piercings, right or wrong?

[jds1977]

This thread stems from an issue from another thread about piercings.
A lot of issues today are not specifically addressed in the bible, so how do you deal w/ these issues biblically?
In the bible, we are given Christian models and principles to go by. Would the models and principles of Christianity agree or disagree with piercings? Please give bible verses to support your view. (this is in referrence to Christians getting piercings)

 

[PrincetonGuy]

1 Cor. 3:16. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
17. If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

Piecing the body pierces the temple of God. No, it does not totally destroy the temple of God, but it does mar it, mutilate it, disfigure it, deface it, blemish it, and spoil the appearance of it. I live in a large city where sin abounds and I cannot walk down a sidewalk without seeing the most hideous imaginable sight—young men and women who have in a most ugly and repulsive manner disfigured themselves for life with every imaginable contrivance of metal and bone protruding from all parts of their face, not to mention the other parts of their body.

I remember being a small child and looking at pictures in National Geographic magazines of equatorial savages who had mutilated their faces and bodies with animal bones protruding from all over their persons and wondering how any human being could possibly be living in such a state of darkness and depravity. Now, as a Christian, I know the answer to that question.

 

[Canuckmom]

Lev.20:28 and 21:5 where it speaks of making cuttings in the flesh.
Then Jer. 10:2 ..Learn not the ways of the heathen...
Also Isa - can't remember the exact reference - but it commands us not to follow a multitude to do evil.

Some might argue, that was OT and speaking to the Jews, but God does not change and ... as all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction ... the principles still apply for us today.

 

[prgallo]

Christians are set free from the law so the regulations in the OT simply do not apply to us. The verses that I believe addresses those questions not addressed directly are covered by:
Romans
14:23 But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin.
and

Heb 10:16 - Show Context This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws on their hearts, and I will write them on their minds,
Gods will for us is written directly into the hearts and minds so he if he lays it on the heart of someone that it's wrong and they get a tattoo/piercing, it is sin. If a Christian doesn't have a problem with it then it isn't sin.

However, a Christian shouldn't get a tattoo/piercing if they are around others that have a problem with it. Just as eating meat around those that sincerly believe it a sin is absolutely wrong.

But it is a personal choice as we are free from the law. One of the reasons it's mentioned is that these body markings used to be used in worship of false gods, or pagan beliefs and idolitry. That is very different than cosmetic only motives.

 

[jds1977]

Thanks for the interesting replies.
I often hear the argument that we're no longer under the law and we have liberty in Christ. However, we do not have liberty to sin. And we know that sin is transgression of the law (specifically, the moral law), and there's also sins of ommission. So, how do we deal with these so-called "gray" issues?
A lot of people quote the verses in 1 Cor., Colossians, and Romans about meats. Even Jesus said that it wasn't what went into a man that defiled the man but what came out. So, eating meat and sticking metal in your face are two different areas (the principles can be used, but I think there's a better way of addressing the issue than to use these verses, in my opinion).
1 Cor. 10:31: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
When I look at this verse, it makes me wonder what the motivation for people getting piercings are. Are they doing it for the glory of God? When people see the person who has piercings, will they say, "God sure is a mighty God and is holy and just, etc...this person sure exalts his/her God with their appearance!" Honestly, I've never done that. My first thought when I see someone w/ piercings is, I need to witness to that person.
My next thought would be, is this practice of piercing of the world or is it of spiritual? I think most would agree that this fad is of the world given the types of people who do this. And yes, this is a stereotype. I can say from experience, with the people I've talked to who have done this, that the majority do this because of some sort of rebellion. They carry the attitude of "I don't care what you think!", "I'm different!", "You can't control me!". The funny thing is, is in their quest to be so different, they're involved in a generation where everyone's doing it! So much for being unique. But, the issue here is Christians. Should Christians conform to a fad of the world that involves mutilating the temple of God? I believe 1 John 2:15-17 addresses this: "Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
also, Romans 12:1,2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
So, when we examine the motives for piercings, is it really to glorify God in their bodies or is it to bring attention to themselves for their own desires?

