A word should be included here concerning the wearing of
earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces. New Testament Christian Church
associates such things with idolatry and/or sexual suggestiveness. This
is done in a matter-of-fact manner with an eye toward condemnation
rather than instruction or guidance. It is difficult to imagine such
regulatory necessities entering the mind of any but the most deranged
busybody.
The New Testament scripture makes generic reference to adornments, yet a list of forbidden jewelry is not included. Seeing as no real wickedness is currently identified with jewelry in the general sense, one can easily conclude that, in order to respect the integrity of scripture, the choice of the concerned party should reflect an individual decision.
The generic nature of all references to such items, along with other factors, indicates that the Apostles were more concerned about the spirit of the individual and of the fellowship of believers than with any danger that a woman wearing a bracelet might prove too tempting for married men to resist.
In ancient times, people did not use paper money except in unusual cases, and the most common forms of carrying one’s assets were 1) carrying in one’s pouch certain precious metals in the form of coinage, and 2) wearing one’s most valuable possessions in the form of jewelry. Jewelry was very often a method of announcing one’s wealth and/or social status. Christians in the early days were emerging from a caste society in which social mobility was highly restricted, and into a loving society of brethren considered equal in the eyes of God. There really was no place in the church for glorying in one’s position, brazenly displaying the trappings of wealth, or openly advertising one’s social rank.
It is passing strange therefore that NTCC violates this spiritual principle in promoting a culture of worldly success. R.W. Davis speaks of success less often in spiritual terms than in strictly outward, measurable terms. This is fine anywhere except in the Christian Church. Those who are “successful” are encouraged by his example to drive gorgeous new automobiles, wear expensive (-looking) suits, and experiment with wigs, scarves, brooches, hair-extending arrangements, fine watches, designer ties, tie clips, tie chains, tie bars, French cuff links, and pricey shoes.
This commentary is not directed toward the denunciation of such items, but rather toward the denunciation of the hypocrisy that outlaws bracelets without scriptural authority, and then promptly seeks after success as measured in carnal terms, displaying freely the fruits of financial management and ambition, and of the constant push from the pulpit for money to “take care of the man of God”.
Are we expected to believe that earrings, bracelets and necklaces are tools of idol-worship and allurement? Very few people today are wearing these things in order to summon the gods, enjoy talismanic protection, or to channel supernatural forces. We also find it difficult to fathom any sort of attraction obtained thereby. One can only suppose that those who have instituted such regulations only speak from that which they know, and have spent many years of research staring at women and enjoying their wrists, earlobes, and cleavage.
The New Testament scripture makes generic reference to adornments, yet a list of forbidden jewelry is not included. Seeing as no real wickedness is currently identified with jewelry in the general sense, one can easily conclude that, in order to respect the integrity of scripture, the choice of the concerned party should reflect an individual decision.
The generic nature of all references to such items, along with other factors, indicates that the Apostles were more concerned about the spirit of the individual and of the fellowship of believers than with any danger that a woman wearing a bracelet might prove too tempting for married men to resist.
In ancient times, people did not use paper money except in unusual cases, and the most common forms of carrying one’s assets were 1) carrying in one’s pouch certain precious metals in the form of coinage, and 2) wearing one’s most valuable possessions in the form of jewelry. Jewelry was very often a method of announcing one’s wealth and/or social status. Christians in the early days were emerging from a caste society in which social mobility was highly restricted, and into a loving society of brethren considered equal in the eyes of God. There really was no place in the church for glorying in one’s position, brazenly displaying the trappings of wealth, or openly advertising one’s social rank.
It is passing strange therefore that NTCC violates this spiritual principle in promoting a culture of worldly success. R.W. Davis speaks of success less often in spiritual terms than in strictly outward, measurable terms. This is fine anywhere except in the Christian Church. Those who are “successful” are encouraged by his example to drive gorgeous new automobiles, wear expensive (-looking) suits, and experiment with wigs, scarves, brooches, hair-extending arrangements, fine watches, designer ties, tie clips, tie chains, tie bars, French cuff links, and pricey shoes.
This commentary is not directed toward the denunciation of such items, but rather toward the denunciation of the hypocrisy that outlaws bracelets without scriptural authority, and then promptly seeks after success as measured in carnal terms, displaying freely the fruits of financial management and ambition, and of the constant push from the pulpit for money to “take care of the man of God”.
Are we expected to believe that earrings, bracelets and necklaces are tools of idol-worship and allurement? Very few people today are wearing these things in order to summon the gods, enjoy talismanic protection, or to channel supernatural forces. We also find it difficult to fathom any sort of attraction obtained thereby. One can only suppose that those who have instituted such regulations only speak from that which they know, and have spent many years of research staring at women and enjoying their wrists, earlobes, and cleavage.
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