Using this objection, we could condone these practices today. Verse 9 draws a parallel with verse 8 by saying in like manner. Verse 8 teaches men to put away certain unholy things and acquire certain contrasting holy things, while verse 9 does the same for women. For example, a woman can wear a jump suit or a ski suit under a skirt. The ACCA requires all male members to shave all facial hair off. Why Head Coverings? Reason #4: Church Practice INDIANA BIBLE COLLEGE | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA. Some Anabaptist denominations, including the Amish, Old Order Mennonite and Conservative Mennonites, the Old German Baptist Brethren, the Hutterites, and the Apostolic Christian Church; some Pentecostal churches, such as the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, The Pentecostal Mission, the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, and . Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall. I happen to have very sensitive skin with heavy facial hair. While Apostolic Pentecostals' standards regarding women's attire and hair are more noticeable, they do have standards to which men must adhere as well. To be modest, shame-faced, and sober is the opposite of wearing gold, pearls, elaborately ornamented hair, and costly clothing. There was no need for false modes-ty between husband and wife, for they were one flesh. * The Christian is to be content with the way God has made him and the position in which he finds himself. William Gesenius, Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament Scriptures, Samuel Tregelles (trans.) Apostolic Pentecostals typically expect women to dress in modest attire specifically designed for women. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.". The key to interpreting this chapter is to realize that Christs death abolished the ceremonial law, but not the moral law (Colossians 2:16-17); Gods moral law stands forever. Interestingly, priests in the Old Testament wore breeches or trousers (Leviticus 6:10; 16:4), indicating that this has been distinctively masculine attire in Judeo-Christian culture from the earliest times. Women should not cut their hair. (5) Nature itself teaches these principles. Would He spend His time and money in this fashion? However, we reject the notion that it takes cosmetics to make a woman attractive. Women who wear immodest clothing and adorn themselves sensually are actually placing temptation before men. As part of Christian stewardship of the body, we believe in being physically fit, neat, clean, and attractive. One author tried to justify jewelry and makeup by saying, God does not require a drab and dull appearance. When Jezebel tried to seduce Jehu, she tired her head (II Kings 9:30) or adorned her head (NKJV). When they do wear dresses, they often do not know how to act with modesty, grace, and femininity. It is the neuter form of aischros which is translated filthy. In W.E. This is precisely the development God sought to pre-vent when He instituted Deuteronomy 22:5. In short, appearance both reflects and to a large degree determines what we are in the eyes of self and others. When does clothing, hair arrangement, and functional jewelry become extravagant, excessively ornamental, or unreasonably expensive? (3) It is a sign to angels of the Christian womans obedience to God. Apparently gaudy and showy adornment is viewed as contrary to the spirit of self-effacement and modesty toward husbands. * Ultimately, ungodly dress styles have a profound impact on society as a whole. . What about rings? Below are several that have been raised.13. * Deuteronomy 22:5 does not apply to is today. This objection points to other teachings in the same chapter, such as the prohibition on plowing with an ox and a donkey together (verse 10), the prohibition on mixing wool and linen together in one garment (verse 11), and the instruction to wear fringes on garments (verse 12). (5) The few passages that do mention jewelry in a favorable light are symbolic of blessings or spiritual treasures and do not endorse personal ornamentation (Proverbs 1:9; 25:12; Song of Solomon 5:14-15; Ezekiel 16:11-13; Malachi 3:17). Can it be she subconsciously invites a proposition to sin? 3:1-11; 3:12-13; Titus 1:6-9). Do they see it as flaunting wealth, showy, a manifestation of pride, or an object of envy? : By the author, 1976), p. 27. They will affect how she feels, and she wont want to resist temptation.. Like most Pentecostals, they do not use alcohol or tobacco. Different cultures have different types of clothing. He has asked us through His word to present our bodies, yes that includes our hair, as a sign of our separation from the world to show that we are true believers and followers of His word. Pentecostal Christianity has more than 700 denominations. I was shocked at the subtle change in their conduct and the con-duct of men towards them. Christian conduct and deportment are far more effective. The greater masculinity in dress and conduct helps to