Are All Foods Really Clean According to the Bible?

In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 14:11 contradicts Genesis 1:30, Acts 10:13-15, Mark 7:18-19 and Romans 14:14. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The Bible has long been a guide for believers on various aspects of life, including dietary choices. However, when it comes to what is permissible to eat, there seems to be significant contradiction within its pages. Deuteronomy 14:11 is a clear instance where Moses, speaking on behalf of God, tells the people which birds are clean and thus safe to eat. It's much like a parent instructing their kids on which foods are healthy, establishing a clear guideline to follow.

Yet, when we explore other parts of the Bible, these seemingly strict dietary restrictions become less clear-cut. In Genesis 1:30, it is implied that every beast and bird has been given every green herb for meat, suggesting a diet without restrictions, very much like an all-you-can-eat buffet with no mention of cleanliness or uncleanliness.

The contradictions become even more pronounced in the New Testament. In Acts 10:13-15, God tells Peter to “kill and eat” all animals, which appears to lift the previous restrictions mentioned in Deuteronomy. It's as if the rules of the game have suddenly changed, leaving one wondering about the original dietary laws’ validity. Similarly, in Mark 7:18-19, Jesus Himself declares all foods clean, aligning more with the idea of food freedom than with rigorous food laws.

Furthermore, Romans 14:14 compounds this by stating that nothing is inherently unclean, suggesting a more inclusive approach to dietary practices. Imagine a rulebook where certain guidelines keep getting overridden by subsequent updates—believers are left pondering which rules to follow.

These apparent contradictions raise important questions about the evolving nature of dietary laws in the Bible. Are these changes indicative of a deeper spiritual lesson, or do they simply reflect shifts in cultural and historical contexts? The differences invite readers to delve deeper into understanding the broader biblical narrative.