Vol.2 No.5

Q. Science today has shown how important what we eat is to our health. Why then does the Bible claim that it doesn't matter what we eat?

A. I assume you are referring to such New Testament statements as, "Let not man, therefore judge you in meat, or in drink" (Col. 2:16); "And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise Peter; slay and eat. But I said, not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean has at anytime entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, what God has cleansed, that call not thou common" (Acts 11: 7-9); and "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 that eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him" (Rom. 14: 2-3).

The Bible says that there are special dietary laws of health. In the garden of Eden we were given God 's best diet for mankind--fruits, grains, and nuts. Vegetables were added after sin, then, after the flood, God allowed man to eat clean meats which are clearly defined in Leviticus 11.

It is helpful to note that Colossians 2:16 is not dealing with normal dietary habits, but the use of various foods and drinks for the ceremonial sabbaths. In Colossians 2: 14-17, Paul states that these ceremonial and sacrificial ordinances pointing to the sacrifice of Christ were nailed to the cross. As for the experience of Peter with the Roman centurion in Acts 11, this is not dealing with dietary habits, but was a lesson to teach Peter that he was to be no respecter of persons; that the gospel was just as valid for the salvation of the Gentiles as for the Jews.

Paul clearly admonishes us, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10: 31).