Mystery Meat

I Corinthians 8:4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

The whole issue of meat sacrificed to idols was a big deal for the early church.  Many had been involved in "worship" services for idols which involved the dedication of these sacrifices to that false god. On the one hand, since the idol was not really "god," it was in vain; and idol made by man cannot respond. But in another sense, this issue was important, as the one who had participated in such practice viewed the god, and thereby the sacrifice, as real.  To force such food upon that person would violate their conscience. So there are two principles involved: 1) Care about what is going on in your fellow believer's heart and mind; 2) Make sure that there is no way in which we are syncretizing our worship of God with that of false gods.