• Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:
    • Reply to discussions and create your own threads.
    • Our modern chat room. No add-ons or extensions required, just login and start chatting!
    • Access to private conversations with other members.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!

A Christian must have a full beard

Samael_Khan

Qigong / Yang Style Taijiquan / 7 Star Mantis
I believe Christians cannot look the way they want,
but the way God wants them to.
I will mention Bible verses to prove this.

How a male Christian must look like:
a full beard,
no bald head,
do not shorten the sides of the hair on the head or beard,
no long hair,
no tattoos,
only decent clothes,
men's clothing only.

How a female Christian must look like:
no beard,
no bald head,
long hair,
no tattoos,
only decent clothes,
women's clothing only,
she must cover herself, that means,
no tight clothing,
and no nudity.

Sources: Leviticus 19:27, 21:25; 1Corinthians 11:14-15,

Of course, there can be natural exceptions,
for example, someone cannot have a beard or hair on their head.
Such a person is excused.
I think the natural exceptions exposes how nonsensical this criteria is. Some of this stuff, such as what constitutes womens clothing, is subjectively dependent on culture. I mean in Rome Jesus wore clothing akin to wearing a womens dress. Now that is arbitrarily considered in western culture as not manly.
 

Tony B

Member
If it *is* so obvious. Please prove it to me. Thanks a bunch.
I gave you the link to Voddie Baucham who explains it all. It is not possible that multiple men on 3 different continents from different generations using 3 different languages conspired to provide thousands of virtually exact copies saying the same things. This is before we even get into the Biblical prophesies which have all come to pass (except those who's time has not yet come i.e Revelations). Maybe you can explain the description of Christs crucifixion in Psalm 22, written 900 years before the crucifixion, and hundreds of years before crucifixion existed as a punishment? You see you need to actually study and understand the Bible rather than repeating something you heard someone else say, or an argument with zero deductive reasoning applied.
 

Tony B

Member
I think the natural exceptions exposes how nonsensical this criteria is. Some of this stuff, such as what constitutes womens clothing, is subjectively dependent on culture. I mean in Rome Jesus wore clothing akin to wearing a womens dress. Now that is arbitrarily considered in western culture as not manly.
Jesus never went to Rome, I think you mean Jerusalem.
 

Tony B

Member
False. Once again, the verse specifically refers to the nature of things. You can not brush this off as a cultural reference and expect anyone to accept that just because you say so. The bible directly contradicts your interpretation.



Do the words Dum Diversas ring any bells? If not, you should google it to see the wonders of Christianity.... supporting slavery.




I fully understand why Christian Churches generally don't enforce certain verses and stated so already: cherry picking and convenience.
I'll just wrap this particular claim up here. You appear to think that to be a Christian you need to apply all cultural norms and Old Testament civil and ceremonial law mentioned in the Bible. All you're displaying is a complete ignorance of what the Bible teaches and how Christ fulfilled the law on his death and resurrection. I have nothing further to add to you in particular on this point, you can of course have the last word, it doesn't change anything, especially the truth.
 

Koldo

Outstanding Member
I'll just wrap this particular claim up here. You appear to think that to be a Christian you need to apply all cultural norms and Old Testament civil and ceremonial law mentioned in the Bible.

You have completely forgotten I have stated the following: "There is a very strong argument to be made that Old Testament laws are not applicable unless specifically stated otherwise in the New Testament, given how Paul dealt with circumcision and dietary laws."

All you're displaying is a complete ignorance of what the Bible teaches and how Christ fulfilled the law on his death and resurrection.

We haven't even touched that subject.

I have nothing further to add to you in particular on this point, you can of course have the last word, it doesn't change anything, especially the truth.

Considering this last post of yours is nothing more than a baseless attack, it can be quickly dismissed without much of an issue.
 

Sgt. Pepper

All you need is love.
Yeah only the human men that wrote it change what scripture says. (Translation, after translation, after edit, after translation, after transcription, after translation).