confuse societal, familial, and sexual roles. Some minor aspects of ornamentation are allowable since they do not highlight sexuality (as makeup does) or extravagance (as jewelry does), are not condemned by Scripture (as both makeup and jewelry are), and are considered standard attire. Why base our identity on the outward man? We obey this teaching for the following reasons derived from that passage: (1) It demonstrates the wifes submission to the husband. . In light of the context, it is unlikely that she simply arranged her hair in a modest manner. They often braided into their hair strands of pearls and silk cords with gold coins attached. Perfume could possibly play a small part in seduction (and should not be Ko used), but it has only a fraction of the power that im-modest dress, makeup, and ornaments have to attract attention, accentuate sensuality, and encourage lust. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. In light of all these problems, why would a Christian woman want to use makeup and jewelry? Many wore ornamental crowns and headdresses. The teaching on head coverings ( 1 Cor 11:3-16) is sandwiched in between two contrasting statements. .This is, I believe, an important reason for a woman to dress modestlynot only for the sake of those who might be tempted to sin, but for her own sake. These questions are ones that every Apostolic woman hears over and over again throughout the years. In Gideons day, Ishmaelites and Midianites were distinguished from Israelites by their use of earrings and other jewelry (Judges 8:24-27). Posted on June 23, 2012 by passionatepentecostal. The answer may vary somewhat depending on culture, society, station in life, and occasion. Holiness of Dress Apostolically Speaking On one occasion, I observed a group of Pentecostal women putting on makeup for a video production. Some things have both functional and ornamental use, such as cuff links, tie clasps, tie bars, watch chains, and brooches. What is wrong with natural beauty? No matter how much society changes, we must seek to please God rather than man. Arguably, they could have a functional use far more significant than any ornamental use. Hair Culture among Generational Apostolic Pentecostal Women According to Paul and Peter, a woman develops her beauty by concentrating on spiritual values. If I am showing myself as opposed to that by cutting my hair then I am failing to be the Christian I am called to be. Christian head covering, also known as Christian veiling, is the traditional practice of women covering their head in a variety of Christian denominations.Some Christian women, based on historic Catholic, Lutheran, Moravian, Reformed, Anglican, Methodist, and Plymouth Brethren teaching, wear the head covering in public worship and during private prayer at home (though some women belonging to . Submit a Prayer Request! Otherwise, no clothing could be immodest. (4) Heavy use of jewelry seems to have been primarily associated with heathen peoples (Numbers 31:50-54; Judges 8:24-27). This is an ethical regulation in the interests of morality. Well, I am glad you asked! . It signifies to Him our attitude, lifestyle, and choice of identity. Even gold itself or gold colored metal can possibly have other functional uses such as in watches, glasses, and teeth. The effects on the wearer and the observer are still as powerful as ever. Transvestite dress is an 'abomination' to the Lord (Deuteronomy 22:5); it is a sterile and perverse hostility to God's created order."4 He cited Keil and Delitzsch with approval: "The immediate design of this prohibition was not to prevent licentiousness, or to oppose idolatrous practices. To be modest means to be decent, chaste, proper, un-pretentious and pure, with particular reference to dress, speech, conduct and deportment. In fact, to uncover nakedness is an Old Testament idiomatic expression for sex acts (Leviticus 18:6-19). Sproul Christianity Is every part of the Bible inerrant? Despite innocent motives, if ones actions violate Gods will and create spiritual problems for self or others, then those actions are wrong. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT) "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. Here are some examples of Old Testament functional use: (1) People in ancient times used seals or signet rings to transact legal business (Genesis 41:42; Esther 8:2, 8; Haggai 2:23; Luke 15:22). (See NKJV, NIV.) What's an Apostolic Christian and why is Kim Davis' hair so long? Why will they be part of the New Jerusalem? This objection misses the whole point of our refusal to wear gold and jewelry. Through the Holy Spirit, we have power to live a holy life in a way that Old Testament saints did not. We must never use dress to promote immodest conduct, and no degree of external modesty can cover up an immodest, lustful spirit. If you have more questions about this particular practice of the Apostolic faith, please let us know! Today, R.C. You have entered an incorrect email address! Judahs