I'm eating meat and the catholic family I live with says I am not supposed too?

[Butterflies]

So did I offend anyone? I told them I don't practice that catholic ritual.

[Verisimilitude]

They may be offended. They were probably taught that eating meat on ash Wednesday and Fridays during lent is a mortal sin. The rcc teaches a lot of non-biblical superstitions. Catholics tend to be nice people who will believe almost anything a priest tells them and almost nothing that the Bible tells them.

[Tiger Lily]

If I correctly recall, it is just on Fridays that Catholics don't eat meat and a common substitution was fish. But I thought they didn't worry about that anymore(?)

Edit add: I see Verisimilitude posted while I was typing. Maybe the Lent thing Verisimilitude mentioned about not eating meat on Fridays during Lent is why I seem to remember they didn't have to do it anymore. Maybe it is only during Lent(?). Very fuzzy memory here, sorry.

[Verisimilitude]

If I correctly recall, it is just on Fridays that Catholics don't eat meat and a common substitution was fish. But I thought they didn't worry about that anymore(?)

It's still part of their dogma. The last time St. Patrick's day fell on a Friday during lent, a number of individual churches here in the Chicago diocese gave dispensation to their parishioners so they could have corned beef and cabbage. They have meatless Fridays because in some unknown way it honors Jesus, but it's even more important to honor St. Patrick.

[iSong6:3]

1 Corinthians 8 came to mind but I'm not sure it applies here? Paul is talking about causing a weaker, fellow believer to stumble. That's something love does not allow, better to limit our freedom around the weaker brother.

But I'm assuming these people are not saved? It's a great witnessing opportunity! We are not limited, even the Kosher laws are not applicable to the believer, how much more the man-made laws of the RCC.

Yet if it offends and it weakens my witness to them, I would probably get my meat-fix away from home. I'd let them know that because of my faith in Jesus's atoning death for me, that Jesus already paid for all of my sins, this is a man-made law, but in love for them I will not eat meat in their home during Lent.

[LightOfMyLife]

They need to read I Timothy 4:1-3. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

[Genesis22]

Giving up meat during lent is NOT in the bible. In fact, celebrating lent isn't even in the bible. God allows you to eat meat whenever you want to. Not eating meat on certain days during lent is something that the Catholic church made up.

My Catholic family says similar things. Next time they tell you that you're not supposed to eat meat, just ask them who says you're not supposed to. If they say God/the bible, just ask them to show you in the bible...they won't be able to because it's not there. If you're someone who has read all/most of the bible, you can even tell them how much you've read and that it's not there. You can tell them the verse that says to let nobody judge you for what you eat/drink or what holidays you do/don't observe. If they say the Catholic church says so, you can simply tell them that the bible says no church has the right to add anything more than what the bible already says. Or, if you are firmiliar with the origins of lent and the Catholic church, you can explain where it started and that it's not biblical. If they tell you they don't know why you should not eat meat, just tell them that you're not going to do something without even knowing why.

I'm not suggesting that you start a fight, but ask these things calmly and lovingly as a way to be a witness.

[iSong6:3]

I definitely understand what you guys are saying, you have Biblical truth on your side.

I just think it's wise to pick your battles. If this one would make them not listen to me about the more important thing - full salvation by grace alone by faith alone in Jesus alone - then to me, it wouldn't be worth it. There's a way to let them know this without making a bit deal out of it, so we don't even get to talk about Jesus.

[Tiger Lily]

I definitely understand what you guys are saying, you have Biblical truth on your side.

I just think it's wise to pick your battles. If this one would make them not listen to me about the more important thing - full salvation by grace alone by faith alone in Jesus alone - then to me, it wouldn't be worth it. There's a way to let them know this without making a bit deal out of it, so we don't even get to talk about Jesus.

Prov 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Eccl 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

James 1:19-20 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

1 Pet 3:14-16 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Eph 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

[Steve53]

A gentle witness would go a long way.

As a guest in the house it is not polite to take any action that may be considered offensive.

[Raphael]

Call your host a hypocrite and tell him you found five gnawed pork chop bones under his bed......................................

KIDDING!!!!!

[Wally]

Romans 14:23
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.


Looks like an excellent opportunity to discuss exactly what each of you have faith in.

Your faith is in the promises of Jesus;

1 Timothy 4:4
For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

Romans 14:14
14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.


What is their faith in? The words of men or God? Do some digging.

