Dear Catholic Exchange:
I recently got into an argument with Catholic friends when I refused to eat a steak since it contained blood. As far as I know, the Bible prohibits eating blood (Acts 15:20).
My friends argued that Catholics could eat blood. Please clarify. Urgent! I understand that since the life/soul is in the blood, eating blood would constitue sharing in the life of the animal which we are prohibited from doing. I would appreciate appropriate Catholic document references. Thanks!!
Blessings,
Leo Rajiv
Dear Mr. Rajiv,
Peace in Christ!
Please see our FAITH FACT on the Biblical Prohibition of Eating Blood.
The prohibition against eating blood found in the Old Testament was a discipline associated with the covenant between God and Noah, and incorporated into the Mosaic Covenant. When Jesus established the New Covenant through His death and resurrection, the disciplines of the Old Covenant became unnecessary. The discipline was maintained for a brief time in the early Church to protect new converts from scandal, but was not associated with the theological understanding of grace. When taken in context, we find that the consumption of blood is not forbidden and, moreover, it is necessary in the Eucharist.
United in the Faith,
Eric Stoutz
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
