God hates shrimp – Is this an accurate statement?

what does the bible say?

There is a web site called GodHatesShrimp.com that proposes an interesting argument about homosexuality in the Bible. The Old Testament Law forbids the Israelites to eat a few types of seafood, including shrimp. At the same time, the practice of homosexuality is condemned. Both are called abominations before God. The people of GodHatesShrimp.com are pointing out the fact that Christians everywhere eat shrimp but condemn homosexuality. The claim that “God hates shrimp” is misleading and not biblical. In the Old Testament, God forbade the Israelites from eating certain foods, including shrimp, to set them apart as His holy people and teach obedience, not as an ethical comm and for all time (Leviticus 11:9–12; Deuteronomy 14:9–10). Homosexuality, however, is different. Both the Old and New Testament reveal that it is a sin, putting it in a different commandment than eating shrimp. Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial and civil laws, meaning believers are no longer bound by dietary restrictions (Matthew 5:17; Romans 10:4). Moral laws remain, however, because they reflect God’s character, and God continues to condemn sinful behavior, including sexual immorality (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:10). All food is now considered clean for believers (Mark 7:18-19; Acts 10:13-15), showing that eating shrimp is permissible. Christians are called to uphold God’s moral standards while loving all people and offering grace and forgiveness through Christ (Ephesians 4:15; 1 Corinthians 6:11). Understanding the distinction between ceremonial and moral laws helps clarify why shrimp is allowed but sin is not, emphasizing obedience to God’s enduring moral truths.

from the old testament

• The Bible does not actually say that God “hates shrimp.” The title of the web site is referring to and making fun of a hateful anti-homosexual slogan that has been made infamous by the Westboro Baptist Church. Their slogan is not in the Bible either. God does not hate homosexuals, nor does He hate shrimp. It is true that God hates sin (Proverbs 6:16–19), and it is true that the Bible calls the practice of homosexuality a sin (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). It is true that certain foods were forbidden for the Israelites in the Old Testament for the purpose of separation from surrounding pagan nations (Leviticus 11).
• Shrimp was prohibited in the Old Testament because God commanded the Israelites to avoid eating certain unclean animals, including those that do not have fins and scales, as part of His dietary laws (Leviticus 11:9-12; Deuteronomy 14:9-10). These laws were meant to teach obedience, set Israel apart as God’s holy people, and symbolize spiritual purity rather than serve as ethical mandates.

from the new testament

• The Old Testament law does not apply in its entirety to believers today. First, the law was given to Israel. Second, as already mentioned, not all of the law was given for ethical or moral purposes. Some of the law was civil and judicial, meant to govern Israel as a nation (Exodus 21–22; Leviticus 19:18–37), while other parts were ceremonial, pointing to Christ and His redemptive work (Hebrews 9:10; Colossians 2:16–17).
• Because Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17; Romans 10:4), believers are no longer bound by the Old Testament ceremonial and civil regulations, though the moral principles of God’s character remain timeless (Romans 13:8–10; James 2:8).
• God condemns homosexuality in the New Testament as well (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10), but He does not repeat the commandment about not eating shrimp or crustaceans. In fact, He says that all food is clean (Mark 7:18-19; Acts 10:13-15).

implications for today

The comparison between eating shrimp and practicing homosexuality misunderstands the nature and purpose of Old Testament laws and how they apply today. Dietary restrictions like the prohibition of shrimp were part of the ceremonial law given specifically to Israel to set them apart from surrounding nations and to symbolize spiritual purity. These laws were fulfilled in Christ and are no longer binding on New Testament believers. However, moral laws—such as those concerning sexual behavior—are rooted in God’s unchanging character and are reaffirmed in the New Testament. Therefore, while Christians are free to eat shrimp, they are still called to uphold God’s moral standards, including those regarding sexuality. This distinction is not about picking and choosing which laws to follow but about understanding the Bible in its proper context. Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial and civil aspects of the law, but the moral truths remain because they reflect God’s holiness and design for human flourishing. Christians are not called to hate anyone, including those who struggle with or practice homosexuality. Instead, we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), recognizing that all people are sinners in need of grace. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:11, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” The gospel offers forgiveness and transformation to all who repent and believe in Christ, no matter their past.

Recap

understand

• God does not hate shrimp; Old Testament dietary laws were ceremonial and fulfilled in Christ.
• Homosexuality is considered a sin in both the Old and New Testaments.
• Christians are called to follow God’s moral standards while showing love and grace to all.

reflect

• How do you distinguish between God’s moral commands and ceremonial instructions?
• How does understanding that God does not hate anyone, including those who struggle with sin, affect the way you view others?
• How can you live out obedience to God’s moral standards while showing grace and love to all people?

engage

• What is the importance of understanding the context and purposes of the law in the Old Testament?
• What do God’s laws, both civil and moral, reveal about His character?
• How can we respond with truth and love to someone who says that God hates shrimp?