Earrings on Men - Page 3

Backwoods Presbyterian · #81 (**permalink**) 05-04-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reepicheep

Guess which one is Richard Baxter and which one is me...

You are missing the mustache. (and the cool hat...)

nicnap · #82 (**permalink**) 05-04-2008, 01:02 PM

"Plus, I would not base a practice after the pattern of an idolustrous and stiff necked people." (This was a post 52 by Pilgrim's Progeny)

Sorry...didn't know how to work the quote thing to narrow that down...but even people without earrings and without tattoos and who have nicely trimmed hair and dress to a T in a suit and tie can be stiff-necked and idolatrous. Maybe we should all go to togas and shaved heads....then we wouldn't be dressed as the idolaters...wait; the heart is an idol factory, and we are all stiff-necked...hmmmmm.

Pilgrim's Progeny · #83 (**permalink**) 05-04-2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicnap

"Plus, I would not base a practice after the pattern of an idolatrous and stiff necked people." (This was a post 52 by Pilgrim's Progeny)

Sorry...didn't know how to work the quote thing to narrow that down...but even people without earrings and without tattoos and who have nicely trimmed hair and dress to a T in a suit and tie can be stiff-necked and idolatrous. Maybe we should all go to togas and shaved heads....then we wouldn't be dressed as the idolaters...wait; the heart is an idol factory, and we are all stiff-necked...hmmmmm.

The point I was making was that just because we see a certain practice by God's people, that does not make it right, especially if the people accompanying the practice are caught up in idolatry. I was pointing out that that was not the best context.

Practice does not govern principle, principle governs practice. I was not making a case for or against. I merely believe that that was not very solid ground to erect a principle.

I think the main thing is that we let our adornment be inward, much as Peter instructed the women, should it be no less for us men:

Quote:

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1 Peter 3:3-4

Everything else aside, it is the heart that matters, for out of the heart flow the issues of life.

reformedman · #84 (**permalink**) 05-04-2008, 04:00 PM

I believe more references to jewelry can be found attributed to women in the bible than to men. Jewelry just seems natural to me, to be implied as a women's thing than to men because that's what it seems to me biblically speaking. Few examples:
1Tim 2:9
1Pet 3:3

Notice that in just the two above examples, the women were being directed not the men.

The verse doesn't say that it is wrong for women to wear them at all, but does imply that during worship and/or praise setting, they were the ones not to wear them.(v.12)

Since men weren't addressed it seems to me that men did not wear them, that they were acceptable (and exclusively) WOMEN'S ATTIRE. Therefore, for men to wear what was once (exclusively imo)women's attire in history, today, and use the reasoning that it is now acceptable men's attire, is a bit weak.

It is weak because you can then use this kind of reasoning for just about anything. For example, in American culture, lipstick is acceptable (and exclusively so) for women. If all the men of the west-coast of the United States start using lipstick, and people start to say, “There is no prohibition in the bible”, well then yes It’s true you can’t find it explicitly opposed to biblical orthopraxy. All you can use against it would be that:
---men are not to dress as women
---lipstick is acceptable exclusively for women
---therefore men may not use it.
I think that the problem here is that between the time of the 2nd and 3rd points, there has not been enough of a questioning about the 1st point that it has become normal culture today.

To conclude, the same line of logical reasoning can be found in men’s earings;
---men are not to dress as women
---earings is acceptable exclusively for women
---therefore men may not use it.
If no one says anything about men wearing lipstick long enough, it will become acceptable and the bible will not be consulted on the verse, “men are not to dress as women”.
I feel that it is never too late for Christians to always reform and go to the meaning behind the bible. I don't claim to know it perfectly, I only say that this is what the bible seems to indicate to me. I may be wrong, but it is the simplest reading that I see. Even if our culture has been wrong for the past 50 years, I believe men should go to the original intent.

Please excuse my poor English.

Pergamum · #85 (**permalink**) 05-04-2008, 07:25 PM

news reporters wear cosmetics. Even the men wear lipstick and blush, etc, to appear more healthy and alive as they render the news. Sometimes they overdo it and it is visible, but in most cases, it does improve their appearance.

I would not classify this as transvestitism or putting on women's apparel.

So here is one case in which I give a thumbs up for makeup on men.

regener8ed · #86 (**permalink**) 05-04-2008, 10:46 PM

It is not sinful for men to wear earrings. I dont wear them, but unless someone can show that it is sinful via scripture, then please keep your cultural observations to yourself and don't judge others as if they were committing sin. The most evil men in the world wear three piece suits, should we all stop wearing them?

Pilgrim's Progeny · #87 (**permalink**) 05-04-2008, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by regener8ed

It is not sinful for men to wear earrings. I dont wear them, but unless someone can show that it is sinful via scripture, then please keep your cultural observations to yourself and don't judge others as if they were committing sin. The most evil men in the world wear three piece suits, should we all stop wearing them?