I agree, in light of the fact that Christians can't even agree on what the Bible actually says. So much for their pious claim of having spiritual discernment. I'd like to re-post what I wrote on a related subject, which I think reinforces what you said in your post. This is what I previously wrote in another thread:

According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit dwells within the people who believe in Jesus (Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30), not only corroborating to them that they belong to God and are saved (Romans 8:15–17; 10:9–13; 1 Corinthians 12:13), but also endowing them with some spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) and spiritual discernment to correctly understand the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:14). However, if the Holy Spirit resides within all of the followers of Jesus and gives them spiritual discernment to correctly understand the Bible, then wouldn't Christians from all over the world agree on a single interpretation of the Bible?

In my opinion, if all Christians had this spiritual discernment to correctly understand the Bible, then the Catholic Bible (with a 73-book canon), the Greek Orthodox Bible (with a 79-book canon), and the plethora of various Protestant Bible translations (with a 66-book canon) would not exist. There would be a single correct interpretation of the Bible and one unified universal Christian Church. However, this is clearly not how it is within Christianity because it is vastly divided into Messianic Jews, Anglicans, Catholics, Orthodox (Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox), and a vast variety of Protestants: Baptist (First Baptist, Second Baptist, Southern Baptist, Reformed Baptist, Primitive Baptist, Anabaptist, Freewill Baptist), Methodist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Mennonite, Church of Christ, Presbyterian, Seventh-day Adventist, Non-Denominational, and hundreds of other Protestant churches.

Many Christians have the perpetual habit of accusing other Christians of not being "true Christians," and this accusation is as old as Christianity itself (1 Corinthians 1:10–17). The problem I have with Christians accusing other Christians of not being true followers of Jesus is that they can never agree on what the Bible truly says, and they constantly argue, insult, and fight one another about what they believe the Bible teaches. They accuse one another of not being "true Christians" and argue about how to correctly interpret the Bible. If you ask the same theological question to a broad group of Christians, you will receive different answers. They will all cite the Bible in an attempt to defend their answers, even though their answers are different and contradictory.

Most Christians believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead whereas other Christians do not believe he was. Most Christians believe that salvation in Jesus is unconditional whereas other Christians believe it is conditional (Calvinism vs. Arminianism). Most Christians believe that baptism or speaking in tongues is necessary for salvation whereas other Christians believe it is solely faith-based. Most Christians believe in the Trinity (Trinitarian) whereas other Christians do not believe in it (Unitarianism). Most Christians believe that women can be pastors whereas other Christians do not believe they can. Most Christians believe in a future rapture event whereas other Christians do not believe it. However, the Christians who do believe in a rapture can't agree when it will allegedly happen (see here). Even pastors disagree with each other and other Christians about the rapture and when the tribulation will occur (see here).

They often claim that they want unbelievers to be saved, yet they can't even agree on the Bible's definition of salvation, which is a key tenet of Christianity. For example, Calvinism vs. Arminianism is an ongoing debate among them. Some of them believe that salvation is unconditional, while others do not. And yet other Christians believe that speaking in tongues or baptism are required for salvation. Most Christians claim to have "spiritual discernment from the Holy Spirit," which enables them to properly understand the Bible. However, they have completely different scriptural interpretations that contradict one another and adhere to church doctrines that contradict each other. They use the Bible to defend their version of Christianity, but it is clear that their beliefs, as well as their interpretations and doctrines about salvation are contradictory. How can they expect us to believe them when they can't even agree?

Questions about how to properly baptize believers (fully immersed in water or sprinkled with water), whether it is biblical for women to be pastors, and about the alleged end times (pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, post-tribulation, and the rapture of Christians) would elicit the same level of derision from Christians. Some churches claim to be the "true church, implying that Christians in other churches have incorrect theology and biblical interpretations. They even bicker and debate with one another about whether Jesus' mother remained a virgin after giving birth to him and if she had further children after him.

Ironically, they all believe that they are correct about their beliefs and everyone else (including other Christians) is wrong about theirs, but then they have the audacity to claim that the Bible is the word of God and Christianity is the only true religion in the world. In my opinion, there's no reason to believe any of them. I think it's unreasonable for any Christian to claim that their biblical interpretation and theology are correct while insisting that other Christians are wrong, that the Bible is divinely inspired, and that Christianity is the only true religion in the world. It is also irrational, in my opinion, that Christians expect non-Christians to accept the Bible as divinely inspired and the final authority on moral issues, yet they can't agree on what the Bible actually says.
 