And be Kind for if it is their faith to abstain, then they should do so..

[Florian9]

If I correctly recall, it is just on Fridays that Catholics don't eat meat and a common substitution was fish. But I thought they didn't worry about that anymore(?)

Edit add: I see Verisimilitude posted while I was typing. Maybe the Lent thing Verisimilitude mentioned about not eating meat on Fridays during Lent is why I seem to remember they didn't have to do it anymore. Maybe it is only during Lent(?). Very fuzzy memory here, sorry.

Yeah for the most part it's only on Fridays. Growing up we couldn't eat meat/pork on Fridays--fish was ok. Sometmes as you say, Catholics gave up something for Lent.
No need to start a fire where it shouldn't be starting.

[jadeeyes]

1 Corinthians 8 came to mind but I'm not sure it applies here? Paul is talking about causing a weaker, fellow believer to stumble. That's something love does not allow, better to limit our freedom around the weaker brother.

But I'm assuming these people are not saved? It's a great witnessing opportunity! We are not limited, even the Kosher laws are not applicable to the believer, how much more the man-made laws of the RCC.

Yet if it offends and it weakens my witness to them, I would probably get my meat-fix away from home. I'd let them know that because of my faith in Jesus's atoning death for me, that Jesus already paid for all of my sins, this is a man-made law, but in love for them I will not eat meat in their home during Lent.

I love this considerate response. When we are in someone elses home, we should adhere as closely as possible to their rules. We shouldn't compromise our own faith or witness, but this response is respectful and considerate of the homeowners while not compromising the believer's faith or witness.

[Wally]

I missed the "living with".


Help me here, is this Your family and You are a convert?

If so Honor your mother and father. Do not eat in their house.

If you are a guest - boarding, then either do not eat in their presence or respect their property and eat elsewhere.


Regardless, talk about your faith and share the scripture that builds and supports that faith.

[Nate928]

Just wondering but doesn't the bible essentially say to not eat pork? I was a vegetarian for 2 and a half years and started eating meat again over a month ago but have abstained from eating pork because I remember reading somewhere that it was unclean.. that and I can't get the sound of their squeeling when being slaughtered out of my head lol

[Wally]

Just wondering but doesn't the bible essentially say to not eat pork?

OT levitical laws - cloven hoof and no cud eating. There are many more but they apply to jews.


We are gentiles and beyond that, God's children through Christ.
We are admonished to abstain from blood and pagan sacrifices as those things had a powerful negative effect on a beliver's witness.

[Butterflies]

I missed the "living with".


Help me here, is this Your family and You are a convert?

If so Honor your mother and father. Do not eat in their house.

If you are a guest - boarding, then either do not eat in their presence or respect their property and eat elsewhere.


Regardless, talk about your faith and share the scripture that builds and supports that faith.

I rent a room they are a very sweet but superstitious family. I was caught off gaurd when I was told "Oh today you can't eat meat" I said why not its fat free I never eat meat because of my cholesteral but this particular moment I was maiking a turkey sandwich I thought they were looking out for me as far as my cholesterol goes!
Any ways I stupidily said "Oh I don't believe in that" and this was a daughter that I know never goes to church even just a ritual that this catholic family does. In fact the only one that is really a practicing catholic is the grandmother and she is a beautiful selfless person. I have taken these grandchildren of hers to a non denominational church and just so happens they were batizing that day and 4 of the boys ages 7-9 excepted Jesus as thier Lord and savior.
I wish I would have explained to the daughter why, I can't believe I came off like as if I don't care about God at all!!

[Joseph The Carpenter]

There is nothing wrong with respecting their "rules", but it is a great time to bring them to the Bible Acts 10:9 is very good.

9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, pPeter went up upon qthe housetop to pray about rthe sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into sa trance, 11 And tsaw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for uI have never eaten any thing that is vcommon or wunclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that xcall not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

[Acts5:41]

Nate, pork is fine for a born-again Christian. Basically we can eat anything, if we thank God for it.

I believe a lot of those old dietary laws went to lack of refrigeration and food safety.

For instance, in Deuteronomy 23 God has to tell Israel to dig latrines, that open waste on the ground was an offense to Him. That's the culture that was forbidden pork.

We're fine. I try to get stuff humanely raised, without chemicals, if possible. For instance, did you know pork is one of the few meats untreated with growth hormones?

For the OP, you might ask them to make a list of other dietary rules so you don't offend them again.