I have long hair...am I sinning??

[Sword-In-Hand]

1st Corinthians 11: 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?

Ok, I am a male, who has shoulder length hair. My wife and I just surrendered to family and marriage ministry, and I'm wondering how much appearance matters? I have known about the above verse for years, but it is mentioned along with head coverings that men aren't supposed to wear, but that women are. Does this verse mean that long hair on a man is wrong...period? Or is it referring to men who grow their hair long to make themselves appear woman-like? Honestly I don't want to cut my hair, but if it makes one person stumble, then I'll do it immediately. Does anyone have any answers to this situation?

[FreeinChrist]

I really doubt that Jesus had a buzz-cut. :)


This is what Matthew Henry wrote:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/c/1124599552-6716.html
VI. He enforces his argument from the natural covering provided for the woman (v. 13–15): "Judge in yourselves—consult your own reason, hearken to what nature suggests—is it comely for a woman to pray to God uncovered? Should there not be a distinction kept up between the sexes in wearing their hair, since nature has made one? Is it not a distinction which nature has kept up among all civilized nations? The woman’s hair is a natural covering; to wear it long is a glory to her; but for a man to have long hair, or cherish it, is a token of softness and effeminacy.’’ Note, It should be our concern, especially in Christian and religious assemblies, to make no breach upon the rules of natural decency.


Now keep in mind that Matthew Henry had hair longer than shoulder length. :)

I really think Paul is addressing a particular problem with the Corinthians.

[arunma]

Even if Paul is talking about a divine ordinance, we've got to consider what Paul means by long hair. Being a Jew, he himself would have had reasonably long hair. It seems to me that maintaining gender differences is the important issue here.

Speaking of divine ordinances, there aren't that many of them in the New Testament. Unlike the Torah, the New Testament isn't a book of laws. The Gospels, and in a sense even the epistles, are stories. They record historical events; in this case, Paul has recorded a conversation he had with the Corinthians by letter. Rather than reading these things as we would laws from the Torah, we should ask ourselves how the text applies to us. In other words, if Paul were alive today, would he chastize Christians who have long hair? As long as they don't try to look like members of the opposite sex, I don't think he would.

[Theophorus]

If you never cut it, you are OK, but if you trim it but keep it long...

[arunma]

If you never cut it, you are OK, but if you trim it but keep it long...

Are you sure about that? I honestly don't see anything wrong with long hair. Paul even tells us to judge for ourselves.

[Theophorus]

Are you sure about that? I honestly don't see anything wrong with long hair. Paul even tells us to judge for ourselves.

I am sure about the first part, the second part, no I am not sure about it. ;)

[Sword-In-Hand]

I guess my real problem is how seriously would I be taken, since I'm a Southern Baptist and many, many SB's are traditionalists, as in traditions their grandfather's gave them.

Is it on me, or the other person who says to themselves, "I'd rather not seek counselling from this man, cause he looks like a hippie!"

[arunma]

As much as I like Southern Baptists, this is one thing I think the SBC needs to work on. It's not right to adhere to the traditions of men if they do not glorify God.

[Sword-In-Hand]

As much as I like Southern Baptists, this is one thing I think the SBC needs to work on. It's not right to adhere to the traditions of men if they do not glorify God.

True, very true.

[aReformedPatriot]

As much as I like Southern Baptists, this is one thing I think the SBC needs to work on. It's not right to adhere to the traditions of men if they do not glorify God.

Well, tis not really a tradition if it comes from scripture. ;)

SIH, At this juncture I am not comfortable at saying one way or the other what the answer is. I do like what Arunma said above that "It seems to me that maintaining gender differences is the important issue here." I would have a tough time disputing that. I would say that if you look like a man, and are not trying to be feminine, you are ok. As for all SB's being legalists about the subject one should visit The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, at about as conservative as it gets, there are men running around here with longer hair (its not ridiculous, but its here). Personally, I like short hair, so I would say cut it to placate me, and to cover your bases scripturally :P afterall, a wise man once said "it is better to be safe than sorry" (just remember not to set up obsured oral laws though, like the jews of old did).

