An "Ask the Preacher" article as it has appeared in the Santa Rosa Press Gazette (Milton, Florida). The author is Pastor Carl Gallups of Hickory Hammock Baptist Church in Milton, Florida. Click HERE to go to the Main Index page of Hickory Hammock Baptist Church to read many more such articles. This article is copyrighted by Carl Gallups and may be reproduced provided that copyright notice is given.



DEAR READERS - I have received several letters recently about long hair, tattoos and earrings and their place in a Christian's life. The answer below is a reprint of a previous "Ask the Preacher" article wherein the same question was asked.

Dear J.M., Tattooing of the body is FORBIDDEN for God's people (men and women) in Leviticus 19:28. It has its roots in pagan worship. It was sometimes used to mark ownership. It draws unwarranted attention to one's body. It can be extremely unhealthy. Its effects are often irreversible. And lastly, but most importantly, since tattooing is forbidden by God, it is an open, rebellious act toward the Lord.

Long hair on a man is addressed in I Corinthians 11:14-16. The BIBLE says that it is a "disgrace" for a man to wear long hair that resembles that of a woman. Throughout the years long hair on a man has been primarily viewed as an open display of rebellion. By the way, there is no reputable historical evidence to suggest that Jesus wore woman-like long hair.

Earrings have their roots in ancient paganism, and in slavery. Actually, the practice of women wearing earrings originated in cultures where they were considered possessions of men. Later it became a female fashion statement. Genesis 35:4 and Exodus 32:2 makes clear the association of earrings on men with paganism. In both cases they are commanded to take off their earrings. Again, for a man to wear an earring is a statement of defiance towards God's Word.

J.M., it is true that God looks on the heart and NOT the outward appearance of a person or their body in order to determine relationship and the granting of eternal life. However, why would a true child of God, desire to display open rebellion against God ON THEIR BODY for ALL to see?

In the church that I pastor, we do not turn away anyone with tattoos, long hair or earrings provided they are there to come to the Lord and serve Him. Under all those vestiges of rebellious statements is a precious soul! I believe that when a person's heart is truly right with the Lord, however, these matters take care of themselves.