Biblical Reference
The Bible references earrings in a few places including verses in Leviticus, Exodus and Deuteronomy. In Leviticus 19:28 it states “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” Deuteronomy 14:1-3 states that the Israelites should not cut their bodies for the dead or put marks or figures on themselves or shave their heads for the dead. The reference to earrings in Deuteronomy 15:15 is a little less clear. The wording is “Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.” This could be interpreted as giving an earring or other ornament as a gift of blessing or prosperity.
Religious View
The Catholic Church does not have a universal stance o earrings, although many Catholics might choose to avoid the wearing of earrings in the belief that it is wrong. Within the Catholic Church, there is a large range of opinions on the wearing of earrings and other forms of adornment. Jesuits have traditionally advised against wearing ornamentation, although there is no specific mention of earrings in the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Protestants also have different stances on earrings, depending on their particular denomination or church. Historically, some denominations had strict rules about dressing modestly, which meant that wearing earrings was discouraged.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
In many cultures, earrings have been considered a sign of acknowledgement and spiritual acceptance. Un-pierced earrings have been used as a talisman since ancient times, and some cultures consider earrings to have psychic, spiritual and healing properties. The symbolic meaning of earrings in some cultures includes wealth, femininity, fertility and sexual attraction. In some traditional societies, earrings have been used to signal a person’s place in the community or their marital status. Earrings are also frequently used as status symbols to show an individual’s wealth or power.
Fashion or Art
Some people see wearing earrings as simply a matter of individual preference or fashion. Some people might view earrings as an art form, with the choice of design, colour and size of the earring a creative expression. Many people enjoy wearing earrings purely for aesthetic reasons or as part of an outfit. Earrings come in a variety of styles, materials and designs, and can be made from metals, plastics or other materials. They can also be decorated with stones, beads or crystals.
Other Perspectives
Other religions may have different interpretations of the wearing of earrings. In Hinduism and some parts of Buddhism, earrings may have both religious and spiritual significance, with some people believing that they can be a conduit for the divine. Earrings are also seen as protection against evil in some eastern shamanistic practices and in other such as Biblical shamanism. Wearing an earring in the right ear is also seen as a symbol of the readiness to receive spiritual energy.
Different Interpretations
The interpretation of the wearing of earrings in Christianity is highly subjective and open to personal interpretation and interpretation within the tradition. Some Christians may choose to abstain from wearing any form of earrings or adornment and may choose to do so in obedience to God and in adherence to their faith. Others may view earrings simply as a form of fashion or art, with no spiritual or moral implications.
Process of Piercing
The process of piercing the ear or other parts of the body is of particular interest in relation to Christianity. While some Christians may accept piercing, others may find it objectionable on moral or religious grounds. Traditional Christians may discourage body piercing, as they consider it to go against the covenant which God commanded the Israelites to not mark their bodies in any way. On the other hand, some modern Christians may look favourably upon ear piercings and other forms of body art.
Importance of Intent
When considering whether wearing earrings is a sin in Christianity, it is important to bear in mind the intention behind the action. The importance of intent is highlighted in the Old and New Testament. In Matthew 6:22-23 Jesus says “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness?” This suggests that the intention and purpose by which an action is undertaken is a central consideration.
Interpretations of the Term ‘Adornment’
Many Christians debate whether or not the definition of the term ‘adornment’ in 1 Peter 3:3 applies to piercings, tattoos or other forms of body art. The definition of ‘adornment’ in the King James Bible is as follows: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel”. Some interpretations of this verse have led to a belief that adornment is limited to the boundaries of conventional fashion – clothing and accessories made of natural materials.
Marketplace of Ideas
Ultimately, the question of whether earrings are a sin in Christianity is unlikely to have a single answer. Different church denominations, individuals and communities may make their own decisions based on their Bible interpretation, individual beliefs and cultural background. In what may be considered as a marketplace of ideas, different perspectives on the wearing of earrings in Christianity can exist in tension with each other, allowing for people to make informed decisions and explore a range of perspectives in the search for religious truths.