Peace in Christ,
Mark

[Sword-In-Hand]

Well, tis not really a tradition if it comes from scripture. ;)

SIH, At this juncture I am not comfortable at saying one way or the other what the answer is. I do like what Arunma said above that "It seems to me that maintaining gender differences is the important issue here." I would have a tough time disputing that. I would say that if you look like a man, and are not trying to be feminine, you are ok. As for all SB's being legalists about the subject one should visit The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, at about as conservative as it gets, there are men running around here with longer hair (its not ridiculous, but its here). Personally, I like short hair, so I would say cut it to placate me, and to cover your bases scripturally :P afterall, a wise man once said "it is better to be safe than sorry" (just remember not to set up obsured oral laws though, like the jews of old did).

Peace in Christ,
Mark

There's really men with long hair at SBTS? That honestly surprises me lol. I had a friend talk to me on the phone today about trying to attend Clear Creek Bible college in Kentucky, but they said for him not to even fill out an application until he cut his hair! Good stuff.

If it's wrong on the pretenses that it can make a man look like a woman I think I'm ok ;) . I'm 6' tall, weigh 215 and am pretty stocky. So if I am mistaken for a woman, then the guy looking needs some glasses lol.

Thanks for all the answers so far btw.

[MagusAlbertus]

No.



13Judge for yourselves: judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

Yes, absolutely, no problem with this at all!



16If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.

Maybe you go to an SBC unlike mine, but ware I’m from the women with short hair don’t cover there heads in order to pray.

Now, if you feel “disgraced” then you get a hair cut.. otherwise I see not being a hypocrite as a great tool for witness.



Trying to insert legalisms into the new testament is like trying to write the importance of Jesus out.

That said, clearly don’t let it become a point of contention, someone says it’s not right I suggest you offer a counter argument, if they stick to it then submit.

[Willo]

I think if it offends a brother, or causes them to stumble then cut it off.

[aReformedPatriot]

There's really men with long hair at SBTS?

Like I said, its not extremely long but it is around. I do not think they have a rule against it though. They have rules against earings on men which is not allowed at all.

[ZiSunka]

Does your wife cover her head? I mean, you have to look at the whole passage, not just the verses about men having long hair.

If you cut your hair because of this passage of the Bible, then your wife has to cover her head. You can't do one without the other because if you have decided to practice ceremonial custom and cut your hair, then you have to practice all of it and your wife has to start wearing a veil.

Doesn't Paul say it is HIS custom, and not a commandment from the Lord for a man to cut his hair and a woman to wear a veil???

[ZiSunka]

1 Imitate me as I imitate Christ. 2 I praise you for always thinking about me and for carefully following the traditions that I handed down to you. 3 However, I want you to realize that Christ has authority over every man, a husband has authority over his wife, and God has authority over Christ. 4 Every man who covers his head when he prays or speaks what God has revealed dishonors the one who has authority over him. 5 Every woman who prays or speaks what God has revealed and has her head uncovered while she speaks dishonors the one who has authority over her. She is like the woman who has her head shaved. 6 So if a woman doesn't cover her head, she should cut off her hair. If it's a disgrace for a woman to cut off her hair or shave her head, she should cover her head. 7 A man should not cover his head. He is God's image and glory. The woman, however, is man's glory....

13 Judge your own situation. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Doesn't nature itself teach you that it is disgraceful for a man to have long hair? 15 Doesn't it teach you that it is a woman's pride to wear her hair long? Her hair is given to her in place of a covering. 16 If anyone wants to argue about this [they can't, because] we don't have any custom like this--nor do any of the churches of God.

When you think about it, this doesn't make any sense at all, because Paul states that a man dishonors God by praying with his head covered, but a woman dishonors her husband by praying with her head uncovered. How can something that honors God, dishonor a husband?

