Why I Still Skip the Bacon: A Lighthearted Case for Leviticus in Modern Faith

An exquisite table set for reflection & fellowship, with every detail honoring the beauty of intentional choices--just like the Leviticus principles that guide mindful living today.

Picture this: You’re at a dinner party, the table laden with culinary delights. There’s laughter, conversation, and… oh no, a plate of bacon-wrapped shrimp heading your way. You politely pass, and suddenly the room goes quiet. Someone clutches their bacon cheeseburger like it’s a family heirloom. Another friend, clearly well-meaning, leans in and whispers, “You know, Jesus made all foods clean, right?”

Cue the internal sigh. But instead of launching into a theological discourse, I smile and grab some hummus. Later, though, I can’t help but reflect: Why does my personal, faith-based decision to never eat pork or shellfish unsettle people so much? To be clear, I was raised in a home that ate only clean meats, so this has been a lifestyle for me. Let’s unpack this, shall we? And don’t worry, we’ll keep it clever, a bit cheeky, and painstakingly detailed.

---

How Leviticus Applies to Modern Faith

Meet the cheerful cleanup crew: pigs, lovingly dubbed 'Nature's Trash Can'. They're great at their job, but maybe not the best dinner guests-Leviticus had a point!

Let’s start with the obvious question: Why does Leviticus 11 read like a divine restaurant menu?

Leviticus still applies in modern faith for anyone really paying attention. The dietary laws in Leviticus weren’t arbitrary. They served practical, spiritual, and symbolic purposes. Pigs, for example, are like nature’s garbage disposals. They’ll eat anything, including things that would make your stomach turn. Shellfish? They’re the ocean’s vacuum cleaners. It’s almost as if God said, “Hey, maybe don’t eat the creatures that clean up the mess.”

This lifestyle is certainly healthier, but it’s never been just about hygiene or health. These laws set God’s people apart, giving them a distinct identity. Think of it as a covenantal badge of honor. Following these rules said, “We’re not like everyone else. We’re God’s people, and we show it even at the dinner table.”

---

Jesus, Shrimp Buffets, and Misunderstood Passages

Ah, but here’s where it gets interesting. When Jesus showed up, a lot of people assumed He tossed out the menu. After all, isn’t Mark 7:19 the part where Jesus declares all foods clean?

Hard at work keeping the ocean clean! Shrimp & lobsters: the janitors of the sea, clearly marked 'NOT FOR EATING' since Leviticus 11.

Well, not so fast. Context matters, my friends. In Mark 7, Jesus wasn’t holding a seafood banquet. He was addressing a debate about ritual handwashing, not dietary laws. What He essentially said was, “What goes into your mouth isn’t as important as what comes out of your heart.” (Cue the mic drop.)

Then there’s Acts 10, where Peter has a vision of unclean animals. A booming voice says, “Kill and eat.” Most people stop reading then & there, assuming this is the divine green light for bacon. But please keep reading, and you’ll see the vision isn’t about food at all. It’s about people. God was telling Peter to welcome Gentiles into the faith, not head to the nearest barbecue joint.

So, no, Jesus didn’t cancel the Levitical food laws. He fulfilled them, but in a way that doesn’t erase their wisdom or principles. Think of it like this: If Leviticus is an instruction manual, Jesus didn’t shred it; He added helpful notes in the margins.

---

Why I’m Still Skipping the Bacon

Heaven's Holy Health Inspector

Here’s where we get personal. Why, in a world of freedom and grace, do I still follow these ancient dietary laws?

Three reasons:

1. Respecting God’s Design - If the Creator of the universe says, “Don’t eat that,” who am I to argue? It’s not about legalism; it’s about trust. God designed my body and the world, and His guidelines make sense, even when I don’t fully understand them. Plus, let’s be real: Pigs and shellfish weren’t exactly bred for human consumption.

2. Honoring Identity - This is part of who I am. These laws connect me to a rich spiritual heritage, reminding me that I belong to a God who calls His people to be distinct. Skipping the shrimp isn’t a burden; it’s a badge of belonging.

3. Health Benefits - Turns out, Leviticus was far ahead of its time. So, while I’m not a nutritionist, I’ll happily take the side of science and Scripture on this one.

---

Why It Shouldn’t Bother You

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Why DO people care so much about what I don’t eat? It often seems like my perspective on unclean foods creates an unintended tension — as if my decision not to eat pork or shellfish means I’m passing judgment on others. But here’s the thing: how others treat their ‘temple’ is their business, not mine. I’m not judging your bacon; I’m just declining an invitation to the pork parade. It’s amazing how my restraint makes others nervous, as if they’re worried it’s contagious.

But here’s the truth: My dietary convictions aren’t a rejection of grace or fellowship. My choices are about honoring God in my own way, not a critique of how anyone else chooses to live their faith. They’re an act of personal devotion. Christians express faith in diverse ways. Some sing hymns, some raise their hands in worship, and I… skip the shellfish. We all have our thing.

And hey, more bacon for you, right? Win-win.

---

A Seat at the Table

Good company & a table set with intention - because dining isn't just about the food; it's about honoring values.

At the end of the day, whether you’re eating kale or calamari, we’re all just trying to live faithfully. My choices might seem peculiar, but they’re part of how I personally honor my beliefs, my God and His Word. So, can we maybe save the debates for dessert and focus on what really matters: sharing the table, the conversation, and the love of Jesus.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of faith and perspective. Until next time, keep reflecting, keep growing, and keep the view in focus.

Now, pass the salad, will you?

Deja View