Is it a sin to eat unclean meats, as designated in Scripture? Many who think of themselves as Christians think not, while presumably those practicing Judaism would disagree.

Consider God’s laws, his commands, for a moment. Why were they given? Was it to deprive humans of things that are good for them, that contribute to joy, peace, happiness, good health? No, quite the contrary. God said to the people of Israel through Moses: “You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess” (Deuteronomy 5:33).

In paraphrasing portions of the above verse, Adam Clarke’s Commentary puts the wording as follows: “that you may enjoy life”; “good shall be to you—God will prosper you in all things essential to the welfare of your bodies, and the salvation of your souls” (cf. Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 4:40; 6:17-18; 12:25, 28; 30:15-16; Psalms 16:11; 19:7-11; John 15:11).