If some scholars were aware of this connection, which would carry more weight with their fellow man?

1. Saying, "I've figured out that eating pork can make you sick, so you shouldn't t eat pork."

or

2. Saying, "An all-powerful, all-knowing, mythical god says DON'T EAT PIGS OR YOU'LL BE SORRY."

I believe that virtually all of the prohibitions and commands found in ancient holy works are there because some smart community leaders figured out better ways for people to live together constructively and invoked the fear of an invisible, all-powerful, vengeful, and not-that-kind supreme being as an enforcer for these societal rules.