In reference to the sentence highlighted in red: apparently the role of intent is subject to interpretation sometimes, even among the conservative and devout. There is a very large Somali community in the Twin Cities, some of who work within the food industry. The handling of pork, even with latex gloves, has been shown to be a matter of personal conviction to the Somalis. An account related to me spoke of both refusal and willingness, depending on the case, to handle what would be an abomination to observant Muslims. The willing parties cited the gloves as being sufficient to ward off ritual contamination, and they indicated a certain amusement at those choosing to err on the side of caution. The other camp were unbending in maintaining that any handling at all was unacceptable, and considered the handlers to be basically Muslims of convenience. Understandably there were some glitches in some prep kitchens' proceedings because of all this.Wombat wrote:I think that, in the religions (mentioned by Nano) that make a big deal out of ritual purity, choice is of some importance but of much less importance than this. If you find yourself in an impure state, you are impure. Intent might have had little or nothing to do with it.Redwolf wrote:As a long-time ethical vegetarian, I can tell you that, for most of us, it comes down to doing what you can. I can't keep from inhaling the particulates from the hamburger joint down the street, but I can choose not to buy a hamburger. I can't change the fact that animal products are used in the production of camera film, but I can choose to use a digital camera.
These religions have rituals of purification so you can return to a state of purity by performing those rituals.
It's a question that very much interests me why some cultures, religions and personalitites are attracted by very rigid notions of ritual purity and others are not. The abominations of Leviticus do not seem to be dictated by considerations either by a concern for human health or by a concern to avoid harming sentient beings. The best writings I know of on this subject are by Mary Douglas.
I am unaware if the local mullahs have issued a ruling to resolve this matter.