Is it wrong for I, as a christian, to cut my hair?

[drich0150]

There issues people face as christians because it's a question as to how we should present ourselves as followers of Christ, I'd suppose.

The Point I was trying to make in my original post was that alot of times "doctrinal issues" have little to do with presenting yourself acceptable to God, but more to do with present yourself acceptable to the other people in your religion/denomination.

And if you are ready to move past "doctrinal issues" that do not effect your relationship with God, then God will be waiting for you on the other side of your decision. Meanwhile, What you bind yourself to here in this life, will be bound for you in Heaven. Meaning if you believe it to be a sin, then it is one. (For you, it will be. even if it not technically a sin at all)

Kinda like what Paul was teaching about eating Meat offered to idols.

 

[freeport]

The Point I was trying to make in my original post was that alot of times "doctrinal issues" have little to do with presenting yourself acceptable to God, but more to do with present yourself acceptable to the other people in your religion/denomination.

And if you are ready to move past "doctrinal issues" that do not effect your relationship with God, then God will be waiting for you on the other side of your decision. Meanwhile, What you bind yourself to here in this life, will be bound for you in Heaven. Meaning if you believe it to be a sin, then it is one. (For you, it will be. even if it not technically a sin at all)

Kinda like what Paul was teaching about eating Meat offered to idols.

OP:


We absolutely have to be confident in all matters.



Wicked powers are always there to accuse us otherwise, when we walk in the Spirit of God.

 

[Johnnz]

OP:


We absolutely have to be confident in all matters.

That's not completely true. Paul spoke about seeing through a glass darkly. Where there is no doubt tehre can be no faith, only knowledge. Nor is God totally comprehensible (Who has known the mind of the Lord?). Also, faced with believers from different cultural backgrounds Paul did not say "This is what is right" He advised them to not place stumbling blocks in the way of someone else, and refused to tell the parties that one was wrong.

To be totally confident in all matters can just be another way of describing dogmatism and self righteousness.

John
NZ

 

[freeport]

That's not completely true. Paul spoke about seeing through a glass darkly. Where there is no doubt tehre can be no faith, only knowledge. Nor is God totally comprehensible (Who has known the mind of the Lord?). Also, faced with believers from different cultural backgrounds Paul did not say "This is what is right" He advised them to not place stumbling blocks in the way of someone else, and refused to tell the parties that one was wrong.

To be totally confident in all matters can just be another way of describing dogmatism and self righteousness.

John
NZ

...

John... of course not... or why multiple people posting... God is God, after alll...

'We have the mind of Christ'... I am not saying, 'leave your mind at the door', far from it... as Christians we are asked to be 'wise as serpents, innocent as doves'... so we should always reason by Scripture.



There is no 'blind faith', but the Spirit of God reasons what is right within our hearts using 'right measurements'... what is right against what is less right.


Regardless, everything we do must be in good confidence before the Lord, and often the wicked spirits will attack us on that matter and we must defend against it.

 

[missjasmine]

I am a pentecostal christian, and in the two churches I've congregated myself in (one of which I am still residing in, and hope to continue to stay for a long, long time) cutting your hair in sometimes forbidden. In my first church, which was very much dictated by man, instead of God, they said it was a sin to cut your hair in the slightest way. Even so, members always seem to go regardless!

In the one I'm in now, they say it's fine to trim and such, but not to chop off your hair or do anything drastic. I've been wanting to get bangs for two years- the pastor's wife once told me she doesnt approve of people doing so, but understands that some people have complexes about how they look, because some people in our church do have bangs.

I dont want to defy my pastor, but the Bible does not prohibit it. I also dont want to present myself in a way that doesnt please the Lord. What should I do?

Simply put, don't worry about "defying" your pastor. Worry about what saith the word of God.

 

[Tsukiaru]

The Point I was trying to make in my original post was that alot of times "doctrinal issues" have little to do with presenting yourself acceptable to God, but more to do with present yourself acceptable to the other people in your religion/denomination.