signet and bracelet was actually a seal with its cord (Genesis 38:18, NKJV and NIV). . . Sproul explains that the writings of the Apostles bear the authority of the Lord who commissioned them. They were considered so much a part of those who wore them that they not only told who and what they were, but were intended as external symbols of the individuals innermost feelings and deepest desires and his moral urge to represent God aright. We can see this by the use of special dress for religious ceremonies, festive occasions, mourning, and repentance. The exposed body tends to arouse improper thoughts in both wearer and onlooker. We must not only be right in the sight of God, we must appear right in the sight of all mankind (Romans 12:17; II Corinthians 8:21). It brings out a dark current of sensuality and seduction. * Our dress reveals to others our commitments and beliefs. However, gold earrings, nose rings, necklaces, and so on can have no function other than adornment. It also tells us that to be shaven (to have cut hair) is a shame unto her. Who says a woman is dull and drab unless she wears makeup and jewelry? Dr. Brown points out that while the word "long hair" kme () occurs in the NT only in 1 Cor. The word sobriety (KJV) or moderation (NKJV) comes from the Greek word sophrosune, which Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines as soundness of mind, sound judgment, habitual inner self-government with constant rein on all passions and desires. We should not spend excessive time on the external, but should emphasize what God emphasizes. So did Elizabeth Rice Handford in Your Clothes Say It For You, teaching that women should have long, uncut hair while men should have short hair. Apparently Christian faith implies a different standard of dress and adornment from the world s. 2, Paul and Peter did not oppose the simple braiding or arranging of the hair. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. Do not let your beauty be that out-ward adorning of arranging the hair, of wearing gold, or of putting on fine apparel; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. They received jewels of silver and gold from the Egyptians (Exodus 11:2). God does not want Christians to live in slavish conformity to worldly fashions and thus to identify with worldliness. We find only one clear exception to these categories: ornaments on clothing as a sign of luxury in Sauls reign (II Samuel 1:24-27). After all, women covering their heads during worship is an ancient practice in the Christian Church, one that has fallen into disuse, especially in the West. Some Pentecostal denominations, often referred to as Apostolic Pentecostals, Oneness Pentecostals or Jesus-Only Pentecostals, take the encouragement to dress modestly a bit further, specifying how their members are to dress and wear their hair. There is no reference . According to Thayers Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, aidos means a sense of shame, modesty, and reverence. Care should be taken to dress appropriately for the culture and occasion. .. *Is this wise stewardship on my part? The adulterous woman in Jeremiah 4:30 used extravagant clothing and ornaments of gold to attract her lovers. * The Old Testament descriptions of wicked women who wore makeup also describe those women doing accept able things such as washing with water and wearing colored clothing. Many acceptable things can be done by an evil person or can become evil only because of an evil motive. A preoccupation with outward adorning invests time and energy in something that simply is not profitable. One writer tried to justify the Christian woman in wearing makeup and jewelry by saying, If the motive of her heart is right, her efforts are not wrong.9 However, sincere motives are not enough; it is possible to be sincerely wrong. Beards: The One Way You're Not Allowed to be Like Jesus The passages cited by Bauer's Lexicon and Moulton and Miligan's Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament indicate that "kome'" refers to uncut hair. ), The Pulpit Commentary, V, 355. Why is God concerned with the way we dress? The Israelites fulfilled this ceremonial law physically, but today we fulfill the principle spiritually. If these do not apply, why should the prohibition of verse 5? However, no major translation has adopted this reading. (b) opp. Uncut Hair Is A Covering It goes on to say that a woman's hair is given to her for a covering. 