Appearance & Clothing

Answer: Tattooing has been around for centuries and this practice has enjoyed a popular resurgence, especially among young people, in recent years. The reasons vary. Some get tattoos to show independence and rejection of parental values. Others get them because of peer pressure or because they believe they are stylish—a type of body adornment and beautification.

As for God's instruction regarding tattoos, the Bible does not specifically address the modern practice of tattooing as body adornment. While Leviticus 19:28 says, "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord," most scholars believe these practices were related to mourning for the dead. Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary's article on tattoos says, "Any kind of self-laceration or marking of the body was prohibited among the Hebrew people. Such cuttings were associated with pagan cults that tattooed their followers while they mourned the dead" (1986).

Apparently, these people cut themselves and disfigured their bodies as a way of appeasing the anger of their gods and hoping to find some help for the deceased. God did not want His people getting involved in these pagan rituals because these practices led people away from Him. While death is always a sad time, God's people are not to "…sorrow as others who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

While it is unlikely that people today get tattoos to mourn the dead, there are other biblical principles that indicate that getting a tattoo is inappropriate for Christians.

Several scriptures instruct Christians to take special care of their bodies. For example, 1 Corinthians 3:17 says, "If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." Also, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 adds that our bodies belong to God, and that we are to glorify Him in body and spirit.

Unfortunately, dangerous diseases have been transmitted by improper sanitation of the needles used in tattooing. An article in the USA Weekend magazine of Aug. 5, 2001, quotes a study by the University of Texas showing that those who have been tattooed are nine times more likely to be infected with hepatitis C, a dangerous virus. The study urged those who have been tattooed in the last 10 years to be checked for the disease because it is often dormant for years before being detected. The dyes used in the tattooing process may also be detrimental to one's health ( Health Risks Warning on Body Art Dyes, 2003, www.ghchealth.com/health-risks-warning-on-body-art.html).

King Solomon provides an additional lesson to be considered before making an important decision, saying, "The end of a thing is better than its beginning" (Ecclesiastes 7:8). In other words, consider how you will feel about the decision years later.

For people who get tattoos when they are young, many later regret their decision. It is "estimated that between 17-50% eventually regret having their body tattoo" (www.tattooremovalinstitute.com/index.html). Many of these people eventually undergo operations to have their tattoos removed but these procedures are not always successful. Scarring and skin variations commonly remain.

Finally, we should bear in mind that God wants Christians to come out of and be separate from the world around us (2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4). We are to reflect God's values and His thinking. Because of these reasons, we strongly advise that people do not get tattoos. If a person already has a tattoo before becoming a Christian, he is not required to have it removed.

Answer: Piercings for both men and women have become common in many cultures today. While women have been piercing their ears in order to wear earrings for quite some time, it has recently become popular in much of Western society for both males and females not only to pierce their ears but other body parts as well. Some feel it is stylish to have a piercing for a ring or jewel.

Yet many who get piercings don't consider that styles and fads change and that piercings can leave small but permanent scars long after the fad has passed, or after one changes his or her mind about the style. Additionally, piercings can become infected and may even have other serious repercussions on one's health—especially when a piercing is not done in clinically clean conditions.

The Bible records that both men and women wore earrings (Genesis 35:1-4; Exodus 32:1-3), but there is no comment here as to whether this practice was appropriate for people of God. These passages simply record that this was the custom at the time. Both scriptures represent adornment—the first showing that earrings represented idols and the second showing how the earrings were used to fashion an idol.

We also find that having one's ear pierced became a sign that Hebrew slaves, both men and women, had voluntarily chosen to continue as slaves for the rest of their lives (Deuteronomy 15:12-17). This situation appears to have just been a piercing—without the wearing of metal or jewelry.

Later, in describing Israel as His bride, God said, "I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your wrists, and a chain on your neck. And I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate pastry of fine flour, honey, and oil. You were exceedingly beautiful, and succeeded to royalty" (Ezekiel 16:11-13).

So we see that biblical history shows the use of earrings and piercings of the ear represented a variety of concepts ranging from identification with an idol to a sign of voluntary slavery, and even to adornment of a bride in marriage.

Today, even though a growing number of young and old accept piercings as a way of looking good and being acceptable to their friends and peers, there are also negative meanings regarding piercings that can also be conveyed, especially when it comes to men wearing earrings and the piercing of other body parts.