Tony B

Member
I agree, in light of the fact that Christians can't even agree on what the Bible actually says.
As I've said previously, most differences between the vast majority of Christians are minor and most of us agree on the big ticket items. Differences in Baptism and other such things really aren't important, what's most important is that we agree that Christ is our saviour and died on the cross for our sins and the only way to the father is through him, just as he said. I'm an ex-Anglican but now a Baptist, not through any ideological differences, just because that's the path God gave me.
So much for their pious claim of having spiritual discernment.
Claimed by whom? every Christian that ever lived? or some random Christian you once spoke to?
I'd like to re-post what I wrote on a related subject, which I think reinforces what you said in your post. This is what I previously wrote in another thread:

According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit dwells within the people who believe in Jesus (Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30), not only corroborating to them that they belong to God and are saved (Romans 8:15–17; 10:9–13; 1 Corinthians 12:13), but also endowing them with some spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) and spiritual discernment to correctly understand the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:14).
No, that scripture says that the Holy Spirit gives different people different gifts, not everyone discernment etc.
However, if the Holy Spirit resides within all of the followers of Jesus and gives them spiritual discernment to correctly understand the Bible, then wouldn't Christians from all over the world agree on a single interpretation of the Bible?
See here for details, you're getting the wrong conclusion because you're starting from the wrong place. The rest we can discount because your premise is false from the beginning.

Is there a biblical spiritual gifts list? | GotQuestions.org
In my opinion, if all Christians had this spiritual discernment to correctly understand the Bible, then the Catholic Bible (with a 73-book canon), the Greek Orthodox Bible (with a 79-book canon), and the plethora of various Protestant Bible translations (with a 66-book canon) would not exist. There would be a single correct interpretation of the Bible and one unified universal Christian Church. However, this is clearly not how it is within Christianity because it is vastly divided into Messianic Jews, Anglicans, Catholics, Orthodox (Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox), and a vast variety of Protestants: Baptist (First Baptist, Second Baptist, Southern Baptist, Reformed Baptist, Primitive Baptist, Anabaptist, Freewill Baptist), Methodist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Mennonite, Church of Christ, Presbyterian, Seventh-day Adventist, Non-Denominational, and hundreds of other Protestant churches.

Many Christians have the perpetual habit of accusing other Christians of not being "true Christians," and this accusation is as old as Christianity itself (1 Corinthians 1:10–17). The problem I have with Christians accusing other Christians of not being true followers of Jesus is that they can never agree on what the Bible truly says, and they constantly argue, insult, and fight one another about what they believe the Bible teaches. They accuse one another of not being "true Christians" and argue about how to correctly interpret the Bible. If you ask the same theological question to a broad group of Christians, you will receive different answers. They will all cite the Bible in an attempt to defend their answers, even though their answers are different and contradictory.

Most Christians believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead whereas other Christians do not believe he was. Most Christians believe that salvation in Jesus is unconditional whereas other Christians believe it is conditional (Calvinism vs. Arminianism). Most Christians believe that baptism or speaking in tongues is necessary for salvation whereas other Christians believe it is solely faith-based. Most Christians believe in the Trinity (Trinitarian) whereas other Christians do not believe in it (Unitarianism). Most Christians believe that women can be pastors whereas other Christians do not believe they can. Most Christians believe in a future rapture event whereas other Christians do not believe it. However, the Christians who do believe in a rapture can't agree when it will allegedly happen (see here). Even pastors disagree with each other and other Christians about the rapture and when the tribulation will occur (see here).

They often claim that they want unbelievers to be saved, yet they can't even agree on the Bible's definition of salvation, which is a key tenet of Christianity. For example, Calvinism vs. Arminianism is an ongoing debate among them. Some of them believe that salvation is unconditional, while others do not. And yet other Christians believe that speaking in tongues or baptism are required for salvation. Most Christians claim to have "spiritual discernment from the Holy Spirit," which enables them to properly understand the Bible. However, they have completely different scriptural interpretations that contradict one another and adhere to church doctrines that contradict each other. They use the Bible to defend their version of Christianity, but it is clear that their beliefs, as well as their interpretations and doctrines about salvation are contradictory. How can they expect us to believe them when they can't even agree?

