that benefits our health, minds and hearts. Not merely strut in my freedom, but realizing that with freedom comes MASSIVE responsibility. Coping with diet is the easiest part of life compared to things of the heart and doing God's will.

I don't do it to make me more "Holy". I don't do it to go to heaven. I do it because I believe God told me to and the more I think about it, the more sense it makes. And, honestly, it's displayed massive benefit to me. I used to have a rather irritable bowel. (I know! WAAAAYYY TOO much information!) But, since my change, I have not had it...that's not just months ago. It's been YEARS. One last example that hopefully helps people understand why I think what I do. Scripture says that 2 are better than one. That woman was made for man. That a man would leave his family and cleave to his wife - essentially creating a single unit. It's a beautiful description. Later, Paul says it's BETTER to remain single IF you can exercise self-control. Why are so many preachers married? Because, neither is WRONG. There are many benefits to each...just like eating pig. If you feel you can...DO, if not, DON'T but don't do either blindly just exercising freedom or whatever. Know the benefit you are getting from doing what you are or are not doing.

So, that's just ME. I don't intend to force this on anybody...But, giving an insight to my thinking.

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