And if you are ready to move past "doctrinal issues" that do not effect your relationship with God, then God will be waiting for you on the other side of your decision. Meanwhile, What you bind yourself to here in this life, will be bound for you in Heaven. Meaning if you believe it to be a sin, then it is one. (For you, it will be. even if it not technically a sin at all)

Kinda like what Paul was teaching about eating Meat offered to idols.

while I understand what your telling me, I'm still really torn inside. For the past two days, influenced by these posts, I thought "God wont forsake me because I get bangs! I'll still follow His word to the fullest extent I can reach, preach the gospel to others as I have before, and commit myself to Him- God wouldnt break away from me because of something as unimportant as my hair, right?" but when I told my mother this (I'm a teenager, so my decisions have to pass with my family) she told me that she wouldnt be against me, per say, but is against the decision and that she believes it would make my relationship with God lessen in strength and would make me become one step closer to the type of christian that doesnt reflect God's word in my appearance, like many of the teenagers I know today who wear tight clothes and dye thier hair, and/or focus more on looking cool or getting a boyfriend than becoming close to God.

Please dont say anything bad about her, she didnt mean it in a bad way, but what should I do? I really want to do this- i've wanted to for two years! But I'm becoming so distraught by all of this.

 

[Irrkunst]

Do what your parents want until you are an adult. Then do what you think is right.

 

[Tsukiaru]

Do what your parents want until you are an adult. Then do what you think is right.

well, I do want to point out that my father is fine with the idea, and my mother, while she wouldnt be thrilled about it, wouldnt forbid me to do it. She simply told me that she doesnt like the idea, and gave me her reasoning.

 

[drich0150]

Please dont say anything bad about her, she didnt mean it in a bad way, but what should I do?

Like I said in the beginning if you don't have any trouble with what your church teaches other than where it conflicts when dealing with things you want (like getting bangs or movies) then, you are in the right place. You should not get the bangs or see those movies because for you it is a sin... But as you grow in the Spirit you may have other issues with expressing your love for God in this way.

So as far as that goes you mom is right.

I think (but will never know for sure) that for you bangs and movies may start an awaking process. What you have to do is seek Guidance from God (The Holy Spirit) and open his word and study. I would start with Romans, and read it alot. Some of the verses may conflict with your current understandings, but Keep reading and in full context. Don't just seek out the verses you know, and glance over the rest. Read Romans like you have never heard or read any of this before.. And Ask God to give you understanding first, then seek instruction from others. you will know if/when scripture does not sit right when explained. Just keep seeking God in what you read.

You spiritual awaking is a process, one that may require a life time to complete. So don't fool yourself into thinking: if I go through Romans I can get bangs or see the new Halloween movie.. You will know without doubt when you can do those things.. The question will be, is after your personal revival is complete, will you want to do any of these things anymore..

 

[GaryP]

So go to the Father, The door is always open. I would cast my eyes off of creation and look to the Father, Please go to Mark 15 : 38. Go to the Open Temple, Go inside and
ask the Father yourself. Remember Jesus said it is Finished, You hair is finished,
It is day one, year 33AD, you can not read, you are blind and deaf, and your bald,
what do you Do?

answer.
You reach out and grab onto the Hand of Jesus and He leads you to the Father.

Do not worry about your hair, it is dead creation. Meditate on the word " Finished "
you are bought and paid for, now go to the Father.

and the bald girl with cancer, cried out to the Father for hair. just one strand.

 

[GaryP]

PS: What would they all say, if you wanted to cut your hair to donate to cancer children??

 

[Tsukiaru]

Like I said in the beginning if you don't have any trouble with what your church teaches other than where it conflicts when dealing with things you want (like getting bangs or movies) then, you are in the right place. You should not get the bangs or see those movies because for you it is a sin... But as you grow in the Spirit you may have other issues with expressing your love for God in this way.

So as far as that goes you mom is right.

I think (but will never know for sure) that for you bangs and movies may start an awaking process. What you have to do is seek Guidance from God (The Holy Spirit) and open his word and study. I would start with Romans, and read it alot. Some of the verses may conflict with your current understandings, but Keep reading and in full context. Don't just seek out the verses you know, and glance over the rest. Read Romans like you have never heard or read any of this before.. And Ask God to give you understanding first, then seek instruction from others. you will know if/when scripture does not sit right when explained. Just keep seeking God in what you read.