Consider how the modern practice developed. In some Western societies, such as the United States, earrings for men in the 1960s and subsequent decades were a symbol of support for a counterculture movement symbolizing rebellion against societal standards. More often than not, the men who wore an earring were supporting antiestablishment ideals, homosexuality and the unisex movement—all of which contradict God's instructions (Exodus 20:12; Romans 13:1; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 11:1-11; Deuteronomy 22:5).

Today, piercing parts of the body not customarily pierced (tongue, eyebrow, navel, etc.) can also represent rebellion against parents and previous standards, conforming to new standards of our changing world and extremism.

Because of the variety of reasons (both good and bad) that people have for piercings and the mixed messages that can be sent, the issue of whether or not to have a piercing is a complex question. As Christians, we have to look at biblical principles related to the motives behind getting a piercing and the messages we may send to others.

Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:9-10 that women should "adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works." While the meaning behind this passage does not prohibit the wearing of gold or jewelry, it does indicate that women professing to be Christians should be careful to exhibit modesty, propriety and moderation in their appearance.

Similar to the above instruction to women, Paul wrote to both sexes: "…do not be conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2). John, in writing the final book of the New Testament—which was the "Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 1:1)—records a voice from heaven warning believers to "Come out of her, my people, that you may not participate in her sins and that you may not receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities” (Revelation 18:4-5, New American Standard).

Thus both men and women who want to model Christian values must be careful not to give others the impression that they reject authority, that they support immorality, that they are immodest or that their goal is to conform to the world and its standards. Instead, our appearance should portray Christian godliness—not the standards of the world. In 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (Bible in Simple English), Paul explains it like this: "Stay away from every kind of evil—even from what looks like evil." By doing this we follow Christ's command to be lights to the world around us (Matthew 5:14-16).

Another important principle to keep in mind is God's command to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12). If your parents don't approve of you getting a piercing, then to honor them as God instructs, don't get one. As long as our parents' instruction does not contradict God's law, we should heed their advice (Jeremiah 35).

While the motives and the impressions given by piercings will vary according to the individual and the culture in which he or she lives, our goal as Christians should be to live the finest examples of godly modesty and balance in all areas of life. For further study, please see "You Want to Pierce Your What?" by Eric Evans in our Vertical Thought archives.

Answer: The intended purpose for such a symbol was certainly sincere in that we should consider what Jesus would do in any given situation. However, as with any commercial endeavor, one might wonder why the name of Jesus Christ is being used to make money, especially considering how Peter freely gave the lame man the power to walk in the name of Christ (Acts 3:1-8).

Nevertheless, should we use such a symbol? Will it really help us to do what is right? Following are a few things to consider.

God does use physical reminders to help us understand His plan and to keep His laws. The Sabbath is a weekly reminder that God is our Creator. God's Holy Days remind us of God's plan of salvation through Christ. Wine is used as a symbol of Christ's blood during the Passover service. Unleavened bread is a reminder that we are to quit sinning and keep God's Word. But we use or keep most of these reminders on an annual basis. The Sabbath is kept once every seven days. Physical reminders are only helpful if they are fresh. Otherwise they become meaningless. Even our prayers are to be unique daily.

The same daily prayer or the same daily symbol becomes vain repetition (Matthew 6:7). In other words, it becomes meaningless and negates the very purpose intended in the first place.

Orthodox Jews have taken literally the scripture that states God's Word "shall be as frontlets between your eyes" (Deuteronomy 6:10). If you visit the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, you will see scores of men with little boxes containing the Ten Commandments attached to their foreheads. Such reminders on heads, signs on bumper stickers or slogans on T-shirts have yet to change the hearts of mankind.

The only sure way to follow "what Jesus would do" is to have the inner conviction of what sin, righteousness and judgment truly are (John 16:8). Power of conviction comes only through God's Spirit. That which is inside the forehead, not outside the forehead (or on a T-shirt), really makes the difference. God promised to move His Commandments from stones (or, by analogy, plaques, paper, bracelets, necklaces, bumper stickers and T-shirts) to mankind's heart through the Holy Spirit. This is what we now call the New Covenant (Hebrews 10:16). The apostle Peter declared the promise of that Spirit is also to our young people (Acts 2:39).

And guess what? That Spirit really is our daily reminder of WWJD. Notice Romans 8:9-10, "But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." Isn't it much better to have the very mind of Christ in us, convicting us of what to do and what not to do, rather than just using the slogan "WWJD"?

