Are Dietary Rules Essential for Faith?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 14:23 contradicts Matthew 15:11, Acts 10:15, 1 Corinthians 8:8 and Romans 14:14. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible, a collection of sacred texts, sometimes presents perspectives that appear to contrast, especially concerning dietary laws and their religious significance. A prime example of these contradictions is seen between the Old Testament and the New Testament teachings.
In Deuteronomy 14:23, Moses emphasizes the importance of sharing a special meal with God using a portion of one’s crops and livestock. This act serves as a gesture of love and respect towards God, reinforcing adherence to His laws as a way of maintaining faith and devotion. The central idea is clear: what one eats, as prescribed by God, is crucial in expressing trust and loyalty to Him.
However, this traditional view is challenged by several New Testament texts. Matthew 15:11 presents a transformational idea, suggesting that what exits one's mouth, rather than what enters it, is of greater significance. It shifts the focus from physical consumption to internal purity and expressions of speech.
Further highlighting this shift, Acts 10:15 relates Peter’s vision where he is told to accept all food as clean. This message underscores the removal of previous dietary restrictions, indicating a new covenant where old divisions of clean and unclean are no longer relevant.
1 Corinthians 8:8 adds another dimension by stating that food itself does not bring one closer to God, suggesting that adherence or non-adherence to dietary customs does not affect one's spiritual standing. Likewise, Romans 14:14 echoes this thought, asserting that nothing is inherently unclean, challenging the rigidity of previous laws.
These conflicting messages can be likened to navigating rules in a game. Initially, strict guidelines are clear-cut and essential. As the understanding of the game evolves, the focus may shift towards strategies over strict rule adherence. The challenge, then, lies in discerning the role of these evolving guidelines in one’s spiritual journey.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 14:23 | And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. |
| 2. | Matthew 15:11 | Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. |
| 3. | Acts 10:15 | And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common. |
| 4. | 1 Corinthians 8:8 | But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. [are we the better: or, have we the more] [are we the worse: or, have we the less] |
| 5. | Romans 14:14 | I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean. [unclean: Gr. common] |