Rev. Dr. Varghese Parappuram V.C.

Some problems faced by the faithful
India is a country where people of different religions faiths coexist. Each religion has its own beliefs, rites, prayers, pledges and offerings. Can a Christian partake in the food offered during the prayers of other religious faiths? For example a Hindu brother goes to Sabarimala and when re returns offers his Christian neighbour a share of the "nerchapayasam" he obtained from the temple there. If the Christian neighbour refuses to eat it, he would be wounding his Hindu brother's love as well as his belief. If he eats it he might feel guilty that he has ingested something offered to an idol of a different religion. In such a situation what is the right thing to do?

Eat with gratitude without hesitation
"If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question of the ground of conscience" (1 Cor 10:17). This is the general principle of eating which also covers the food offered to idols. St. Paul explains the reasons for this stand.

No idol really exists
"As to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that no idol in the world really exists and that there is no God but one" (1 Cor 8:4). There may be some called idols, but there is only one creator who creates and cares for all. He is the creator and father of all. There is no idol. So how does the food offered to a non-existent idol become unfit for consumption?

All food is good to eat
"I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself" (Rom 14:14).

"Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean" (Rom 14:20). "The earth and its fullness are the Lord's (1 Cor 10:26). Therefore, "What God has made clean, you must not call profane" (Acts 10:15). The above quotations have been given in different circumstances. But they all point to one thing: All things are created by God. With that concept in mind, if you consume anything it will not be profane.

Prayer of thankfulness makes all food whole
Regarding the consumption of food offered to idols. St. Paul writes: "If I partake with thankfulness, why should I be denounced because of that for which I give thanks?" ( 1 Cor 10:30). Under these circumstances, he also gives us a practical suggestion: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31).

Instead of eating something with thankfulness, it is not desirable to eat it with the fear that it is profane. Although there is nothing unclean in itself, "but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean" (Rom 14:14).

Don't waver
St. Paul cautions us, however, about a situation in which we may have to eat food offered to idols. After saying that we can eat anything with thankfulness, he continues: "But if someone says to you. "This has been offered in sacrifice,' then do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience, I mean the other's conscience, not your own" (1 Cor 10:28-29). This caution has been given to remove any stumbling block in the minds of the weak. "Take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Cor 8:9). So to prevent the weak from wavering and doubting, either don't eat the food offered to idols or explain to them the right principles and remove their doubts regarding this issue.

Attitude to people of other faiths
In this context this topic also deserves our attention. This subject has been dealt with unambiguously in the Acts of the Apostles. During his speech, Peter declares:

"I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:34-35). Yes, God shows no partiality. Whatever religion people believe in, they are still the children of God.

Anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him. But anybody who is unjust is not acceptable to Him.

In short, looking at other religions and followers of those religions as second hand citizens is not at all suitable for any believer of any faith. It is more so in the case of Christians, who follow Jesus Christ.