And what do you do with women like me, I have no husband to dishonor. Do I still have to cover my head? Should my unmarried friend Joe grow long hair because he doesn't have a wife? No! It's just silly, and it's all Paul's custom and not a commandment from the Lord, all based on Paul's personal culture of the time. See, back then, the land was dominated by the Romans and Roman men kept their hair short because it kept them ready for military action at any moment (men going to war keep their hair short so their long hair doesn't harbor pests or get in their way, plus back then they had only hand-to-hand combat and long hair gave the enemy a handle to hold the other person in place while they killed him), but today we don't live in a moment-by-moment hand-to-hand combat and we are much much cleaner so long hair doesn't always mean you have lice. Plus, back then, the men with long hair were mostly the insane, the rebellious and the lazy, none of which are things you want people to think about followers of Christ. It would be like, say, having dirty clothes and wild, dirty hair while preaching the Good News. People would get the wrong idea. So by recommending short hair on men, Paul was saying that we need to fit into the culture and not walk around looking strange.

So, if you cut your hair or keep it long, that's between you, your wife and God.

[Willo]

That statement, by Paul, referred to a certain group of people at a certain time, addressing a specific situation. It does not apply to us today.

That is a shakey argument, because one could then say that the whole epistle to the Corinthians is only for back then, that means we can question any parts that we disagree with, and write it off as being for that certain culture, and not for today.

I notice that you go under tha banner of pentecostal, now if we can apply the same principle you just applied, we can say that the spiritual gifts Paul mentions were only for those in the church at Corinth, and not for today.( I am yet to find a pentecostal that agrees with that).

The fact remains we cannot question scripture, and interpret if it applies to us today, alot of liberal doctrines have come out of that theroy.

Take Gods' word for what it means, and don't ride of things you don't like as being not relevant for today.

[arunma]

Take Gods' word for what it means, and don't ride of things you don't like as being not relevant for today.

Fair enough. Personally, I'm in favor of taking the New Testament at face value (except when the author's intent doesn't support such a view, of course). But what do you make of this text?

For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell." (Acts 15:28-29)
Do you ensure that your meat wasn't strangled? And do you thoroughly cook the blood out of your steak? After all, if we take God's word for what it means, then these verses cannot be dismissed either. James addressed them specifically to Gentiles, after all. I happen to be a vegetarian, so this instructions don't really concern me (except for the idolatry and sexual immorality). But how are those who eat meat supposed to take these instructions? Should we ask them to abstain from undercooked steak?

[Willo]

Do you ensure that your meat wasn't strangled? And do you thoroughly cook the blood out of your steak? Yeah, if you know how animals are killed and prepared, you would be aware that they are not strangled. Plus in the greek the word used there is refering to those animals that don't have their blood drained.

As for making sure it is cooked so no blood is in, I personally cannot stand meat that is still red, so it has to be well done.

[Willo]

"Would He have a problem with that today?"

Its that line of thought that makes sin rampant today.

satans first lie in the bible was 'Did God really say', and it is clear that line of thought is alive and well in studies today.

[arunma]

Yeah, if you know how animals are killed and prepared, you would be aware that they are not strangled. Plus in the greek the word used there is refering to those animals that don't have their blood drained.

As for making sure it is cooked so no blood is in, I personally cannot stand meat that is still red, so it has to be well done.

Fair enough.

[MrJim]

Doesn't Paul say it is HIS custom, and not a commandment from the Lord for a man to cut his hair and a woman to wear a veil???

I would have to disagree here.

Are there any other passages in any of the epistles that we can say are the "human author's" opinion and not the word of God? Particularly in what seems to be an otherwise didactic passage that goes from the covering to communion?

[Willo]

1Co 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

1Co 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.



1Co 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.



Lets post the scripture here, and let it speak for itself

[arunma]

I would have to disagree here.

Are there any other passages in any of the epistles that we can say are the "human author's" opinion and not the word of God? Particularly in what seems to be an otherwise didactic passage that goes from the covering to communion?

Well, Paul is pretty good about specifically stating when he gives his own opinion. For example, Paul says that it is his opinion that the children of interfaith marriages are holy.

But there are two problems. First of all, there's no indication here that Paul's statement is his own opinion (at least not that I can tell). Secondly, even if he were giving his opinion, shouldn't the opinion of an apostle be considered divinely inspired?

