Are We Eating Meats Sacrificed to Idols?

Due to the large population of Muslims living in the U.S. today, many industries are emerging that serve meat that is slaughtered according to Muslim law. It is called “Halal” or “lawful” for the Muslim to eat. It is meat that is slaughtered according to strict guidelines of Muslim law such as the animal is faced toward Mecca (the east) and has the “bismillah” (name of Allah) pronounced over it. In other words, it is meat offered to Allah.

Shouldn’t believers in Yahshua Ha Moshiach refrain from eating meat sacrificed to idols? We know that no idol represents YHWH, so the one the idol represents is obvious. We are told in Acts 15:29 and 21:25 to avoid eating meats sacrificed to idols.

Act 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Act 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Although according to Paul in 1 Cor. 10:19-25, meat sacrificed to idols is meat sacrificed to devils.

1Co 10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
1Co 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to Elohim: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
1Co 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of YHWH, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of YHWH's table, and of the table of devils.

But if we unknowingly eat of meat sacrificed to idols, it will not harm us.

1Co 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles (meat market), that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
1Co 10:26 For the earth is YHWH's, and the fulness thereof.
1Co 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

However, if we are aware that it was meat sacrificed to idols or devils, then we should not eat of it.

1Co 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is YHWH's, and the fulness thereof:

But then Paul adds:

1Co 10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

He seems to conclude that even though he knows it is offered to an idol, it would be lawful for him to eat. This seems to conflict with Luke’s warning in Acts 15:29 that we should abstain from meats offered to idols. I’ll leave it up to you to decide for yourself. But for me personally, if I know it is meat offered up to an idol or devil, I will not partake of it.

There are certain symbols proclaiming that food is “Halal”. These all proclaim that the food has been sacrificed according to Sharia law. All have had the name of Allah pronounced over them.

Please watch this short video by Mark Biltz of El Shaddai Ministries


Are you eating food sacrificed to idols? from El Shaddai Ministries on Vimeo.

I think I will take Mark's advice.

Brick Parrish