Who said anything about judging? just discussing, right?

raekwon · #88 (**permalink**) 05-04-2008, 11:08 PM

It's been a pretty enjoyable discussion (for the most part), at that!

lwadkins · #89 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 09:30 AM

I had an earring for a few years, got it just to prove to my daughter that it wouldn't make me cool.

The piercing has long since grown over now.

ColdSilverMoon · #90 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reformedman

To conclude, the same line of logical reasoning can be found in men’s earings;
---men are not to dress as women
---earings is acceptable exclusively for women
---therefore men may not use it.

The flaw in this logic is the second line. By whose standard are earrings exclusively for women? Maybe at certain times or certain cultures, but modern American culture isn't one of those. And there is no Biblical support for the notion that earrings are for women only. So I see no reason to believe earrings are exclusively for women, other than individual opinion. Therefore, I so no reason why men shouldn't wear them.

BobVigneault · #91 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 09:59 AM

Scripture says that men should look like men and women should look like women and that is to a large extent based on the prevailing culture.

If culture should turn the other way then you could have unecessary holes in your body.

Therefore, I keep going back to the clip ons. I'm going to start selling Christian oriented clip ons for men who feel the need to give in to the peer pressure.

If you want to have pretty ears like mother then buy one of my clip ons. Is it the earring or the piercing you want?

Join my organization called MAMCO. Men for the Advancement of Manly Clip-ons.

Should the culture embrace masculinity again, you'll be ready.

I need to find a famous sports figure to start wearing my clip ons and start a rage.

raekwon · #92 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColdSilverMoon

Quote:

Originally Posted by reformedman

To conclude, the same line of logical reasoning can be found in men’s earings;
---men are not to dress as women
---earings is acceptable exclusively for women
---therefore men may not use it.

The flaw in this logic is the second line. By whose standard are earrings exclusively for women? Maybe at certain times or certain cultures, but modern American culture isn't one of those. And there is no Biblical support for the notion that earrings are for women only. So I see no reason to believe earrings are exclusively for women, other than individual opinion. Therefore, I so no reason why men shouldn't wear them.

To be fair, there are plenty of reasons for men not to wear earrings, depending on the man and depending on the circumstances . . . just like there are reasons for men not to wear jeans, not to shave their heads, not to eat meat, etc etc etc. Wisdom and prudence come into heavy play with things like this.

But yes, I agree that there's no blanket biblical injunction against any of these things, nor do any of them necessarily indicate vanity or a lack of sobriety of mind.

Brad · #93 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reformedman

I believe more references to jewelry can be found attributed to women in the bible than to men. Jewelry just seems natural to me, to be implied as a women's thing than to men because that's what it seems to me biblically speaking. Few examples:
1Tim 2:9
1Pet 3:3

Notice that in just the two above examples, the women were being directed not the men.

The verse doesn't say that it is wrong for women to wear them at all, but does imply that during worship and/or praise setting, they were the ones not to wear them.(v.12)

Since men weren't addressed it seems to me that men did not wear them, that they were acceptable (and exclusively) WOMEN'S ATTIRE. Therefore, for men to wear what was once (exclusively imo)women's attire in history, today, and use the reasoning that it is now acceptable men's attire, is a bit weak.

It is weak because you can then use this kind of reasoning for just about anything. For example, in American culture, lipstick is acceptable (and exclusively so) for women. If all the men of the west-coast of the United States start using lipstick, and people start to say, “There is no prohibition in the bible”, well then yes It’s true you can’t find it explicitly opposed to biblical orthopraxy. All you can use against it would be that:
---men are not to dress as women
---lipstick is acceptable exclusively for women
---therefore men may not use it.
I think that the problem here is that between the time of the 2nd and 3rd points, there has not been enough of a questioning about the 1st point that it has become normal culture today.

To conclude, the same line of logical reasoning can be found in men’s earings;
---men are not to dress as women
---earings is acceptable exclusively for women
---therefore men may not use it.
If no one says anything about men wearing lipstick long enough, it will become acceptable and the bible will not be consulted on the verse, “men are not to dress as women”.
I feel that it is never too late for Christians to always reform and go to the meaning behind the bible. I don't claim to know it perfectly, I only say that this is what the bible seems to indicate to me. I may be wrong, but it is the simplest reading that I see. Even if our culture has been wrong for the past 50 years, I believe men should go to the original intent.

Please excuse my poor English.

Ok, this is getting out of hand. I can be convinced to put away the earrings, but now you're telling me I have to stop using my lipstick!?

Next thing you'll be saying I can't wear my muave pumps out of the house, and that will be the last straw!

