Answer:

It is a common mistake to assume that the designations of “clean” and “unclean” had to do with healthful diet and hygiene. So the Zondervan Pictorial Bible Encyclopedia correctly states: “’Clean’ and ‘Unclean’ are terms seldom related to mere questions of hygiene, but are mainly religious concepts. As such the principle of ‘cleanliness’ affects almost every aspect of life, for the dichotomy between spiritual and material is foreign to the Bible, especially to the OT.’” (article under “Clean”, section B, page 884). So it is that the distinction between clean and unclean animals has little to do with diet considerations, and much to do with spiritual reckoning.

As you have noticed, the earliest indications of a difference between clean and unclean are not usually specific. The only prohibition immediately following the flood was a prohibition against eating an animal with its lifeblood still inside. The reason there was purely spiritual – blood represented life in all things pertaining to God. Blood was to be a sacred matter reserved for God.

Perhaps one of the best explanations I’ve seen for the designations of clean and unclean animals had to do with the cultic practices of the pagan nations surrounding God’s people. Certain animals were designated as “unclean” because of their associations with the worship of pagan and polytheistic nations. However, even that suggestion is not free of objections and certain difficulties in establishing consistency. Some animals certainly used in cultic worship are nonetheless declared “clean” in the Old Testament and allowable for consumption by God’s people.

By the time of the Levitical priesthood, and the Mosaic law, a very detailed list of clean and unclean animals was delivered to Moses by God. This code seems to assume several different cultural norms, as well as spiritual norms. It certainly does address certain matters of diet and hygiene. For example, the carrion fowl and birds of prey are excluded because of their unclean feeding habits. Likewise, certain fish such as bottom feeders, etc. are prohibited. Do not assume, however, that this was because the food was unfit for human consumption. It was because the attitude of the nation was opposed to consuming such food because of its unclean association. Likewise, animals known to be used in pagan worship were restricted, such as snakes, dogs and beetles. Some foods, including insects, were rejected most likely because of the repulsion factor. God’s people were not to participate in things generally considered to be detestable. Furthermore, certain animals are forbidden because of certain customs or attitudes about them. Hence, pigs are forbidden as unclean (also forbidden because of their cultic associations) and such things as cats and predatory animals are forbidden. Interestingly, some insects are forbidden, but six-legged animals are allowed, including grasshoppers and crickets (Leviticus 11:20-23).

Notice carefully in the instances of the unclean animals that it was not only a sin to eat them, it was also a matter of uncleanness to touch them or come into contact with a carcass. This was spiritual uncleanness and God proscribes certain washing ceremonies for such contact.

All matters concerning clean and unclean persist until after the resurrection of Jesus and the final nailing of the Old Covenant law code to the cross (Colossians 2:14). Under the new covenant, a new attitude about clean and unclean animals comes to play. The change is not based upon dietary considerations, but upon spiritual considerations. So we read in Mark 7:18-20 that Jesus declares all food clean, since what defiles a man isn’t food, but rather what he stores up in his heart. Likewise, in Acts 10:14-15, Peter is commanded to no longer consider what God has cleansed to be unclean. The application has to do with taking the gospel to Gentiles, but God uses all forms of formerly detestable animals to illustrate His point. That is the source of Paul’s statement in Romans 14:15-20 proclaiming all foods clean, but not necessarily beneficial if they harm the conscience of another person. Finally, we must consider Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:1-5, which state: “ 1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” All foods, not just certain foods, are declared to be acceptable for human consumption.

Now, how does all this apply today? From a purely spiritual standpoint, we are not forbidden from eating any particular food. All is acceptable if received with thanksgiving. However, there are still ecclesiastical and societal considerations at stake. Our society, for example, frowns mightily at the consumption of cats and dogs, horses and rats. We will not eat these for whatever reasons, though they would provide nutrition suitable for the body. Likewise, we still do not eat eagles, hawks, vultures or lions and tigers. These matters are determined by societal norms and mores.

You specifically asked about such things as catfish and shrimp. Here dietary matters might need to be considered. Sadly, through the activities of man, certain types of food has become tainted or polluted with external pollution. High mercury levels in certain fish must be considered. Not eating them should be a consideration of health benefits and not spiritual consideration. Catfish, a bottom dwelling scavenger, tastes delicious, is nutritious and is not prohibited by God. Yet, you may personally decide not to consume catfish. That is your personal choice, but should not be spiritually bound upon another. A shrimp is basically the ocean’s answer to a cockroach. I, being Cajun, personally love them and eat them. Others choose not to. Each must decide for himself, but cannot bind that decision on others. By the way, I know of a professor at a major Texas university who every year has a “strange food” party which features such things as “cockroach pizza” and “grasshopper quiche”. To each his own, but the New Testament does not limit our consumption any longer to “clean” and “unclean” foods.

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