Pierced Ears: Fashion or Faith?
Okay, so I'm writing this as a study for a young woman who wants to get her ears pierced. This is a utilitarian post that I hope will help guide a conversation. However, this is not the final word on this topic nor an exhaustive or comprehensive treatment. How do we follow biblical wisdom without falling into legalism? Hopefully, this strikes a good balance.
And, yes, this topic overlaps with modesty, Christian liberty, and culture. So feel free to get out the tar and feathers—and don't forget the pitchforks. No, I’m kidding. Just debate in the comments, love Jesus, embrace and live out the gospel, show the fruits of the Spirit, and pursue a life that brings glory to God.
Here's how the format will go:
Argument #, followed by counter point, followed by rebuttal to the counter, counter point, rebuttal to the counter.
Arguments For Pierced Ears with Counter-Arguments:
Pro Piercing Argument #1- Cultural Context of Biblical Commands:
Laws against things like tattoos and piercings were specific to Israel's context and are fulfilled in Christ.
Counter-Points & Rebuttals:
Moral vs. Ceremonial Law: Matthew 5:17 (NKJV) states:
"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." Some laws reflect God's unchanging moral standards.
Rebuttal: While the law reflects God's unchanging character, the application of God’s laws must be applied in specific, biblical ways. Jesus did fulfill and abrogate the ceremonial laws. The burden of proof is on those who claim that a ceremonial law or principle is still binding on Christians today.
Holiness Principle: 1 Peter 1:16 (NKJV) says:
"Be holy, for I am holy." The underlying call to be set apart remains relevant.
Rebuttal: The desire for beauty is not the opposite of holiness. There seems to be an inherent cultural norm of women being adorned. In Psalm 45, the princess is brought to the king in a gown woven with strands of gold. If the image of a beautifully dressed (or pierced) woman were inherently sinful, the picture would break down. Most reformed theologians point to Jesus’s love for His bride, the church, and how He adorns her with the beauty of holiness. Beauty is not the opposite of holiness; it’s used as a picture of holiness, like a beautiful wife arrayed for her beloved.
Risk of Relativism: Dismissing laws could lead to ignoring important biblical principles.
Rebuttal: The argument for appropriately displayed beauty does not need to, and must not, spiral into moral relativism. The commands for modesty are part of the law of Christ. To say a law has been abrogated by Christ is not to say all laws have been abrogated.
Pro Piercing Argument #2 - Positive Biblical References to Jewelry:
Biblical Reference: Ezekiel 16:12 (NKJV) states:
"And I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head."
Explanation: This suggests acceptance of adornment, including earrings.
Counter Points & Rebuttals:
Symbolic Language: The passage is metaphorical, illustrating God's relationship with Israel.
Rebuttal: Linguistically, all metaphors must have some true reference. God’s showing His love for His people by adorning them with beauty works because a husband loves to see his wife as beautiful and adorned.
Not Prescriptive: Descriptive accounts don’t necessarily endorse practices.
Rebuttal: While descriptive texts are not normative, they do illustrate truth. The truth expressed in this story is God’s pleasure in His people, expressed by His adorning them. Thus, adornment doesn’t seem inherently wrong.
A Potential for Idolatry: Isaiah 3:16-18 (NKJV) warns:
"Moreover the LORD says: 'Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks... Therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion.'" Jewelry can become a distraction from devotion to God.
Rebuttal: All lawful things can become sinful. One can sin with food through gluttony—does that mean we should stop eating? One can get drunk from alcohol—does that mean Christians should take a vow of abstinence? One can be tempted to speed while driving—should a Christian sell their car to avoid that temptation?
Pro Piercing Argument #3 - Freedom in Christ:
Biblical Reference: Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) proclaims:
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."
Explanation: Believers have the freedom to choose practices like piercing under Christian liberty.
Counter-Argument:
Abuse of Freedom: Galatians 5:13 (NKJV) cautions:
"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Rebuttal: My sin is my sin, and your sin is your sin. A Christian is ultimately responsible before the judgment seat of Christ for their own thoughts, words, and deeds. If a Christian is not intentionally seeking to make another stumble, and yet they do, is it not the one who stumbles' heart that is the problem? This passage is also used regarding the ceremonial law. There is Christian freedom, but it must be used in love.
Edification Over Freedom: 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NKJV) says:
"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify."
Rebuttal: While some women may use lawful adornment in an ungodly way, it can also be used for edification. A bride is adorned in a beautiful dress to show the beauty of the church. A bride may braid her hair to display the beauty that God created in her. A woman may wear clothes seeking to glorify God, even though others may lust or judge. Was it her intent for them to stumble? If not, her beauty was meant for edification, not destruction.
Consideration for Others: Romans 14:13 (NKJV) advises:
"Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way."
Rebuttal: This passage is about Christian liberty. Paul adjusted his behavior in different circumstances out of love for others. There are times when it’s appropriate to dress down or avoid certain adornments out of love (no one wants to out dress the bride at the wedding). But this is a matter of personal liberty before the Lord.
Pro Piercing Argument #4 - Ear Piercing as a Sign of Commitment:
Biblical Reference: Exodus 21:5-6 (NKJV) describes:
"But if the servant plainly says, 'I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,' then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl, and he shall serve him forever."
Explanation: This indicates that piercing was acceptable in certain contexts.
Counter-Argument:
Specific Context: The practice related to servitude in ancient Israel, not general adornment.