[BBAS 64]

1st Corinthians 11: 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?

Ok, I am a male, who has shoulder length hair. My wife and I just surrendered to family and marriage ministry, and I'm wondering how much appearance matters? I have known about the above verse for years, but it is mentioned along with head coverings that men aren't supposed to wear, but that women are. Does this verse mean that long hair on a man is wrong...period? Or is it referring to men who grow their hair long to make themselves appear woman-like? Honestly I don't want to cut my hair, but if it makes one person stumble, then I'll do it immediately. Does anyone have any answers to this situation?

Good Day, Sword in Hand

YES YOU ARE... you are causing a brother "me" to fall, because I do not have enough hair to be viewed as having "long" hair.. :D :P

ENVY!!


Peace to u,

Bill

[Sword-In-Hand]

Good Day, Sword in Hand

YES YOU ARE... you are causing a brother "me" to fall, because I do not have enough hair to be viewed as having "long" hair.. :D :P

ENVY!!


Peace to u,

Bill

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Baldness, although my wife swears that I have nothing to worry about, is one reason I let it grow long. I do like long hair, and I might not have it forever, so that's why I grew it out lol.

[MbiaJc]

1st Corinthians 11: 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?

Ok, I am a male, who has shoulder length hair. My wife and I just surrendered to family and marriage ministry, and I'm wondering how much appearance matters? I have known about the above verse for years, but it is mentioned along with head coverings that men aren't supposed to wear, but that women are. Does this verse mean that long hair on a man is wrong...period? Or is it referring to men who grow their hair long to make themselves appear woman-like? Honestly I don't want to cut my hair, but if it makes one person stumble, then I'll do it immediately. Does anyone have any answers to this situation?

Sword-In-Hand you are inteligent enough to know what that verse is saying. If God gave the woman long hair for a covering, and then says for a man not to come before the Lord with his head covered. You know the answer to your question, you just don't won't to admit it.

[Richard]

As much as I like Southern Baptists, this is one thing I think the SBC needs to work on. It's not right to adhere to the traditions of men if they do not glorify God.

What traditions do you speak of? I'm SBC and I am unaware of such tradition.

[Sword-In-Hand]

What traditions do you speak of? I'm SBC and I am unaware of such tradition.

I'm SBC, and our church is different than most others in the county, but here is what I see as alot of SBC church traditions.

1. Sunday School must be taught through a man made book. (I hate those Sunday School books :) )

2. If there's not a comittee to see if the committees are running correctly, then there should be an immediate call to the deacon board to make a committee to see about the comittee that is supposed to look over the committees.

3. Two--no more or less--Hymns MUST be sung. One before announcements and the other before offerings. Failure to do so will result in everyone forfeiting their salvation.

4. Lifting up hands and singing praises to God quenches rather than invites His Spirit.

5. Any song sung in church other than a hymn or possibly some Southern Gospel song is considered heresy to the church.

6. Men will not be called on to pray if they have "long hair", wear bluejeans to Sunday morning worship or don't pray the same prayer they've prayed for the last 30 years.

7. If you preach on sin, preach somewhere else. For some reason getting sin preached at people makes them feel bad instead of all warm and tingly. Imagine that:thumbsup:

8. Pastors must preach what the congregation wants to hear, rather than what the pastor has heard God give him.

9. If anything different is done inside the church walls, that hasn't been seen before, then the person involved needs to be removed and anyone else who helps people get out of their comfort zone.

That's just some of the traditions I've seen in churches in my area. Some are outright outlandish, but nevertheless, people are stupid and we continue to prove that every day.

Tradition is the Golden Calf of our era.....think about it.

[Richard]

1. Sunday School must be taught through a man made book. (I hate those Sunday School books :) )
I don't mind these, we usually get off topic, or simply don't use the book.

2. If there's not a comittee to see if the committees are running correctly, then there should be an immediate call to the deacon board to make a committee to see about the comittee that is supposed to look over the committees.
This is the funny thing about SBC churches ;).


