Hi there, I read in your devotional – Not one of us will have to deal with the question of eating meat that has been offered to idols in heathen temples. That was a question pertaining especially to Paul’s day and to a particular area. In New Zealand, where I live, many years ago the government of the day agreed to have Muslims in our abattoirs who face mecca and say ‘prayers’ over the animals when killing them so they could be exported to Islamic nations. Many Christian farmers and others objected, but were ignored as silly fanatics (as usual). We do not know if the meat we buy comes from these abattoirs or from Australia, as there is no requirement to say on the packaging. I’d appreciate your comments, also that many face these issues as I’m sure there are believers reading this site from all over the world, and some live in areas controlled by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. Blessings to you. Chrissie S.
We believe that the answer Paul gave to the Corinthians is applicable to this situation today: “As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him” – I Corinthians 8:4 – 6.
Warren Wiersbe in The Bible Exposition Commentary on I Corinthians 8 states of the Corinthians: “They knew that an idol was nothing, merely the representation of a false god who existed only in the darkened minds of those who worshipped it. The presence of an idol in a temple was no solid proof that the god existed. (Later, Paul would point out that idolatry was basically the worship of demons.) So the conclusion was logical: A nonexistent god could not contaminate food offered on his altar.”
The same is true of food that is prayed over in the name of Allah. There is only one God who provides all things for us. Claiming the name of Allah does nothing to the food physically or spiritually.