It is not inherently immoral to eat pork or lobster. However, these distinctive customs, even if arbitrary and without any inherent moral value, cultivated the virtue of self-control, an indispensable first step in the attainment of true holiness. Moreover, they created in Israel a sense of self-identity as a “separated” people. Although Christians are no longer required to keep these food laws (see “Theological Insights” above), they still are required to be a holy people. Indeed, the words “Be