3. Two--no more or less--Hymns MUST be sung. One before announcements and the other before offerings. Failure to do so will result in everyone forfeiting their salvation.

Don't mind.


4. Lifting up hands and singing praises to God quenches rather than invites His Spirit.
Really ? My churche does this alot. Even my pastor.

5. Any song sung in church other than a hymn or possibly some Southern Gospel song is considered heresy to the church.
A joke?


6. Men will not be called on to pray if they have "long hair", wear bluejeans to Sunday morning worship or don't pray the same prayer they've prayed for the last 30 years.

Not true in my church


7. If you preach on sin, preach somewhere else. For some reason getting sin preached at people makes them feel bad instead of all warm and tingly. Imagine that:thumbsup:
lol, funny never seen it though.

8. Pastors must preach what the congregation wants to hear, rather than what the pastor has heard God give him.

Not true within my church


9. If anything different is done inside the church walls, that hasn't been seen before, then the person involved needs to be removed and anyone else who helps people get out of their comfort zone.

lol


That's just some of the traditions I've seen in churches in my area. Some are outright outlandish, but nevertheless, people are stupid and we continue to prove that every day.

Different Churches I suppose, most aren't involved with my SBC CHurch ;)

[JPPT1974]

Hey I am cutting my hair. Not for religious purposes but because it is getting in my way. Plus, I will donate the hair hopefully to Locks of Love where they give underprivileged children operations for cancer.

[Sword-In-Hand]

Different Churches I suppose, most aren't involved with my SBC CHurch ;)

Then praise God lol, because you and I are fortunate. Those traditions I mentioned are not at my church, but others around our area. I'm weary about traditions, because that's usually doing it man's way instead of God. Jesus didn't like the Pharisees traditions at all.

[Sword-In-Hand]

Hey I am cutting my hair. Not for religious purposes but because it is getting in my way. Plus, I will donate the hair hopefully to Locks of Love where they give underprivileged children operations for cancer.

Hmm, thanks very much for posting that. If, and when I get my hair cut, I think I'll donate mine for this cause. Thanks!

[Fishin4Fun]

I use to have long hair. About 12 inches below the collar. My wife has always had longer hair than me though, and I never wore mine in an effimanate manner...so I don't see a problem. HTH

[eldermike]

This is a huge topic worthy of a whole bible study. Instructions to the churches were about making witnesses/disciples/followers of Christ. We internalize/personalize and put the focus on the church, that's not proper use of it. God's word is true, our understanding of it is the issue. Personally I think the church is becoming irrelevant in our culture. In an attempt to keep ourselves clean we are becoming legalists judges.

Long hair is fine, ink is fine when the heart conditions is rightly focused on Jesus. Long hair is wrong, a tie is wrong when the heart condition is focused on self.

A short hair cut and a suit is not a proper witness at a biker event. God is calling bikers to Him.
Head bangers are God's children, some of them are leading more people to Christ on a weekend than an entire local church does in a year.

Be careful of instructions in scripture, they are not about you, they are not about the outward, your comfort, your appearance, your wealth, your health, they are about God's kingdom.

1 Cor: 11 is about keeping traditions......for the sake of order. That concept applies today. I can't expect to preach in jeans to a church full of ties, it's dishonors my witness, hence, it's about God, not about me or you.

[novcncy]

I agree with the basis of ElderMike's post. A lot of people have mentioned how we aren't bound under the law, etc. etc. and they're right. We are to be living by the Spirit. We don't have laws etched in stone, but instead, we have the law of the indwelling of Holy Spirit, written on the fleshy tables of our hearts.