You spiritual awaking is a process, one that may require a life time to complete. So don't fool yourself into thinking: if I go through Romans I can get bangs or see the new Halloween movie.. You will know without doubt when you can do those things.. The question will be, is after your personal revival is complete, will you want to do any of these things anymore..

Thank you for the wonderful advice- I'm going to really try to pray and read Romans tonight, when I have more time to sit and meditate on the word uninterupted. Even so, I have one question (and Im sorry, I know you just wrote an explanation, and I dont mean to annoy you) but you said that I shouldnt do it because if im fine in the church i'm in, and am in the right place, than to me cutting my hair in that way or watching movies (though I wouldnt watch a movie like halloween- Im against those kinds of movies, that depict themes and concepts such as that) would be a sin.

The problem is, there are several things I dont agree with in my church, but I simply refuse to follow them, like how the youth in my church can wear almost skin-tight clothes and still take parts, or how it's okay to not attend church if your on vacation from work (aka taking a "break" from church), or even allowing members to watch or play movies and games like Halloween, or Resident Evil.
However, not being able to cut my hair in the way I want to, even though there are members in my church including a missionary who takes a large part in my church who have bangs, or going to see children's movies with my family isnt "wrong" in my opinion. I havent done either though, because I dont want to disobey my pastor, but I find that niether have strong biblical foundation. Even so, I'll definitly read the Bible, and make this a matter between God and I so I can be directed by Him, and His Holy Spirit, like you suggested.

 

[Tsukiaru]

GaryP, butting my hair for donation to children with cancer (which I actually was suggested to do once, because I have rather long hair), and cutting my hair simply because I want to, would be two different issues, I believe. But I do see your point.

 

[Destiny2009]

wow, the replies in both my forum posts are somewhat conflicting- some people here are saying it's okay to go the movies, other say no. Same with the hair thing. Even so, it's ultimately my decision right? As far as my hair is concerned, I want to look feminine, thats not an issue. Even so, my desire to stylize my hair is what I really have to question, and there's alot of though that needs to be made behind my decision. Even so, I still want to read more opinions- please continue, everyone, because I really appreciate your input and replies!

I know there is a verse that talks about wearing your hair like cutting it I believe is okay but shaving it off is not. I can't remember where the verse is but when I come across it if I do I will post it.

Also for the movie thing. Long as the film is a good film, nothing comprising your faith in the movie. I believe it's fine. It's just like watching movies at home. We are able to and allowed to have fun just good clean wholesome christian fun


Yes, before your style your hair think about why you want to change it, just because a new look or because of a trend/fad that's going on. Because of it's a trend you should really look into the meaning of what it is.

 

[TexasBluebonnet]

I don't think there is a right or wrong when it comes to hair. Think of it this way, are you any less saved if you have a shaved head, close cropped or hair down past your waist? Don't think so. Worry about the things that are actual sins.

 

[Tsukiaru]

I know there is a verse that talks about wearing your hair like cutting it I believe is okay but shaving it off is not. I can't remember where the verse is but when I come across it if I do I will post it.

Also for the movie thing. Long as the film is a good film, nothing comprising your faith in the movie. I believe it's fine. It's just like watching movies at home. We are able to and allowed to have fun just good clean wholesome christian fun


Yes, before your style your hair think about why you want to change it, just because a new look or because of a trend/fad that's going on. Because of it's a trend you should really look into the meaning of what it is.

i loved your reply about "clean wholesome christian fun." That line made me laugh cause it sounded so cute!

but yes, I understand what you mean. I dont want to cut it for a trend, I want to cut it because I think it would make me look better, especially since people have always told me I have a big forehead (*Sob* someone called it a "dome"!) and because I feel I need a change in my appearance.

 

[Tsukiaru]

I don't think there is a right or wrong when it comes to hair. Think of it this way, are you any less saved if you have a shaved head, close cropped or hair down past your waist? Don't think so. Worry about the things that are actual sins.

well, because the bible says that a woman should have the image of a woman, and (1 Cor 11:15) But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering, a woman shaving or close cropping her hair would not be very acceptable according to the Gospel.