7Nelsons Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament, Merrill Unger and William White (eds.) The Bible does speak on the subject of adornment and dress. She herself may be affected by what she wears. .The plaiting of the hair was a usual feature of Jewish womens hairstyle, and in the more elaborate types the plaits were fastened with ribbons and bows. Most of these objections can be found in Woodrow. This is a respectable position as demonstrated by a footnote in the New International Version of the Bible, which offers the following alternative translation of verses 4-7: Every man who prays or prophesies with long hair dishonors his head. Things like: If they cause someone to sin, God will not hold them blameless. This gives us a good idea as to what God would regard as the minimum standard of modesty, regardless of culture. Does she like the gleam of desire she sees in a mans eyes?8. (Riverside, Cal. A girl who always wears dresses can learn how to conduct herself modestly in most activities. In any event, convenience is a poor excuse for violating the Word of God. Some of them, such as the articles of clothing, can be used innocently, but in this case they too were worn with ostentation and pride. . We are to abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22). In any case, God meant for them to take the Egyptian gold and silver for use in His service, not for personal ornamentation. (2) Even in the Old Testament God pointed to a high standard in this area (Genesis 35:4; Exodus 33:4-6) and alluded to the dangers of jewelry (Isaiah 3:16-23; Jeremiah 4:30; Ezekiel 23:40). Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. The high priests use of precious stones had a similar function, with the added dimension of worship (Exodus 28:17-38). Both psychology and common experience tell us that the male sex drive is often triggered by visual stimuli alone. Why is it important for Christians to maintain holiness in outward appearance? Actually this was the signet ring or seal, and served as the personal signature of its owner, and so was not usually worn as an ornament.19 According to The Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, finger rings were used to signify rank and seal rings worn on a cord or on the hand were used to seal documents.20 It says the ring worn by the prodigal son had this same general meaning. The other things mentioned all have valid purposes other than ornamentation or seduction, but makeup does not. (3) Jewelry w; is used as a wedding token, with the bride and groom adorning themselves for each other (Genesis 24:22, 47; Song of Solomon 1:10-17; Isaiah 61:10; Jeremiah 2:32). For whom is she adorning herself? .was unnatural, and therefore an abomination in the sight of God.5 The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, The distinction between man and woman should not be blurred by the ones appropriating the characteristic articles of the other (Deuteronomy 22:5). Homosexuality and prostitution were associated with pagan religions of that day, but was that the only reason God condemned those practices? * I Peter 3:3 is not an absolute prohibition on wearing of jewelry, for then it would prohibit all use of gold and all wearing of clothes. This verse tells women, Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes (NIV). The majority of scholars hold that verses 4-7 refer to a literal veil or covering of cloth. .Specially(a) opp. A: "Apostolic" refers to the apostles, the earliest followers of Jesus who were sent out to spread the Christian faith. We should seek to present ourselves as best we can using natural rather than artificial methods. "Kome" is the Greek noun translated "hair" in the phrase "for her hair is given her for a covering" (v. 15). A man ought not to have long hair. The Teaching of Paul: Is Divorce Compatible with Church Office? Long Hair!Check it out in today's video!!! (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1967), p. 225. Most churches require that skirts fall below the knee, but some require ankle or floor length skirts. Elizabeth Handford has elaborated on this subject: Clothing a woman puts on can affect how she feels. . God gave them a sense of shame so they would cover their bodies, thereby minimizing temptation for sexual sin in the future. A demon-possessed man tore the clothes off seven Jews who tried to exorcise him (Acts 19:13-17). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. God compared Babylons downfall to a womans shame in having her nakedness exposed, when she bares her leg and uncovers her thigh (Isaiah 47:1-3). They associate themselves with the worlds emphasis on sensuality, its focus on ego, and its blurring of sex roles. For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiff-necked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments. This objection also ignores New Testament support for distinction of male and female in appearance. The more accurate translation is probably articles of silver and gold. . * Immodest clothing, jewelry, and makeup appeal to the lust of the eyes, which is the second major area of worldliness. The immoral woman in Proverbs 7:10 wore the attire of a harlot. Holy Magic Hair: How Fundamentalist Christianity Gets Women To It is important for Christians to appear to be holy and godly in front of others. If Christians follow worldly fashions, they will often identify themselves with ungodliness. And when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window (II Kings 9:30, NKJV). He proves, citing example after example, there . 