 

[Canuckmom]

well said.

I would add that those that are always talking of their liberty in Christ don't mention that Biblical liberty is first of all liberty from the guilt and dominion of sin Rom. 6:18 and from the ceremonial law Gal 5:1.

 

[Epiphoskei]

1 Cor. 3:16. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
17. If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

That "you" is the church, not a body of flesh. It's clear from context, but further, in Greek the word "you" is plural. We are the temple of God as a church body. This verse has nothing to do with piercings, tatoos, drinking, smoking, or any other form of self deprecation or self mutilation of any sort. Other verses do, but these don't.

 

[HappyChicken]

I have piercings and tattoos. I was also recently saved. I have removed the jewelry from my piercings. There is nothing i can do about the tattoos other than cover them up. They are embarassing. All of it was painful to get. I can't see how that would not be a sin. I definitely think its a sin. However, I see lots of Christian women with their ears pierced and they clearly are true Christians.

 

[prgallo]

Thanks for the interesting replies.
I often hear the argument that we're no longer under the law and we have liberty in Christ. However, we do not have liberty to sin. And we know that sin is transgression of the law (specifically, the moral law), and there's also sins of ommission. So, how do we deal with these so-called "gray" issues?
A lot of people quote the verses in 1 Cor., Colossians, and Romans about meats. Even Jesus said that it wasn't what went into a man that defiled the man but what came out. So, eating meat and sticking metal in your face are two different areas (the principles can be used, but I think there's a better way of addressing the issue than to use these verses, in my opinion).
1 Cor. 10:31: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
When I look at this verse, it makes me wonder what the motivation for people getting piercings are. Are they doing it for the glory of God? When people see the person who has piercings, will they say, "God sure is a mighty God and is holy and just, etc...this person sure exalts his/her God with their appearance!" Honestly, I've never done that. My first thought when I see someone w/ piercings is, I need to witness to that person.
My next thought would be, is this practice of piercing of the world or is it of spiritual? I think most would agree that this fad is of the world given the types of people who do this. And yes, this is a stereotype. I can say from experience, with the people I've talked to who have done this, that the majority do this because of some sort of rebellion. They carry the attitude of "I don't care what you think!", "I'm different!", "You can't control me!". The funny thing is, is in their quest to be so different, they're involved in a generation where everyone's doing it! So much for being unique. But, the issue here is Christians. Should Christians conform to a fad of the world that involves mutilating the temple of God? I believe 1 John 2:15-17 addresses this: "Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
also, Romans 12:1,2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
So, when we examine the motives for piercings, is it really to glorify God in their bodies or is it to bring attention to themselves for their own desires?

Romans 14:14 (Holman Christian



14 (I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. (A) Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean. (B) )

The point is that all Christians are free to live their lives, even those they get/have piercings. We don't get to examine their motives and hearts as it's between them and Christ. If it's sin for someone the Holy Spirit will lay it on their hearts. If not then that's OK, but it's not up to us other Christians to determine.

 

[MrJim]

I have piercings and tattoos. I was also recently saved. I have removed the jewelry from my piercings. There is nothing i can do about the tattoos other than cover them up. They are embarassing. All of it was painful to get. I can't see how that would not be a sin. I definitely think its a sin. However, I see lots of Christian women with their ears pierced and they clearly are true Christians.

Ear piercing for Christian women is usually socially acceptable as long as it's just the lobe...kinda double-standard though

I would say most ladies at the Baptist church I attend have their ears pierced~my wife never did, though she used to wear clip-on earrings. Don't see much nose/lip rings though

 

[WarEagle]

Not wrong, just stupid.

 

[MrJim]

Not wrong, just stupid.

I'd say you are right:

1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

 

[PrincetonGuy]

That "you" is the church, not a body of flesh. It's clear from context, but further, in Greek the word "you" is plural. We are the temple of God as a church body. This verse has nothing to do with piercings, tatoos, drinking, smoking, or any other form of self deprecation or self mutilation of any sort. Other verses do, but these don't.

