The first Church Council was convened to decide whether Gentiles had to obey the Law of Moses to be Christians. The final decision was “no.” Gentiles did not have to become circumcised nor follow the Law. However, some restrictions were placed on the Gentile believers around food. Why do you think they were not permitted to eat food sacrificed to idols, blood or meat from strangled animals? Was it for their good health or was it to calm the Jews who would have been especially offended by these food habits? When has food become a source of controversy in your experience? When have you limited your “freedom” to eat for the sake of not offending others? Do you think there should be any restrictions on food Christians eat? If so, which foods? And why?
Category: Lent
Day 27 – March 15
In a special act of dedication to God, some people would take a vow to abstain from grapes and grape products for a certain period of time (kind of like a Lenten fast). Long-haired Samson is an example of someone who was a Nazirite. How has your Lenten participation enabled you to be more “consecrated for the Lord”? Do you think you will “go back to normal” after Lent is over? How do you expect to be different–especially in relationship to food?
Day 26 – March 14
In Jesus’ day, the Jews were very concerned about keeping kosher laws (eating only clean food, washing hands ceremonially before meals, etc). What dangers does Jesus reveal about an over-emphasis on diet? What would help you to remember that “what comes out of your mouth” is of greater importance than “what goes in”? How would you respond to someone who read this passage and said, “See, even Jesus said it doesn’t matter what you eat”?
Paul makes a statement in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “You say, “I am allowed to do anything” but not everything is good for you.” How does this apply to your diet and “what goes into your mouth.”
Day 25 – March 13
In Paul’s day, it was hard to know where your food came from–especially the meat. Much of the meat sold in the market had been used in pagan temple sacrifices and some Christians felt that eating the meat was the equivalent of worshiping the pagan god. For these people, the only logical action was to abstain from meat. Other Christians didn’t have a problem with eating meat (including Paul who practiced a ‘don’t ask’ policy). Can you think of a modern day example of how food issues have divided Christians? Have you ever “passed judgment” on someone because of their diet? How could you express love toward someone who believed your diet was “unspiritual”? What is a key verse that would help you when a food controversy arises?
Day 24 – March 12
Why do you think John’s diet is included in his bio? While unusual to us, locust was permitted in the Law along with other hopping insects. (See Leviticus 11:20-23) John was called “demon possessed” because of his lifestyle. Jesus was called a “glutton and a drunk” because of his. What labels with negative connotations have you given people for what they eat or don’t eat? Why do you think food and eating companions were such a stumbling block for Jesus’ listeners? Has someone’s diet been a stumbling block for you? How?
The latest label is “foodie”. The name connotes a person who enjoys eating quality food. Another recent label is “locavore”–meaning a person who eats food that is grown locally. What are some other labels? How would someone label you? How would you label yourself? What does your label say about your relationship to food?
Day 23 – March 11
What food dishes do you think might have been a part of the “king’s table”? Why would eating it have “defiled” Daniel and his friends? Do you think their appearance and health at the end of the 10-day test were due to diet, divine intervention or both? Explain. Do you think their skills in learning were the result of diet, divine intervention or both? Explain. What do you think people would say to you if you only ate vegetables and drank water? Think of a time you ate food that ended up making you feel worse rather than better? Did you stop eating that food? Why or why not?
Day 22 – March 9-10
The church at Corinth incorporated potluck meals into their celebration of the Eucharist (Lord’s Supper). However, their shared meal ended up reflecting their class divisions rather than unity within the body of Christ. Some were gluttonous while others went away hungry. How might our church address food inequity within our own congregation? When we plan a meal, how could we ensure that everyone gets enough?
Day 21 – March 8
One of the first controversies within the early church was about food—Greek-speaking believers accused Hebrew-speaking believers of being unfair (or at least inconsistent) in the daily distribution of food. How did the leaders of the church respond to the “injustice”? (Note that they did not deny the charges!). Commentators point out that those selected for the task had Greek names—probably indicating that they were among the Greek-speaking believers. What might we learn from the church’s response about how to work toward food justice for those who live with chronic hunger?
Day 20 – March 7
Exodus 23:10-11; Proverbs 13:23
In another example of public policy, God prohibited sowing crops every seventh year—the Sabbatical Year. Whatever grew voluntarily on the fields was intended to be food for the poor and the wild animals. Yet, the writer of Proverbs observed that the poor seldom received the food. He observed, “injustice sweeps it away.” People often express the assumption that people are poor (and hungry) because they are lazy, unwilling to work, immoral or unspiritual. Proverbs 13:23 challenges that assumption. What do you think “injustice” looked like in those days? What is an example of “food injustice” today?
For thought… In Chicago, it is legal to raise chickens on your property. Some organizations have trained people in poor communities to raise chickens for eggs and meat. It sounds like a great idea, but as communities gentrify and become wealthier, there is increased pressure to make chickens illegal due to noise, sanitation, etc. So far, attempts to ban chickens in Chicago have been unsuccessful, but opponents to chickens are still pushing. Unfortunately, other cities have cracked down by changing their zoning laws, limiting chickens only to large parcels of property, effectively making it impossible for most residents to own a chicken. Is this an example of “food injustice”? Why or why not?
We have reached the half way point in Lent. How has your relationship to food changed over the past 20 days? What opportunities have you had to share your food?
Day 19 – March 6
Paul identified one of the traits of those opposed to Christ as having made their stomach their god. Yesterday, we read about Esau. Do you think his stomach was his god? Why or why not? How would you know if you had made a god of your stomach? Excessive eating? Excessive dieting? Over-emphasis on weight and body image?
For thought… According to the Boston Medical Center, 45 million Americans go on some form of diet every year, spending $33 billion on weight loss products. At any given time, 1 in 3 women are on a diet. Losing weight is the #1 New Year’s resolution. Yet, only about 5% are successful at keeping off any weight they lose. Why do you think we are obsessed with weight? What does this obsession say about our culture’s relationship to food? What step could you take to “de-idolize” weight loss.
Tongue on Fire 