14 of The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (1957), pp. Peter wrote, Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. . When an entire society abandons Gods law, then the consequences become more obvious. Otherwise, if society condoned total nudity, Christians could walk around nude. The original word used was the Greek word aischron which refers to something that is a disgrace. However, this material may freely be used for personal study or purposes. Outward ostentation is not in keeping with a prayerful and devout attitude. . And that she has power on her head because of the angels. When Judahs daughter-in-law seduced him, she took off her widows garments and put on prostitutes garb (Genesis 38:14-19). . R.C. Excessive preoccupation with adornment, significant alteration of the natural physical appearance, and lavish expenditure of money on ornamentation all violate this principle. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel (I Peter 3:3). Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or cost-ly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works (I Timothy 2:8-10, NKJV). If clothing is modest and if there is a clear differentiation between male and female, the precise style of clothing in a particular culture is not important. They gave all their jewelry to God, to be melted down and used in construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:22). When David saw Bathsheba bathing, he yielded to the temptation to commit adultery (II Samuel 11:1-5). . Biblical Length for Women's Hair | Indiana Bible College Donald Guthrie, The Pastoral Epistles, Vol. The perceptions others have of us also affect the way we think about ourselves. Esther, however, desired and requested nothing, but used only what the kings eunuch (who had charge of her) selected (Esther 2:15). But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering (I Corinthians 11:14-15). Applying principles of Christian liberty, a Christian woman of that day should not have worn a knee-length dress, for this would have brought reproach upon her and her Lord. unmarried, she should seek to attract those interested in true beauty rather than in false, transient trappings. .Prostitutes went unveiled.1 Therefore, the Christian women of Corinth were not supposed to exercise their Christian liberty to flaunt local custom and dress like prostitutes, adulterers, or un-submissive women. The Israelites melted down earrings and made a golden calf to worship (Exodus 32:2-4). If women find themselves in an activity so masculine that they are forced to wear pants, they should reevalute their own sex role in life. Both toleration and caution are necessary in this area. . Some things classified as jewelry actually have a valid purpose other than adornment, such as watches. In that day the Lord will take away the finery: the jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents; the pendants, the bracelets, and the veils; the headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the head-bands; the perfume boxes, the charms, and the rings; the nose jewels, the festal apparel, and the mantles; the outer garments, the purses, and the mirrors; the fine linen, the turbans, and the robes (Isaiah 3:16-23, NKJV). Which is a shame to her and as though she is praying uncovered. ////////////////////* Don't forget to pick up some AWESOME Yapa Apparel! We should not place undue emphasis on physical beauty, but should accept whatever God has given us. Theologians have interpreted I Corinthians 11:1-16 in one of two ways. Moderation in cost is an important scriptural concept. Instead of accepting themselves for what they are and what God wants them to be, many mistakenly try to fight nature. In cold weather, women can dress as warmly as men by using hose, stockings, leotards, long skirts, or leg warmers. Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shone unto him? . Furthermore, there is a qualitative difference between smell and sight. Christians should avoid outward adornment (decoration or ornamentation). Jewelry, makeup, and very expensive clothing are poor investments. * Our culture now accepts the use of makeup; the negative connotations of makeup no longer exist. Perhaps society does not associate makeup with harlotry as it used to, but does this mean God no longer thinks of those associations? .but to maintain the sanctity of that distinction of These differences were significant enough for one to ascertain a persons gender from far away, as the story of Rebekah and Isaac indicates (Genesis 24:64-65). Many times what we wear helps to mold their expectations as well as our own. Now I know that some of you think I am taking my liberty here with the meaning of shorn. When Jacob went back to Bethel to renew his relationship with God, he disposed of all the idols and earrings belonging to his family (Genesis 35:1-7). For example, golds inertness and the diamonds hardness make them very valuable for many industrial uses.