 

[drich0150]

However, not being able to cut my hair in the way I want to, even though there are members in my church including a missionary who takes a large part in my church who have bangs, or going to see children's movies with my family isnt "wrong" in my opinion. I havent done either though, because I dont want to disobey my pastor, but I find that niether have strong biblical foundation. Even so, I'll definitly read the Bible, and make this a matter between God and I so I can be directed by Him, and His Holy Spirit, like you suggested.

Acts 15:


19"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."


Romans 14

The Weak and the Strong

1Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. 2One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

5One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
9For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11It is written:
" 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord,
'every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God.' "[a] 12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. 14As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food[b] is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. 22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.



I posted these two conflicting scriptures to Show that Paul, didn't have one absolute standard in the church when it came to the nonessentials (to salvation.) Our "Walk" with the lord becomes our measuring stick. The more we understand and the closer we get to God, the greater our freedoms become, and in turn the more we love, the less we will stray. In time our will and His will for us, will become one, and in complete freedom we will want nothing more than we already have. But until we are one with God and can comprehend this freedom given us through scripture then we are bound, not only by the Law, but others interpretation of the law, lest we cause them to stumble.

This is why their is a meat restriction placed on the new Gentile converts in Acts 15, and also why Paul tells us in Romans 14 the only restrictions we have on these non essential issues are the ones in our Hearts, and not only are we to respect our own boundaries, but the boundaries the weaker brother or sister may also have.

This is Why I told you unless your have problems with other aspects of your walk then you are where you should be. Truthfully it doesn't matter if you cut your Hair or not, but unless you know that in your heart, and you know your actions will not cause another to stumble, then you are bound to your interpretation of God's law.

Again what Paul has laid out here in Romans is a journey that may take a life time to fully grasp, it's not meant to be a quick read or long weekend bible study. Your actions and the understanding in your Heart will be weighed and judged far more completely than anything your pastor or anyone else can do. So before you do anything, Know and believe what you do is righteous before the Lord.

Good luck and God bless

 

[TexasBluebonnet]

i loved your reply about "clean wholesome christian fun." That line made me laugh cause it sounded so cute!

but yes, I understand what you mean. I dont want to cut it for a trend, I want to cut it because I think it would make me look better, especially since people have always told me I have a big forehead (*Sob* someone called it a "dome"!) and because I feel I need a change in my appearance.

I really see nothing wrong with that. Even if there were something wrong with cutting your hair, I would think that would only apply to the "main body" of your hair. I wouldn't think it would apply to only a portion of it around your face. As long as your hair still qualfies as long, I wouldn't think it would matter much what you did with the hair on your forehead. In fact, I'm sure women in the Bible had bangs. Which btw, in Europe it's called fringe (for anyone else to had to look it up).

well, because the bible says that a woman should have the image of a woman, and (1 Cor 11:15) But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering, a woman shaving or close cropping her hair would not be very acceptable according to the Gospel.

Okay, but does it affect salvation? Remember, the Bible also says that nothing can pluck you from the hand of G-d. That includes hair. It doesn't say nothing can pluck you from the Father's hand, except for hair cuts. As far as a sin, well that was written back in a day when short hair was considered the mark of a prostitute. No one thinks that today. And if you really want to get into it, back then it was a sin for a woman to leave her house with her head uncovered. That's not the case today. What you need to understand is a lot of the things in the NT were written from a cultural perspective and not necesarily from a Biblical one. The head covering and having long hair is apart of that.

 

[Mankin]

First of all, your pastor is not God. He does not hold any authority over your personal opinions regarding doctrine.

The reason Paul made that statement about women not cutting their hair was purely due to cultural reasons. At that time, short hair on women was a sign of prostitutes. Also it was a commonly held idea at the time that women's hair truly was her crown. Be careful to keep in mind when the culture of Biblical times comes through while you read the Bible.

Also, remember that the length of one's hair has nothing to do with salvation.