Questions about how to properly baptize believers (fully immersed in water or sprinkled with water), whether it is biblical for women to be pastors, and about the alleged end times (pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, post-tribulation, and the rapture of Christians) would elicit the same level of derision from Christians. Some churches claim to be the "true church, implying that Christians in other churches have incorrect theology and biblical interpretations. They even bicker and debate with one another about whether Jesus' mother remained a virgin after giving birth to him and if she had further children after him.

Ironically, they all believe that they are correct about their beliefs and everyone else (including other Christians) is wrong about theirs, but then they have the audacity to claim that the Bible is the word of God and Christianity is the only true religion in the world. In my opinion, there's no reason to believe any of them. I think it's unreasonable for any Christian to claim that their biblical interpretation and theology are correct while insisting that other Christians are wrong, that the Bible is divinely inspired, and that Christianity is the only true religion in the world. It is also irrational, in my opinion, that Christians expect non-Christians to accept the Bible as divinely inspired and the final authority on moral issues, yet they can't agree on what the Bible actually says.
It is true there are some Christians that will denominationally dig in, but that is not the majority, if it was Christianity would not survive. You can also make the same claim for any faith you care to mention, though the difference between others and Christianity is clearly one of provenance and evidence. The point should also be made that, as the Bible says, we live in a fallen world, so there are always going to be disagreements at some level. However, Christians across the world accept the modern interpretations of the Bible such as the KJV and ESV etc (which are essentially the same) and due to the continuous review process are not in conflict about this. This is a myth based on a few dissenting voices stirring up trouble. Go into any Church in my country and you will find the same Bibles, we have Ukrainians coming here now, many of them Christians, there are no discussions about denominational differences, we pray and study with them (complete with their Bibles) and they pray with us, this is what true Christianity looks like, not your agenda driven hyperbole.
 

Quintessence

Consults with Trees
Staff member
Premium Member
Some random article on the internet doesn't change what scripture says.
Of course it doesn't. That "random article" is scholarly research on what some real, live Christians do in practice living their traditions. You know, not just what some book says but what people actually do based in part on their interpretations of that book. It's surprising you would be so dismissive of what people are actually doing in reality and in practice.
 

Tony B

Member
Of course it doesn't. That "random article" is scholarly research on what some real, live Christians do in practice living their traditions. You know, not just what some book says but what people actually do based in part on their interpretations of that book. It's surprising you would be so dismissive of what people are actually doing in reality and in practice.
Fair point, I shouldn't have dismissed it, but it just proves there are exceptions. What's described in that article is not the norm for Christians. However, we see the wreckage from a society with virtually no morals, ethics and taboos every day, it's not going well is it.
 

The Hammer

Skald
Premium Member
I gave you the link to Voddie Baucham who explains it all.

I'm not watching someone's video. I prefer to read. Videos are for those who can't critically think.

The Bible is a middle eastern myth written by middle eastern men. That's it.

Maybe it was divinely inspired, as many myths are, maybe not.

You're not presenting much in the way of proof other than your own perspective.

Ukrainians? You from Russia eh? Similar denominations, All Eastern Orthodox? Your guys popes (patriarchs) don't get along with each other, no?
 

Tony B

Member
I'm not watching someone's video. I prefer to read. Videos are for those who can't critically think.
That's incredibly convenient, but ironically he's addressing this point to a hall full of students, so what's the difference between sitting with them in this hall or watching it on a screen? nothing apart from the fact you can't ask direct questions. Attacking the source based only on the format of that source is literally the definition of not critically thinking. Of course the real reason you're not interested is that you strongly suspect it will destroy your argument using pure logic and evidence, it would indeed.
The Bible is a middle eastern myth written by middle eastern men. That's it.
Yes, we've established you're not interested in any actual facts, just repeating nonsense.
Maybe it was divinely inspired, as many myths are, maybe not.
It could not have been created any other way, if you bothered to research it you would understand why.
You're not presenting much in the way of proof other than your own perspective.
You're not interested in proof, I gave you an excellent video which fully explains why the Bible has to be have been divinely inspired, so please spare me that nonsense, you couldn't even be bothered to watch it and educate yourself.
Ukrainians? You from Russia eh? Similar denominations, All Eastern Orthodox? Your guys popes don't get along with each other.
Dear oh dear...I rest my case.
 

dybmh

ויהי מבדיל בין מים למים
what "look like women" and "look like men"

The dichotomy, as I see it, is akin to "Fluid and soft || Fixed and sharp". A dress is flowing and soft. This contrasts with a neck tie which is a fixed arrow pointing.

