The Apostolic Diet

You might have heard the term “Apostolic Diet” mentioned in a conversation, in a church group, or online, and found yourself a little confused. Is it a new fad for weight loss? Is it some kind of historical eating plan?

Let’s clear things up right away. The “Apostolic Diet” is not a diet in the modern sense of the word. Its goal isn’t weight loss, managing health conditions, or fitting into a smaller pair of jeans.

At its heart, this is spiritual practice. It’s a way of eating rooted in the beliefs of certain Apostolic and Pentecostal church denominations, and it’s all about living a life that is considered holy and set apart. So, to really understand what the Apostolic diet is, we need to look beyond the food and into the faith behind it.

The foundation of the Apostolic diet is not built on calories or macronutrients. It’s built on a desire to honor God in all aspects of life, including what one eats. The core ideas are:

• Holiness and Separation: A central belief in many Apostolic churches is the idea of being “set apart” from the world. This extends to many lifestyle choices, from dress and entertainment to diet.

• Biblical Foundation: The dietary guidelines are drawn directly from the Old Testament, specifically from the book of Leviticus, Chapter 11. This chapter lays out which animals God declared “clean” (fit to be eaten) and “unclean” (to be avoided).

• A Spiritual Discipline: Adhering to these rules is seen as an act of obedience and a physical reminder of one’s commitment to their faith. It’s not about earning salvation, but rather about living a life that reflects one’s beliefs.

These Apostolic church dietary restrictions are a serious and deeply personal part of many people’s faith walk.

So, what does this look like in the kitchen? The rules are based on the classifications found in Leviticus. While interpretations can vary slightly, the general guidelines are quite clear.

These are the foods considered permissible to eat.

• Land Animals: Animals that both have a “cloven hoof” (split hoof) and “chew the cud” are considered clean. This includes beef, lamb, goat, and venison.

• Poultry: Most common birds are considered clean, such as chicken, turkey, quail, and dove.

• Fish: Sea creatures that have both fins and scales are considered clean. This includes popular fishlike salmon, tuna, cod, tilapia, and trout.

Unclean animals:

This is the list that often requires the biggest lifestyle change for those adopting the diet.

• Pork: This is the most well-known restriction. Pigs do not chew the cud, so all pork products (including bacon, ham, sausage, and pork chops) are avoided.

• Shellfish: This is a broad category. Any sea creature that does not have both fins and scales is considered unclean. This means shrimp, lobster, crab, oysters, clams, and mussels are all avoided.

• Other Fish: Fish without scales, such as catfish and shark, are also on the “unclean” list.

• Other Animals: The list in Leviticus also includes animals like rabbits and camels, among others.

This is a really important question. From a purely nutritional standpoint, the “Apostolic diet” can have some health benefits, but it also has things to be aware of.

• The Positives: Cutting out many processed pork products like bacon and sausage can significantly reduce your intake of sodium and saturated fats. Focusing on whole food is always a good thing.

• The Considerations: The term “clean” in this context is spiritual, not nutritional. For example, deep-fried chicken is “clean” according to the rules, but it’s not necessarily a healthy choice if eaten frequently. Similarly, avoiding shellfish means missing out on a good source of lean protein and certain minerals.

Ultimately, whether this diet is “healthy” depends on the specific choices a person makes within the guidelines. A diet of lean beef, chicken, fish, fruits, and vegetables can be very healthy. It’s always best to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian about your personal nutritional needs.

The “Apostolic Diet” is a fascinating example of how faith and food can intertwine. It’s not a health plan designed by nutritionists, but a spiritual path chosen by believers. Understanding it requires looking past our modern definitions of “dieting” and seeing it for what it is: a deeply personal expression of faith, holiness, and obedience. It’s a way of life where every meal is a reminder of a commitment to a higher calling.

If you have any questions, or are considering this type of spiritual commitment, or just want to consider increasing your knowledge and spiritual connection, please contact us by completing our form at www.for-the-father.com.