Answer: The Bible has much to say about being sincere in our worship of God. Deuteronomy 4:29, for example, instructs us to seek God with all our heart. In ancient times people would tear their clothing to show humility, sorrow or respect to God. In Joel 2:13, God told them to rend their hearts instead of their garments. This teaches us that God is most concerned about how we think. Our attitude is the critical factor. The point is that people can dress a certain way to give an appearance of righteousness, but still not really be devoted to God. Though some clothing does have catchy, biblical messages, which are far better than the messages on many shirts, wearing them doesn't prove your inner attitude.

So how can we make sure of our sincerity toward God? One way is through prayer. In Psalm 51:10, David asked God to create in him a "clean heart." David realized that he had sinned and came to God for forgiveness. We can do the same. We can also tell God of our sincerity and ask Him to help us concentrate on the important spiritual matters each day. Bible study is another way we can make sure we keep God's perspective in mind. Those who study and pray on a regular basis are ones who preserve and build a sustained relationship with God.

Answer: Parties are not necessarily wrong. Some parties can be quite enjoyable and in line with God's intentions. The real key to deciding whether to attend is asking yourself, "What kind of party is it?" If the parties you are referring to will be hosted by people who encourage drug usage or alcohol for minors, it is best not to go. Attending such parties can only lead to more difficulties or trouble for a young person striving to serve God.

Clothing is linked to our culture and is affected by current fads. Because God advises us to practice moderation (1 Timothy 2:9) and live holy lives (Ephesians 1:4), it is best that our clothing be modest and that it not be worn to draw undue attention to the person.

There are many clothing styles that are modest as well as attractive and functional. Of course, there are also clothing styles that reflect very immodest tastes and these should be avoided. Also, according to Deuteronomy 22:5, individuals should wear clothing that is typical for their gender (male or female).

Answer: The wearing of jeans or denim slacks is acceptable in most Western societies today. Of course, the activity or occasion one wears them to can be an issue. Some clothing is appropriate for some activities, and less so for others. The style and "fit" of jeans can also vary greatly, as well. Very frayed jeans or extremely tight-fitting jeans or slacks can be immodest and, thus, inappropriate. One should also always comply with parents' wishes on what clothing they feel is appropriate, as well.

Answer: Some have interpreted 1 Corinthians 11:5 to mean that women should wear a hat (or similar covering) when praying. However, the following verse, by using the words "shaven" and "shorn" indicates that this covering is a woman's own hair. As we continue reading through verse 16, we see that it is God's expectation that men have short hair and women have long hair. Verse 15 also explains that long hair is this covering and a glory for women. For men, not being covered means having short hair.

Answer: The Bible was written as a guide to all peoples in all societies for all time. As such, it does not focus a lot on specific styles of clothing, which can vary widely from one culture to the next.

The Bible does, however, reveal that God cares how we dress—as we explained in the October-December 2002 issue of Youth United. We are happy to see you have some concern about pleasing God in what you wear. If you havent read that issue, you can access it through our online archives (www.verticalthought.org/issues/).

When it comes to dress, the overriding principle is modesty. In 1 Peter 3:3-4 were told that a Christian woman should be known for her beautiful heart and helpful attitude as opposed to fancy clothes.

This passage says, "Your beauty must not be the outer beauty of fancy hairdos, wearing gold jewelry, or expensive clothes. Instead, it should be the hidden personality of the heart with a gentle and quiet spirit that lasts and lasts. This is very valuable before God" (Simple English translation).

While this verse does not directly address clothing styles, it shows where the emphasis should be. Instead of focusing on the latest provocative clothing styles to draw attention to oneself, a Christian woman should focus on the "inner beauty."

God was more specific when He inspired Paul to write, "In the same way, I want the women to dress modestly" (1 Timothy 2:9, Simple English translation). To be modest means "having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent; [such as] ‘a modest neckline on a dress" (The Random House Unabridged Dictionary).

The article "What Your Appearance Says About You," from the Youth United issue mentioned above, says: "Modesty refers primarily to a genuine personal concern about the response your dress and behavior produce in the heart and mind of another person. A godly womans clothing should properly cover her body (Genesis 3:21) in such a way (fashion) as to cause no problems in the thoughts of the men around her. Tight-fitting, revealing or suggestive clothing on a woman can advertise loose morals, poor taste or immaturity and send the wrong message to the opposite sex."

These principles should be the foundation for any choice in clothing—whether speaking of a dress, slacks, skirt, blouse, shorts or a bathing suit.

To specifically answer the question, we believe Christians can wear shorts and bathing suits provided these types of clothing are modest and in keeping with the cultural standards of the area in which the person lives.