The uncertainty about the appropriateness of wearing jewelry in Christianity stems from the fact that periods of idol worship are bound to certain types of jewelry and that some religious texts contain verses prohibiting its use. In today’s world, the wearing of jewelry is still seen in many religions, including Christianity, so it is time to examine its purpose and role in this religion. Is wearing jewelry a sin in Christianity?
One argument against the wearing of jewelry in Christianity is that it is a form of adoration or idolatry. Idol worship and its associated rites were linked to certain types of jewelry by religious texts like Exodus 32:2-4 which warned against the making of idols and “graven images”. As a result, many religious denominations still forbid the making and wearing of jewelry*, even though it has become more socially accepted over time to use jewelry in a symbolic, rather than a religious, manner.
Another argument against jewelry use in Christianity is that it goes against Jesus’ teachings. Jesus has been quoted as saying that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24). Since jewelry symbolizes wealth, it stands to reason that wearing jewelry may indicate a violation of Jesus’ command to for his followers to be humble and not possess too many worldly possessions.
On the other hand, many churches have taken the stance that wearing jewelry is permissible as long as it is not done for the purpose of flaunting wealth or desiring public admiration. For example, in the book of Corinthians, Paul states unequivocally that “the only thing that really matters is faith wor king through love” (Galatians 5:6). As long as jewelry is used as an expression of faith and love, it would appear that it is acceptable in most denominations. Additionally, jewelry can even be used for spiritual symbolism, as a reminder of God’s grace, or as a way to spread a Christian message on accessories, such as rings with Bible verses imprinted on them.
Furthermore, some religious scholars assert that the text of the Bible which appears to be prohibiting jewelry was written interpretation, rather than a direct instruction from God. For instance, there are numerous references to jewelry in the Bible, such as in Genesis Chapter 24, where Rebecca is given a “golden earring” as a sign of her wish to contribute to the rebuilding of God’s Temple. Similarly, in Exodus, Aaron is instructed by God to wear a golden ephod as a sign of his appointment to high priest.
Overall, this debate creates a difficult and seemingly unresolvable dilemma. Opponents cite religious anecdotes which appear to paint a picture of jewelry being a form of idolatry, while proponents point to more modern interpretations which state that the use of jewelry in Christianity is acceptable and can even help to promote faith. So, is wearing jewelry a sin in Christianity? Unfortunately, the answer is unclear and, ultimately, up to each individual to decide.
Adorning as an Expression of Faith
Although religious texts can seem to portray jewelry as something that can lead to idolatry, adorning oneself can also be an expression of faith. For example, in the Bible, jewelry is used to distinguish a person’s spiritual authority. In Exodus, when God told Aaron to wear a ephod of gold, it was a way of signifying his status as the high priest, and a physical manifestation of Aaron’s authority to represent God’s people.
Likewise, there are examples in the Bible of jewelry being given as a sign of God’s blessings. For instance, in Genesis 24, Rebecca was given a golden earring as a token of her wish to contribute to the rebuilding of God’s temple. These examples demonstrate that, contrary to the natural assumption of idolatry, wearing jewelry can be a means of conveying faith and a living testimony of the commitment to follow the Lord.
Furthermore, scripture does suggest that certain types of jewelry can be seen as an expression of faith. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, the Apostle Peter advised women to adorn themselves in modest apparel and “the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit”. This implies that jewelry can be used as a sign of reverence, humility and love for God, as long as it avoids extravagance and vanity.
Consequently, as long as a person’s jewelry is a reflection of their faith and does not involve idolatry, wearing jewelry can be a legitimate vehicle for expressing their belief in Christianity. It is important to remember that jewelry is merely a means of expressing one’s faith and should never be used to draw attention away from the true message of the gospel.
Moderately Wearing Jewelry
Another manner in which to consider the appropriateness of wearing jewelry in Christianity is to determine what moderation looks like. Moderation implies that someone is not wearing more jewelry than is necessary to express their faith and convey the right message. Specifically, this means avoiding vanity and extravagance, as these qualities could indicate a flaw in one’s character or motives.
