Christianity and the Pig

My family came from Germany, helped with the revolutionary war, and then settled what would become Merrimac Mines, Va. The people were well to do, but were what most would consider poor. When I came along I would help plant potatoes and onions this time of year with the rest of the garden going in in April, hoping we would not get the late frost. Putting up hay for the cattle was also a summer job.

Another thing was that most people raised hogs. When they were done with the swine there was little left to waste. I can remember my mother saving pork grease in coffee cans where she would fry French fries using the grease. Not to mention the finer meats such as bacon, sausage, pork chops, and ham. I have heard many say that the pig was essential for the survival of country people. When I go to eat at the local Country Kitchen restaurant they have all the pork including the sausage gravy, all of which makes the breakfast tasty.

And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase. - Deuteronomy 14:8

It is an amazing thing that the Lord made the pig with so tasty of flesh, and then goes on to declare such a creature unclean. I limit my consumption of pork, thinking God was not being a bully recommending obstaining from such meat, but will go on to eat a pork breakfast about every month, giving thanksgiving for such a meal. I cannot imagine eating at a breakfast buffet and not eating pork of some variety.