Rebuttal: The general question is whether piercing is inherently moral or sinful. While the context here is different, it shows there were times when piercing was not considered inherently sinful.
Cultural Differences: The symbolism doesn’t translate directly to modern practices. No one is getting nailed to the wall to a slave for life. If this is a proof text let your boss pierce just one ear and never leave that job.
Rebuttal: While the symbolism may not directly translate, it must translate somehow, or else it becomes a pointless relic.
New Covenant Focus: The emphasis is on spiritual commitment, not physical symbols.
Rebuttal: All symbols mean something. This logic wouldn’t follow for the Lord’s Supper and Baptism. We don’t discard the symbol because of the spiritual meaning behind it. This example is not a one for one correlation.
Arguments Against Pierced Ears with Counter-Arguments:
Anti Piercing Argument #1 - Our Body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit:
Biblical Reference: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV) states:
"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."
Explanation: Piercing the body could be seen as altering or disrespecting God’s creation. We are not free, especially as Christians, to do whatever we want with our bodies. God made us, and He is Lord over both our bodies and souls. He cares deeply about our bodies. As stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, redeemed at the price of Jesus’s precious blood; therefore, we should glorify God with our bodies.
Counter-Argument:
Contextual Understanding: The passage specifically addresses sexual immorality, not physical adornments like piercings.
Rebuttal: However, the purpose for many in adornment is to draw attention to their own beauty. Some individuals get piercings explicitly to gain attention or even arouse sexual desires.
Positive Use of Temples: Temples are often beautifully adorned. Both the tabernacle of Moses and the temple of Solomon were arrayed with beauty and gold. Similarly, respectfully adorning the body can honor God.
Rebuttal: While this is true, the Lord specifically tells women to adorn themselves with holiness rather than outward adornment.
Anti Piercing Argument #2 - Prohibition of Body Markings:
Biblical Reference: Leviticus 19:28 (NKJV) commands:
"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD."
Explanation: This could be seen as a timeless moral law against body modifications, including piercings.
Counter-Arguments:
Cultural Context: The prohibition was against pagan mourning practices, not general body adornment.
Rebuttal: We live in a post-Christian, nearly pagan culture. Would it not be wise to avoid what the pagans are doing? Many Christians regret the piercings they got before they knew Christ.
Fulfillment in Christ: Romans 10:4 (NKJV) states:
"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." Ceremonial laws are no longer binding under the New Covenant.
Rebuttal: The ceremonial laws were abrogated because they were fulfilled in Christ. However, Jesus is now our high priest in the heavenly tabernacle, and the temple is now Christians living together. Should we not let Jesus tell us how we are to adorn His temple?
Anti Piercing Argument #3 - Modesty and Humility:
Biblical Reference: 1 Timothy 2:9 (NKJV) advises:
"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 costly clothing."
Explanation: Piercings, associated with jewelry, might lead to vanity or immodesty.
Counter-Argument:
Focus on Intent: The passage addresses excessive display, not moderate adornment.
Rebuttal: The intent of the passage is not about how extensive or excessive the adornment is, but rather what it’s being compared to: modesty and self-control. Cultures and times have shown a natural desire to adorn women. However, this passage emphasizes that women should value holiness, respectability, and self-control.
Inner vs. Outer Beauty: 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV) says:
"Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
Rebuttal: The plain sense of the text should be preferred. If there are clear commands to refrain from certain things, we ought to follow the simplest meaning. We should be cautious not to reason our way out of a command. Also, Scripture interprets Scripture. 1 Peter 3:3-4 should reinforce 1 Timothy 2:9, as both prohibit the use of jewelry.
Cultural Norms: Ear piercing is a standard practice in many cultures and is not necessarily immodest.
Rebuttal: A nearly universal custom does not establish morality. There are many practices that seem universally accepted but are declared wrong by God. Cultural arguments are inherently weak since they seek a moral standard outside of the Scriptures, which are our only rule for faith and life.
Anti Piercing Argument #4 - Avoiding Worldliness:
Biblical Reference: Romans 12:2 (NKJV) warns:
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Explanation: Piercings could symbolize conformity to secular trends.
Counter-Argument:
Cultural Engagement: Christians can engage in cultural practices that are morally neutral.
Rebuttal: Is this a morally neutral topic? If 1 Timothy 2:9 connects morals like respectability, reverence, and reasonableness to outward adornment, then outward adornment becomes a moral issue by association. The passage contrasts what God loves (said morals) with (said apparel). Does God love the morals? Yes. Does God love the apparel? No.
Discernment: The key is to avoid practices that lead to sin, not all cultural customs.
Rebuttal: While adornment may seem harmless, it can be deeply tied to cultural norms. Historically, piercing has been practiced for at least 5,000 years, often for superstitious or status reasons. As Christianity’s influence wanes in the West, piercings, once countercultural, have become mainstream.
Conclusion:
This is a debate on the interpretation of Scripture. There’s a struggle to balance respect for biblical teachings with an understanding of cultural practices. Here are some key takeaways:
Context Matters: Many prohibitions were specific to certain cultures or situations. Yet there are still principles that may be applicable.
Intent is Key: The motivation behind piercing—whether vanity, conformity, or expression—plays a significant role.
Christian Liberty vs. Responsibility: Freedom in Christ comes with the responsibility to act in love and avoid causing others to stumble. Yet, the Christian is not to be enslaved to the tyranny of the weaker brother's conscience.
Community and Conscience: Believers should consider the impact on others and follow the Scriptures as their only rule for faith and life.
