SUBJECT:  Gelatin Capsules in Medicine

QUESTION:  Aren’t these gelatin capsules made with pork?  Should we withhold taking the medicine which could save our lives because the capsules might be pork?

ANSWER:

There is no certainty that gelatin is made from pig's hooves or those of cattle. Either could be true. Secondly, by the time the gelatin is processed, through the application of heat and a lengthy refining and manufacturing procedure, it cannot be classified as "pork," and has absolutely "0" food value.

Having said this a person should do what his own conscience tells him, of course ("Let each man be fully persuaded in his own mind," and, "whatsoever is not of faith is sin"), but the church would never advise such a person to forgo medicines or treatments which are required for life support or disease control.

Inadvertent ingestion of unclean substances (we have all eaten our "peck of dirt" in our lives) is of no spiritual concern. Christ said such is "cast out in the draught" and cannot defile us.

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