Thus women and men should go around naked

Exaggerating for effect? The contrast between typically masculine and typically feminine does not require nudity.
 

The Hammer

Skald
Premium Member
That's incredibly convenient, but ironically he's addressing this point to a hall full of students, so what's the difference between sitting with them in this hall or watching it on a screen? nothing apart from the fact you can't ask direct questions. Attacking the source based only on the format of that source is literally the definition of not critically thinking. Of course the real reason you're not interested is that you strongly suspect it will destroy your argument using pure logic and evidence, it would indeed.
Hall full of students or not. I don't particularly watch videos.

Yes, I do prefer to be able ask the speaker questions directly, hence why I am addressing you and not the video.
Yes, we've established you're not interested in any actual facts, just repeating nonsense.
if you think so.
It could not have been created any other way, if you bothered to research it you would understand why.
Oh brother. Research what, the Bible?

You act like I haven't...
You're not interested in proof, I gave you an excellent video which fully explains why the Bible has to be have been divinely inspired, so please spare me that nonsense, you couldn't even be bothered to watch it and educate yourself.
You can't summarize a video? Is it really that difficult?
Dear oh dear...I rest my case.
About what? I was curious, hence the asking the questions? If I'm mistaken, feel free to correct, that's kind of the point of me asking.
 

Kathryn

It was on fire when I laid down on it.
Crazy hair doesn't make anyone any less of a woman. You may have an aesthetic preference for short hair, but that is an entirely different matter.
Long hair on me is ridiculous. It looks ridiculous, feels ridiculous, etc. I have to get my hair thinned every month and would need it to be thinned often if it was long too. My late husband LOVED long hair and in fact, I was the only woman he ever dated who had short hair and when I finally cut it again after trying for nearly a year to grow it out, my husband said, "Thank goodness, I have my wife back."
 

YoursTrue

Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
As you know, God never appears, never says, never does, and the only manner in which [he]'s known to exist is as a concept, notion, thing imagined, in an individual brain.
I disagree. But it's like a precious vessel.
 

YoursTrue

Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
Hall full of students or not. I don't particularly watch videos.

Yes, I do prefer to be able ask the speaker questions directly, hence why I am addressing you and not the video.
And that is why I do not accept dating concepts of how old an artifact or fossil is. Can't ask the investigators questions. And those here, when asked questions, etc. might say take a course in evolution, etc. or call others ignorant, but can't answer questions themselves but go by what others they seem as experts are saying. When I was in college I remember asking a professor a question or two and one of them was very kind to meet me after class but I had no big interest in science at the time. Later when I was looking for God, I spoke to priests and ministers alike and didn't get much beyond a brief conversation. Until God found me and helped me. Each must seek out.
 

Tony B

Member
Hall full of students or not. I don't particularly watch videos.
It's not half full, and how could you even know?
Yes, I do prefer to be able ask the speaker questions directly, hence why I am addressing you and not the video.
I already gave you the key summary, so try reading what I wrote earlier.
if you think so.

Oh brother. Research what, the Bible?

You act like I haven't...
Clearly you haven't, because you're asking for a summary and then even ignoring it.
You can't summarize a video? Is it really that difficult?
I already have.
About what? I was curious, hence the asking the questions? If I'm mistaken, feel free to correct, that's kind of the point of me asking.
You're not interested, if you were you would have understood my summary earlier and watched a simple video, you did neither and there is no justification for not watching it other than simple gaslighting.
 

The Hammer

Skald
Premium Member
It's not half full, and how could you even know?
I said "HALL" full.
I already gave you the key summary, so try reading what I wrote earlier.
What you said was someone else said something in a video, and I should watch it. And that people on different continents wrote the Bible.

Very scant summary.
Clearly you haven't, because you're asking for a summary and then even ignoring it.

I already have.

You're not interested, if you were you would have understood my summary earlier and watched a simple video, you did neither and there is no justification for not watching it other than simple gaslighting.

Gaslighting by not wanting to watch a video? Oh dear me.
 
Top