We have to begin by guarding ourselves against error. We are a fallen race, and John’s admonition to keep ourselves from idols has to be constantly kept in mind (1 Jn. 5:21). This is particularly true for Americans, who have a long tradition of locating righteousness and unrighteousness in their food and drink. The locations change, but the basic orientation does not. But Jesus taught us a man cannot be spiritually defiled by what goes into his mouth (Mk. 7:18-19).
We can check our hearts in this by the presence or absence of of religious indignation over “violations.” If someone reacts to fast food like an orthodox rabbi watching someone fry bacon, then he is a food idolater. If you are watching what you eat for simple health reasons, then this is not the case. But we even have to be careful here, because health is another great American idol.
Carrie Nation attacked demon rum. John Harvey Kellogg invented corn flakes as breakfast food without meat – designed to reduce the sexual drive. Reducing bestial animal desire through food was the order of the day, and it was even thought you could pass on less original sin to your kids this way. Sylvester Graham invented Graham flour for this purpose, a shield against vile affections. We see in the development of s’mores a triumph of trinitarian practice over cultic ideology. Despite this triumph, Americans are still culturally predisposed to believe one can be “put right,” whatever that means, through whatever is put in the mouth.
Douglas Wilson, My Life for Yours, p. 54
I must say that this chapter, called “The Dining Room,” is one of the best single chapters I’ve read in any book in the last fifteen to twenty years.
Coram Deo 