Which religions ban the eating of pork? What is the reasoning behind each religion's decision not to eat pork? How has this effected the worldwide distribution of pork-related products?

Question

http://www.google.com/search?as_q=pork+religions&hl=en&num=10&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&as_occt=title&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&as_rights=&safe=active

Here's an interesting article on Jewish Kosher laws. It cites that some believe it is not necessarily health concerns that got Kosher laws started:

http://www.jewfaq.org/kashrut.htm

I don't think we can fully know. Most of what I heard in religion classes had to do with health reasons as to why it got put in the Torah.

As far as religions that ban eating pork, the Jewish faith often holds strongly to Kosher dietary laws. Several sects of Christianity also follow the Kosher laws. (I don't know any off hand that are strict on it, but I can help you investigate if you cannot find the answer). Islam also follows the Kosher laws of the Hebrew Scriptures.

I have not heard of Eastern Religions that have any restrictions on pork. But they could be out there.

As far as distribution of pork-related products....I don't know. That's something I never even thought of. I know a lot of products are inspected to be sure they are Kosher so they can advertize themselves as such. I wonder if that's an angle your teacher wants you to look at to come up with an answer for that. It's a little off the topic, but I wonder if it would lead to something else.

Matt

Answer 1

I'm a Seventh-day Adventist & we follow Jewish kosher dietary laws for health and scriptural reasons. All things that God had declared to be abomination are still abominable in His sight and should be avoided, not out of legalism, but out of love for God. He has given us dietary regulations so we can be happy and healthy. Its harder to serve God when you are sick.