See post 171. These "cultic food laws" created by the Lord were in existence since at least the time of Noah...long before national Israel came into existence.
The apostles and the Church built upon their teachings have understood that quite clearly for 2000 years. Food laws were a shadow. Folks who observe them live in the shadows, in the darkness that does not recognize the true appearing of Messiah and what that meant for His people.
Those who ignore them ignore the clear word of the messiah and substitute their own understanding and tradition for his word.
Food laws only divide. That was their purpose for ancient Israel, to divide them from all the other nations. The new Israel demonstrates its commitment to the Lord Jesus by observing the Lord’s Supper, the true fellowship meal.
What's to divide?? Christ said "Don't eat certain animals". Either obey him or not but don't say that it's divisive to take him at his word and convey that word to others. I think it's more divisive to tell the Lord that he didn't know what he was talking about when he created these animals.
“And if any animal which you may eat dies, he who touches its carcass shall be unclean until evening.” (Lev. 11:39)
The fact is that the law of clean and unclean animals was given in this context:
"But I have said to you, ‘You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from the peoples.” (Lev. 20:24).
These laws are all in the context of the promise of the ancient land of Israel to the ancient people of the Jews.
The Church, the new covenant people of God, is no longer restricted to one physical piece of land and one ethnic group. Christians who follow the teachings of the apostles understand that, and so we are not in bondage to these ancient, decayed food laws.