So although people have their individual opinions about hair, dress, etc. (I know one older pastor who thinks it's wrong to wear anything except a white dress shirt, :) ), and many folks have a hard time discerning cultural preferences from Biblical standards, we ultimately have to put our opinions and desires under subjection to God. I am aware that this could just be curiousity on your part, but I can't help but consider Paul's admonition to Timothy that a bishop must be blameless (beyond reproach), and wonder whether the Holy Spirit is convicting YOU that you need to cut your hair. It's possible that the Holy Spirit is working in the fleshy table of your heart. If He is, and you recognize that working, then you are indeed sinning by not doing it. Maybe you're just coming to realize what's going on, and if that's so, then I don't think you are sinning unless you continue to resist. And maybe I'm just full of it. :)

The bottom line is to simply make sure you are being led by the Spirit, and following that leading. Whether you keep your hair, or cut it, honestly do it to the Lord. I would recommend a careful and prolonged consideration of Romans 14. I wish you well in resolving this question.

[ZiSunka]

"For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

[SonOfThunder]

This is a huge topic worthy of a whole bible study. Instructions to the churches were about making witnesses/disciples/followers of Christ. We internalize/personalize and put the focus on the church, that's not proper use of it. God's word is true, our understanding of it is the issue. Personally I think the church is becoming irrelevant in our culture. In an attempt to keep ourselves clean we are becoming legalists judges.

Long hair is fine, ink is fine when the heart conditions is rightly focused on Jesus. Long hair is wrong, a tie is wrong when the heart condition is focused on self.

A short hair cut and a suit is not a proper witness at a biker event. God is calling bikers to Him.
Head bangers are God's children, some of them are leading more people to Christ on a weekend than an entire local church does in a year.

Be careful of instructions in scripture, they are not about you, they are not about the outward, your comfort, your appearance, your wealth, your health, they are about God's kingdom.

1 Cor: 11 is about keeping traditions......for the sake of order. That concept applies today. I can't expect to preach in jeans to a church full of ties, it's dishonors my witness, hence, it's about God, not about me or you.


Well put.

The Holy Spirit does the work, not the person...

I grew up dressing up and having an outward appearance that is ok within the congregation, but when we went door to door, we stood out.

I feel that God is worthy of my best, so I keep hair short and neat and also dress when I attend church (re-reading that seems like I might go naked) ;) what I mean is I dress up to honor God with my best, much like I would in attending a wedding, I dress up to honor the couple.

God sees your heart, He also sets up people before you, he isn't about to set you up with someone who has a narrow view of long hair. God is in control, not you.


James

[holyrokker]

I used to have very long hair, and often wore it in a pony-tail.

I cut it off about 15 years ago as I began to enter a new phase in life, work and ministry.

I had just turned 30 and decided to cut it so that I'd be taken more seriously.

It's just a hard fact of life that many people will not listen to others based solely on appearrance.

My advice - there is nothing "immoral" with you having long hair, but if you wish to have a more effective ministry, cut it.

[Leimeng]

Well, tis not really a tradition if it comes from scripture. ;)

SIH, At this juncture I am not comfortable at saying one way or the other what the answer is. I do like what Arunma said above that "It seems to me that maintaining gender differences is the important issue here." I would have a tough time disputing that. I would say that if you look like a man, and are not trying to be feminine, you are ok.

As for all SB's being legalists about the subject one should visit The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, at about as conservative as it gets, there are men running around here with longer hair (its not ridiculous, but its here). Personally, I like short hair, so I would say cut it to placate me, and to cover your bases scripturally :P afterall, a wise man once said "it is better to be safe than sorry" (just remember not to set up obsured oral laws though, like the jews of old did).


~ Quite honestly, some of the most effite, wimpish, feminine men I have ever met are 'conservative' short haired fundamentalist and baptists. They run around acting like little girls with little girl manners and trying to be a mommy's boy. Pathetic little creatures.
~ The average nazerene and semitic individual, as well as the average greek and roman had hair that was way past shoulder length. That would mostly likely include Jesus as well.
~ Traditionalism kills.
~ Continue to discuss amongst yourselves...

Peace,

Leimeng

Flatulo Ergo Sum ~~~

(***Insert Personal One Liner Here***)

[novcncy]

~ The average nazerene and semitic individual, as well as the average greek and roman had hair that was way past shoulder length. That would mostly likely include Jesus as well.
~ Traditionalism kills.


Time for some homework on Roman hairstyles.

These are conflicting points, at best.

Interesting post.