hamzahf wrote:redsturgeon wrote:Not eating pork I am a bit more dubious about. What is it specifically about pork? Vegetarianism or veganism, I can understand...but of all meats, picking out pork? Why?
A Google search can yield many reasons; parasites, an omniverous diet, digestibility of pork fat, intelligence of the pig, close physiology to humans. One can readily expand these reasons (or counter them) but for me irrespective of the religious ruling I would be doubtful about eating pork.
I would add that I was never much of a pork fan even before embracing Islam. My parents tended to prefer gammon and ham rather than pork and I recall that the issue of the persistence of parasites in roast pork was a publicised health concern at the time. I have eaten pork pies and bacon, but to be honest they both have strong flavours that I don't miss and as for the standard British pork sausage I will give that greasy delicacy a miss any day. So to add to my list would be health concerns about cured and processed meats (which in general I avoid), of which pork products are well represented.
If I want lean animal protein, then chicken and turkey are excellent replacements for pork. Free range organic pork may not be such a potential health disaster as in former years, but since animal husbandry standards vary throughout the world I would have health concerns about eating pork if I was travelling.
Jews and Muslims are particular about good animal husbandry, which is one reason for the religious guidance. I am really not sure what the New Testament says on the subject, which might have given licence to adopt local custom rather than impose a set of standards. Sure modern food standards are high, but the organic meat movement is testament that not all husbandry practice is to be desired.
Regards
Hamzah