Yes, that “you” is the church and the “temple” is the collective body of believers that constitutes the church.

1Cor. 3:16 ουκ οιδατε οτι ναος θεου εστε και το πνευμα του θεου οικει εν υμιν;


1 Cor. 3:16. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (NASB, 1995)

However, the church is made up of individual members and when one member of that body pierces his own body, the appearance of the church collectively is blemished and the appearance of it is spoiled. Therefore it not wrong to say that piercing the body pierces the temple of God. I believe that it is also correct to say that piercing the body pierces the heart of God.

More and more of the individual members of the church today are surrendering to the world and submitting to its pleasures and desires rather than the pleasures and desires of God. I was not raised in a Christian home but in a home where God and His values were totally ignored and I grew up believing that sin was nothing but a word for a fictitious religious concept. I continued in that belief until I was invited to attend a youth service at an old fashioned Assembly of God Church where old fashioned Christian values and principles were very dear to the hearts of the people, including the youth. At first I thought that the absence of body piercings and tattoos were just a part of their phony religion, but the undeniable love that they had for one another and for me as an outspoken unbeliever manifested to me that that these people were truly and genuinely different from me and that the difference was that I was a sinner and they were saints.

Realizing for the first time that I was sinner, and a filthy and disgusting sinner at that, was the first step in my coming to know Christ as my Lord and my Savior. However, had I not walked through the doors of that church until today, I would not have seen any difference between the members and myself, except that their lives were disgusting, inside and out, and I would be very glad that I was not like one of them.

 

[jds1977]

14 (I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. (A) Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean. (B) )

Thanks for the verse prgallo...I believe the context of this verse is about meats and drinks not how to adorn your body. You're right, we don't get to examine their motives, the question is though...if they examine their own motive, will it be to bring glory to God or glory to themselves. I've never, in my experience, had anyone to say they peirced their face for God's glory. Never has anyone said, "Lord I present by body as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable, and pierced". lol I know this would never be said, but I hope you see the logic.

 

[holyrokker]

I have a few questions for those who think that piercings are unbiblical and/or wrong -

Do you apply this to ear piercing as well? Particularly, do you think it is wrong for women to pierce their ears?

Secondly, how do you react to people who have several piercings? How do you regard them? Are these people, in your opinion, living in sin?

 

[Taylor43]

Not wrong, just stupid.

I agree

 

[HappyChicken]

I have a few questions for those who think that piercings are unbiblical and/or wrong -

Do you apply this to ear piercing as well? Particularly, do you think it is wrong for women to pierce their ears?

Secondly, how do you react to people who have several piercings? How do you regard them? Are these people, in your opinion, living in sin?

I think its wrong for anyone to willingly put holes in their body. If God wanted holes in our ears, he would have put them there. I say this having my ears double pierced. I'm not judgemental. I have not worn my earings in a while. I also feel that God does not really approve of us adorning "precious stones" or gold ...stuff like that. I sure do not think it Gorifies him. I would have to dig in the Bible and find where it states this. I recently read about it. I just cant remember off hand where it is. I treat people with piercings like i would anyone else. My sister has multiple facial piercings and I love her very much and I do not think any less of her. The only reason I'm stating my thoughts on it here, is because it's an actual topic of discussion.

 

[jds1977]

1 Tim 2:9, 10: "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."
I believe in the context of these verses, Paul is admonishing women to dress in a way that is not flashy or in a way that brings attention to false beauty. So yes, it could apply to ear piercing as well.
I absolutely love people w/ piercings...I'm drawn like a magnet to them. Usually, they're the ones crying out for attention and so I try to give them all I can. Especially the ones who look like they've stuck their head in a fishing tackle box; it's a great way to start a conversation with them. Most love to talk about their peircings, tats, etc...and that's a great icebreaker to witness to them. God is not willing that any should perish but that all come to repentance.

 

[HappyChicken]

Amen!!! I agree with that JDS. Could not have said it better myself!!

 

[Canuckmom]

Especially the ones who look like they've stuck their head in a fishing tackle box; .

That's a good one!