Many modern-day practices are thought to be banned in the Bible due to misinterpretations or cultural biases, leading to confusion about what is allowed. From eating pork to using social media, we aim to clear up some common myths by examining their historical contexts. Let’s explore how modern life aligns with or diverges from biblical guidelines.
Playing Cards
Contrary to popular belief, playing cards are not forbidden in the Bible because they were invented long after the biblical texts were written. However, the association of card games with gambling might have led to this misconception.
Eating Pork
While the Old Testament strictly prohibits the consumption of pork in Leviticus, this dietary restriction is addressed to the Israelites under the Mosaic Law. Jesus declared all foods clean in in Mark 7:19. Therefore, for Christians, eating pork is not forbidden.
Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol is not outright banned in the Bible; in fact, Jesus turned water into wine, indicating acceptance under certain circumstances. Proverbs 20:1 warns against drunkenness, not against moderate drinking. The Bible’s portrayal of wine as a common part of life in ancient times underlines its acceptance with moderation.
Dancing
The Bible references dance as a form of celebration and worship, as seen when David danced before the Ark of the Covenant. There is no scripture that explicitly bans dancing. The misconception likely arises from cultural or denominational interpretations that associate dancing with immorality.
Getting Tattoos
Leviticus 19:28 advises against tattoos in a specific cultural and religious context as a practice associated with pagan rites. However, this does not translate to a universal ban on tattoos for all times. Many Christians view this injunction as ceremonial law not applicable to modern believers.
Wearing Makeup
Makeup is nowhere mentioned as forbidden in the Bible. While verses like 1 Peter 3:3-4 encourage modesty in appearance, they do not prohibit enhancing beauty through cosmetics. The negative view of makeup in some religious circles stems more from cultural attitudes than explicit biblical commands.
Women Speaking in Church
1 Corinthians 14:34-35’s instructions for women to be silent in churches are often interpreted in light of cultural context in the Corinthian church. Elsewhere, women like Priscilla are noted as leaders in the early church. This suggests a more nuanced approach to women’s roles than a total prohibition.
Wearing Gold or Jewelry
The Bible advises modesty in 1 Timothy 2:9, but it does not forbid wearing jewelry or gold. The apostles’ concerns were about vanity, not the items themselves. Historically, jewelry has been worn by biblical figures without condemnation.
Celebrating Birthdays
There is no biblical ban on celebrating birthdays. The only mentions of birthdays in the Bible are in neutral or negative contexts, which may have influenced the view against them in some circles. However, celebrating the gift of life aligns with the Bible’s overarching themes.
Reading Fantasy Literature
While some caution against themes of magic and witchcraft, reading fantasy is not forbidden in the Bible since it was not around at the time. The key is discerning the influence such literature has on one’s faith and life.
Listening to Secular Music
Nowhere in the Bible is there a command against enjoying secular music. The Psalms themselves are poetic songs that cover a range of human emotions, not all explicitly religious. Critics often focus on lyrical content rather than the genre itself.
Practicing Yoga
Yoga, in its basic form as physical exercise, is not mentioned in the Bible. Concerns typically arise from its spiritual roots in Hinduism when considering its deeper practices. Many find that focusing on the physical aspects of yoga can be beneficial without conflicting with their faith.
Women Wearing Pants
The passage in Deuteronomy 22:5 regarding the wearing of gender-specific clothing is contextually bound to ancient Israelite culture. It does not provide a timeless directive against women wearing pants. Modern interpretations often reflect cultural norms rather than biblical mandates.
Drinking Coffee
Coffee is not mentioned in the scriptures. The general biblical guidelines about consumption pertain to moderation and avoiding addiction. Thus, drinking coffee is permissible within the framework of self-control.
Eating Shellfish
Like pork, shellfish were deemed unclean for the Israelites, but these dietary laws do not apply to Christian practice as stated in Acts 10:15. The prohibition was part of ceremonial purity laws specific to a certain time and people. Christians are free to eat shellfish without religious restrictions.
Having Long Hair (for Men)
1 Corinthians 11 discusses hair length in the context of cultural norms of the time. It does not mandate a specific hair length for all men throughout history. This topic is often interpreted through cultural lenses rather than strict biblical directives.
Getting Divorced
While the Bible generally discourages divorce, stating “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mark 10:9), it does provide exceptions, such as marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9). The biblical context suggests a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation wherever possible.
Watching Television
The Bible does not specifically mention television as it is a modern invention. The key scriptural advice pertains to guarding one’s heart and mind against harmful influences (Philippians 4:8). The content watched is more important than the medium itself.
Eating Fast Food
There are no dietary laws in the Bible that specifically ban fast food. Biblical dietary restrictions are primarily about cleanliness and ritual purity, not the speed or style of cuisine. Moderation and stewardship of the body are the guiding principles for dietary choices.
Playing Sports
Sports are not mentioned in the Bible. The Apostle Paul even uses athletic metaphors to describe spiritual perseverance and discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Participation in sports can be a healthy and enjoyable activity when balanced with other life responsibilities.
Using Social Media
The principles of honest communication, loving one’s neighbor, and avoiding gossip and slander apply to all forms of communication. Wise use of social media aligns with biblical teachings on responsible behavior.
Borrowing Money
While the Bible warns about the dangers of debt and the responsibilities of lending (Proverbs 22:7), it does not prohibit borrowing money. The emphasis is on wisdom, integrity in repayment, and not allowing debt to become a master.
Attending Theater Performances
Theater, as a form of artistic expression, is not forbidden by the Bible. Ancient cultures around the time of the New Testament, such as the Greeks and Romans, regularly engaged in theatrical events. Christian discernment is advised regarding the content of plays and performances to ensure they uphold moral values.
Wearing Bright Colors
Colors are used symbolically in the Bible, such as purple representing royalty and red symbolizing sacrifice, but these do not translate to prohibitions. Personal expression through fashion is a matter of cultural context and personal taste.
Working on Computers
The use of technology is not addressed in the Bible due to its historical context. The principles of diligent work and using one’s resources wisely can be applied to working with technology. It’s about harnessing such tools to improve life and serve others responsibly.
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