Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Eat Pork?

Pork is a controversial food in many religions Its consumption is expressly forbidden in Islam and Judaism, But what about Jehovah’s Witnesses? Do Jehovah’s Witnesses eat pork?

The short answer is yes. In contrast to some other religions, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe it is wrong to eat pork or other meat. But followers do follow some rules when it comes to what they eat and how much they eat.

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Stance on Eating Pork

Jehovah’s Witnesses base their beliefs solely on the Bible. When it comes to dietary restrictions they believe that Christians are not bound by the Mosaic Law concerning clean and unclean meats that is found in the Old Testament.

Several verses in the Old Testament forbid the consumption of pork. Leviticus 11:7-8 states:

“And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.”

However, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that such prohibitions were abolished once Jesus established the new covenant. They point to Mark 7:18-19 as evidence:

“Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that comes in from the outside can make someone dirty? It goes into their stomach, not their heart, and then it leaves the body.” ” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean. ).

Based on this, Witnesses view all meat as acceptable to eat as long as it does not violate other principles they follow.

Jehovah’s Witness Guidelines on Meat Consumption

While pork and other meats are not prohibited, Jehovah’s Witnesses do have some guidelines when it comes to meat consumption:

• They avoid consuming blood – Based on commands in Genesis 9:4 and Acts 15:29, Witnesses do not eat meat that contains blood. So they avoid eating animals that are strangled or not properly drained of blood.

• They eat meat in moderation – Gluttony is discouraged. Eating too much meat or being excessive in appetite is considered unhealthy and spiritually harmful.

• The meat must not be sacrificed to idols – Consuming meat that has been offered to false gods or idols is forbidden based on 1 Corinthians 10:28.

As long as these guidelines are followed, and the meat has been properly slaughtered and drained of blood, pork is allowed to be eaten.

Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Not Follow Jewish Food Laws?

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the old covenant between God and Israel ended upon Jesus’ death. This includes the detailed laws concerning ceremonial cleanliness and dietary restrictions outlined for the Israelites in the Torah.

Witnesses believe Christians are not required to follow the extensive regulations found in the Mosaic Law, including procedures for animal slaughter and rules about clean/unclean meats.

They base this on Bible verses such as:

• Colossians 2:13-14 – “He has forgiven us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”

• Romans 10:4 – “Christ is the end of the Law, so that everyone exercising faith may have righteousness.”

• Ephesians 2:15 – “By means of his flesh he abolished the enmity, the Law of commandments consisting in decrees, in order to make the two groups in union with himself into one new man and to make peace.”

According to Witness theology, the extensive requirements of the Mosaic Law were fulfilled and replaced through Christ’s sacrifice. This included the detailed regulations about meat.

Are There Exceptions?

The majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses do consume pork and view restrictions on meat as obsolete. However, there are some exceptions.

First, there may be individual Witnesses who choose to personally abstain from pork for health or conscience reasons. This is a personal choice and not based on doctrine.

Additionally, some smaller groups claiming association with Jehovah’s Witnesses still follow elements of the Mosaic food laws. For example, some adherents of the Church of God (Seventh Day) may avoid pork.

But mainstream Jehovah’s Witnesses do not forbid pork or adhere to Jewish dietary regulations as part of their official doctrinal position.

Can Jehovah’s Witnesses Cook Pork?

Jehovah’s Witnesses face no restrictions on handling pork. They may cook or serve pork at home or in restaurants without religious objection.

The only caveat is that Jehovah’s Witnesses who personally choose not to eat pork for health or conscience reasons may abstain from cooking or serving it as well. But there is no doctrine prohibiting Witnesses from handling pork.

Key Takeaways

• Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Mosaic food laws have been abolished, so pork is not prohibited.
• Witnesses avoid blood and eat meat in moderation as a guideline.
• The meat must not be sacrificed to idols.
• There are some individuals who abstain from pork for personal reasons.
• Officially, the religion does not restrict pork consumption.
• Witnesses may cook and serve pork without religious objections.