Excessive wearing of jewelry can cause a multitude of issues. Firstly, the attention that can be drawn away from God to the individual who is wearing the jewelry is something to be mindful of. Additionally, it can potentially cause envy and strife within and among Christian communities, as one person’s desire to express themselves with jewelry could be taken as a sign of superiority.
Regardless of whether jewelry is seen as an expression of faith, it is important to establish what moderate wearing looks like. For example, Christians can be mindful of avoiding jewelry with pagan symbols, and of dressing themselves in a manner that does not draw attention away from their faith. This can include refraining from wearing jewelry that is too extravagant or too revealing. Ultimately, with any kind of adornment, it is important for Christians to take into account their own modesty and the potential effects of their choice.
Jewelry as Wonderfully Made
The challenge of determining whether wearing jewelry is acceptable in Christianity can be eased if Christians remember to keep their focus on what God has made them to be. In particular, Psalm 139 captures this idea. It speaks to the awesomeness and complexity of our bodies and how God knit us “together in our mother’s womb”. This reminder of how God saw us to be wonderfully made means that who we are is already perfect and complete in God’s eyes; we do not need jewelry to build up self-confidence or highlight our successes in life.
Furthermore, the Bible also states that beauty is from within, rather than on the surface. 1 Peter 3:3-4 states that “the beauty of a woman should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.” These verses imply that a woman’s beauty should be seen as a character trait and not focused on physical adornments. As such, this passage suggests a focus on a woman’s internal beauty, rather than the external beauty that can come from wearing jewelry.
In conclusion, there is no clear answer as to whether or not wearing jewelry is acceptable in Christianity. Each individual needs to consider their own belief system before deciding what is appropriate for them. Therefore, it is important to remain mindful of scriptures surrounding the wearing of jewelry, ask God for guidance in decisions regarding adornment, and remember that the true beauty of a person should come from within.
Jewelry as a Symbol of Affection
Jewelry has also been historically used as a symbol of love and affection. In the Bible, jewelry is often used to mark romantic relationships, such as in the story of Jacob in Genesis 29:18. Jacob gave Rachel a gift of jewelry to prove his love for her. Similarly, in Song of Solomon, the man offers his beloved a necklace of gold and ornamentation, as a sign of his commitment to her. Therefore, through the example of these scriptural stories, it is possible to view jewelry as a means of expressing love.
In modern times, jewelry remains an important way to show affection or appreciation. For instance, a gift of jewelry can be a powerful gesture of love and be a reminder of a special occasion like getting engaged or celebrating an anniversary. On a smaller scale, even something simple such as a pair of earrings or a necklace designed with religious symbolism can be seen as a way for someone to show love for their faith.
Therefore, it can be argued that wearing jewelry has the power to bring people closer to God and connect them with their faith. Additionally, by giving jewelry as a gift to someone, a Christian can demonstrate their love for both their faith and the ones close to them. Indeed, jewelry has the power to connect us with those we love, and thus can be seen as a positive thing in Christianity.
Modern Applications of Jewelry in Christianity
Many modern Christian communities have crafted different ways to incorporate jewelry within their faith. For example, many churches offer jewelry with religious symbols, such as Jesus or Mary, that serve as physical reminders of their faith. Furthermore, some churches have started using jewelry as a way to give back to the community. For instance, churches may create jewelry with inspirational or biblical messages and then donate the proceeds to charity. For Christians, this can be a way to embody their faith and make a tangible difference in their community.
Additionally, there has been an influx of jewelry with technology in recent years that some churches have been taking advantage of. A great example is the Everlasting Cross, a necklace that is equipped with a smart chip that allows members to store their prayer requests in the chip and monitor their progress through an app. This type of technology allows Christians to stay connected to their faith and have a reminder of their prayers and blessings with them at all times.
Overall, it seems that in the 21st century, Christians are finding new and innovative ways to incorporate jewelry into their faith. By taking advantage of technology and combining it with jewelry, churches can create products that can not only remind Christians of their faith, but also be a reminder of their charity work and contributions to the community.
