REFUSING HALAL IS AN ACT OF WITNESS
The same problem existed in Corinth . This is what Paul wrote to the believers there:
1 Cor. 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4 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.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 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.
7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
It seems from what the Apostle is saying that although Christ is bigger than the idols to which the meat is offered, and the meat would not defile the mature believer, nevertheless it is an act of witness to those who are weak to refuse it. The weak might be those young in the faith or even those of another faith.
DO NOT HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH DARKNESS
Paul returns to the theme two chapters later where he sets it all in the context of not having fellowship with darkness. It we are sharing Holy Communion with the Lord, we should not be in communion with an idol:
1 Cor. 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.
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.
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 the Lord's, and the fullness thereof:
29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God :
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
When Paul speaks of 'offence' as translated in the King James Version of the Bible he does not mean the word in a modern sense of putting someone's back up; he means causing them to think poorly of the Gospel. For Muslims in particular, if they see Christians acting with no regard to their Christian faith, or not taking it as seriously as they do their Muslim faith, that causes them 'offence' in the Pauline sense.
BLOGGER TALKS SENSE
The conservative weblogger who goes rather pompously under the name of Archbishop Cranmer puts it quite well:
'While Christians are at liberty to consume whatever their conscience permits, Paul expresses a particular concern over meat offered to idols. (1Cor 10:14-32).
'But this assumes that the believer is aware that the meat has been blessed in the name of Allah, who is the greatest. (sic)
'If the Christian is kept in the dark, Paul is rather chilled about the matter until someone comes along and makes the believer aware that the meat was idol-sacrificed. Christians are then exhorted not to eat the meat for their sake: we may eat and drink anything unless and until it causes another to stumble.
'But no-one is much bothered about the dietary sensitivities of 71 per cent of the population. British Sikhs, however, constitute 0.7 per cent, and their voice will be heard. Unlike Hindus, some Sikhs eat meat, not least because one of their gurus is recorded as being a hunter. Yet within the Sikh faith are the 'kurahit' or prohibitions, one of which is to not eat meat 'killed in the Muslim way'.
'The origins, as ever, have more to do with the politics of identity, but it is a sustained article of belief for Sikhs all over the world - they are simply not permitted to eat halal meat at all.
'If they buy their meat from Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose or M&S, they have been doing so without their knowledge.'
CONCLUSIONIt will be a good act of witness to ask the manager of your local store to confirm whether or not the lamb or chicken on sale is killed with an Islamic proclamation and to explain why. As 'Cranmer' says, as soon as we know, we are responsible. And such a witness from a Christian will help lift up the name of Jesus and by the grace of God, put a brake on the creeping Islamisation of the United Kingdom.
www.christianvoice.org.uk/Articles/Halal Meat.html
http://christianvoiceuk.blogspot.com/2011/05/football-wembley-halal-protest.html