Pierce history: "Wrong" ear pierced at age 15 by sister and friend while passed out under the effects of alcohol and drugs. Left ear pierced 2 weeks later in a similar state by self. Both ears became disgustingly infected, had the appearance of two red Christmas tree ornaments hanging from head for two more weeks. Yanked out silly "roach clip" earrings never to try again, but have the scars that used to freak out girls and barbers, which I guess wouldn't anymore, but my wife cuts my hair now and that solves both those problems. My kids have a lot of fun with it, though.

Stephen · #94 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amazing Grace

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen

Quote:

Originally Posted by blhowes

I seem to remember a saying, something like "Left is right, right is wrong" to help people remember. The right ear?

Sorry, I did not see your response to Amazing Grace. If you are going to wear an earring, never wear it in the right ear.

Well i ahve holes in both, so does that make me a metrosexual or something? Or just stupid!!!!

Just a man with holes in his ears. It is ok as long as you don't have holes in your head

Stephen · #95 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericfromcowtown

I remember my brother coming home one day, at 14 or 15, with an earring in one ear. My dad ignored my brother, turned to me and said "you know Eric there are two types of men who wear earrings, pirates and homosexuals, and you don't see too many pirates around any more." My brother turned on his heals and walked out of the room. We never did see that earring again.

In all seriousness though, earrings aren't my thing, but since there is nothing unbiblical about them their use should be a matter of personal taste and liberty.

shackleton · #96 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobVigneault

Do they have to be pierced earrings? I love to rummage through mother's clip ons and wear some of hers when I just want to feel pretty. I'm so grateful that America got feminized. I can cry, wear a shoulder bag, make up, clip ons, gold chains and evening gowns.

Ok, of course I was joking. I don't wear clip ons.

I guess we are to take from that that you do in fact wear evening gowns? On what occasions to you wear them and what color best brings out your eyes?

Jerusalem Blade · #97 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 04:06 PM

When I see a man wearing an earring (singular), my first thought is he might be making a statement that he is not part of the establishment / straight / suited / uptight culture, and identifies with some "counter-culture" coolness of sorts. But then I realize this may be way off, and prefer to see who the man is at heart by talking with him. One just can't make a call by judging the "outward appearance."

I realize also that there is, even in the wider Christian community, a strong bias against the counterculture, especially the "Woodstock generation" of yore, where earrings and such were common. Anyone desiring to see an essay critiquing that view, PM me and I'll send them, "Can There Anything Good Come Out Of Woodstock?"

Manliness has nothing to do with physique, physical prowess, dress codes, cultural fashions, but with a heart true to one's King (the king) and one's wife, a willingness to suffer for the sake of loyalty and integrity, and having the ability to love, speak the truth, and be gracious in the face of opposition and persecution.

Manliness also pertains to the maintaining of one's dignity through awareness of the Son of God's favor, even while being degraded, humiliated, and shunned. It is carrying oneself in the Spirit of Christ.

The Kingdom I am part of is comprised of many cultures, peoples, and even kingdoms. There is great diversity of taste and manner among this diverse yet unified people. I do not accept that one style is the style of the Kingdom. There is one heart and one spirit as we all partake of the Spirit of Christ.

There is to be no cultural imperialism by one dominant group over another, not in Heaven's kingdom! Our standing is not by our outward appearance, if it be modest and decent, but by the love of our Sovereign -- our Father and our Brother.

PuritanCovenanter · #98 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobVigneault

Scripture says that men should look like men and women should look like women and that is to a large extent based on the prevailing culture.

If culture should turn the other way then you could have unecessary holes in your body.

Therefore, I keep going back to the clip ons. I'm going to start selling Christian oriented clip ons for men who feel the need to give in to the peer pressure.

If you want to have pretty ears like mother then buy one of my clip ons. Is it the earring or the piercing you want?

Join my organization called MAMCO. Men for the Advancement of Manly Clip-ons.

Should the culture embrace masculinity again, you'll be ready.

I need to find a famous sports figure to start wearing my clip ons and start a rage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad

Pierce history: "Wrong" ear pierced at age 15 by sister and friend while passed out under the effects of alcohol and drugs. Left ear pierced 2 weeks later in a similar state by self. Both ears became disgustingly infected, had the appearance of two red Christmas tree ornaments hanging from head for two more weeks. Yanked out silly "roach clip" earrings never to try again, but have the scars that used to freak out girls and barbers, which I guess wouldn't anymore, but my wife cuts my hair now and that solves both those problems. My kids have a lot of fun with it, though.

ROFLMHO

H stands for hiney

Pilgrim's Progeny · #99 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PuritanCovenanter

ROFLMHO

H stands for hiney

Never seen that one before that makes me want to ROFLMHO

Archlute · #**100** (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raekwon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archlute