Sometimes human hatred is bizarre. One community has started having pigs as pets, just to irritate, humiliate, and frustrate another community. (Ram Puniyani, Indian Currents, 20-26 April 2026, p. 30-31) It is not love for animals but hate for humans that devises new methods to express hatred.
Mosaic Law: The Jewish people were forbidden to eat pork because the pigs were considered unclean animals. Clean animals that were allowed to be eaten had split hooves and chewed the cud. Pig is unclean, though they have split hooves, but do not chew the cud. (Leviticus 11:7-8) It was a law concerning hygiene, and in those ancient times, it was essential.
Taboos: Taboos are certain words, food, or behaviour considered unwarranted, improper or immoral, in a social, religious, or cultural setting. It is essential to follow the taboos to maintain a group identity like that of a caste or tribe; fit it in the hierarchical social structure, which could protect or marginalise an individual. The group identity has to be preserved for unity by following the taboos. At the same time, such taboos could become an object of ridicule for another community. Taboos could cause group hysteria, riots, and conflicts.
Cultural sensitivity: It is essential to have reasonable cultural sensitivity so as not to offend or hurt the sentiments of others. Superiority complex, pride, and dominating mentality damage peace in society among different people groups.
Peacemakers and peace breakers: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9) Only those who are at peace with God can be at peace with others. Instead of striving for peace among communities, some people sow discord among brothers and cause immense damage. Using a pig as a pet, deliberately, in the vicinity of other communities’ sows’ discord or hatred, sown for escalating conflicts. Sowing discord is one of the six sins God hates, and one of seven that are an abomination to Him. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
As far as possible, do I live in peace with all men and women? (Romans 12:18)