The Christian church is based on the moral code given by God in His Word, the Bible. The Scriptures are clear on the morality that must be adhered to. However, some issues are known to some as gray areas where the Scriptures aren’t so direct, yet some denominations take a position. Since these are social and lifestyle issues, not moral ones, this article explores the church and social issues to determine if they are Biblical.
The Issues
The issues that will be addressed are the positions on the vegetarian diet, the wearing of jewelry, and the consumption of alcohol, as well as whether there is a Biblical basis for these positions.
Vegetarian Diet
Many base their dietary practices on their interpretation of the Bible. The belief is that God originally intended for humans to eat a plant-based diet, citing Genesis 1:29, which states, “Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you.” NASB. This Scripture is perceived as confirmation that God intended for humans to live in harmony with nature and care for their bodies.
Health Benefits
Additionally, it is understood that a plant-based diet offers significant health benefits. Research has shown that vegetarians and vegans have a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Therefore, a plant-based diet is followed that is low in fat, high in fiber, and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. This diet provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to support overall health and wellness.
Furthermore, many animals are scavengers and carry various diseases and illnesses that can be transmitted to humans. Therefore, not eating meat decreases those risks.
Environmental Impact
Some also choose a plant-based diet because of the environmental impact of meat production. The meat industry significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. Some deem caring for the environment essential to their faith, and reducing meat consumption can help protect the planet for future generations.
Personal Choice
Lastly, it is key to note that some choose not to eat meat simply because it is a personal choice. They believe that each individual is responsible for their own health and should make choices that support their well-being as our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, whom we have from God. While many choose to follow a plant-based diet, others may include meat in their diet in moderation. It is important to note that many non-Christians follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
In summary, some Christians choose not to eat meat based on their interpretation of the Bible, the health benefits of a plant-based diet, the environmental impact of meat production, and personal choice.
Now, addressing the biblical basis regarding diet, we’ve seen the biblical basis used to support a vegetarian diet. Still, there is also Scripture that supports a meat-based diet.
Genesis 9:1-4 regarding Noah after the flood reads:
1. So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.
2. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand.
3. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.
4. But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.
The food allowance for Noah and his family was no longer limited to vegetables. Still, it broadened to animal meat, also known as flesh foods.
Additionally, fast forward to 1 Kings 17:6 regarding Elijah by the Brook, which reads:
6. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.
According to the New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary
The Hebrew word translated as Flesh OT:1320— basar (baw-sawr’); from OT:1319; flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphem.) the pudenda of a man: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h1320/vul/wlc/29-1/
The first definition applies in this context—”flesh by its freshnesss” fresh animal meat. This provision, including flesh, was divinely provided by God.
Jesus consumed meat; He requested it. Luke 24:41-42 reads:
41. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42. And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43. And he took it, and did eat before them.
Therefore, the question is, what is the scripture reference with the directive that we should not consume meat or go back to the original diet exclusively?
What is the Biblical basis?
To summarize, before moving on, the question regarding the vegetarian diet was: is it Biblical? There doesn’t appear to be a Scripture indicating that we must follow a vegetarian diet. Scripture does say that “all food is clean.”
Therefore, it appears that while there are advantages and disadvantages to all diets, the one we choose is a personal choice, not a Biblical one.
It is important to note that to say that this or the other issues mentioned are not biblical is not to say that they are wrong or should not adhered to. It simply means that the Bible does not address these positions.
Jewelry
Some denominations deem that the Bible instructs avoiding all jewelry and adornment. Five biblical texts are presented as a study to uphold and support this position. They are: Genesis 35:2-4; Exodus 33:3-6; Isaiah 3:13-26; 1 Timothy 2:8- 10; and 1 Peter 3:3-5.
Jewelry is a lifestyle issue, not a moral one, and it should not cause us to stray from our fundamental mission of uplifting Christ. So, the question becomes: should we not wear Jewelry at all? Is that Biblical?
So, let’s look at these passages.
Genesis 35:1-4
1. And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.
2. Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
3. And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
4. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
Now, the focus is on verse 4, which mentions the removal of “earrings which were in their ears.”
What do we know about those earrings? What was displayed on those earrings? Could they have had the image of an idol? There was apparently some connection between the earrings and the, as the Scripture reads, “the strange gods which were in their hand.”
To share a little background on earrings.
Earrings can hold cultural symbolism in various contexts. Across different cultures and throughout history, earrings have represented different meanings and social significance. In many societies, earrings have been worn as adornments, expressing personal style, status, or affiliation with a particular group or community. They can serve as symbols of beauty, femininity, and self-expression.
In some cultures, earrings have carried religious or spiritual connotations. For example, in Hinduism, earrings are often associated with the goddess, symbolizing prosperity and wealth. In certain Native American tribes, earrings have been used as ceremonial objects, representing spiritual connection and cultural identity.
Earrings can also carry symbolic meanings within specific relationships or contexts. For instance, in some cultures, earrings are given as gifts during weddings or other significant life events, symbolizing love, commitment, and the bond between individuals. In certain traditions, earrings may be worn to indicate marital status or as protective objects.
Furthermore, earrings can hold personal symbolism and serve as reminders of significant moments, people, or values in an individual’s life. They can be cherished heirlooms passed down through generations or be chosen intentionally to reflect personal beliefs or aspirations.
Therefore, given these facts, addressing the various symbolisms and expressions earrings can express, and considering the context of this passage being that of expelling idols, it seems reasonable to conclude that the earrings mentioned in this passage contained some expression regarding an idol or ideal of idolatry. This conclusion seems to be most reasonable as to why earrings were explicitly cited.
So the question becomes, should the wearing of earrings be excluded In totality?
It is obvious that earrings and Jewelry, in general, are like any other material item. They can be used for good (positive) or bad—negative.
Exodus 33:4-6
4. And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.
5. For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.
6. And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.
The focus of this passage is on the wearing of ornaments.
According to the New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. [ornaments]—is translated from the Hebrew word OT:5716—`adiy (ad-ee’); from OT:5710 in the sense of trappings; finery; generally an outfit; specifically, a headstall:
Therefore, ornaments in this context aren’t exclusively jewelry but apparel. More specifically, a headstall. It is essential to mention that these ornaments (jewelry) were secured from the Egyptians when Israel plundered them before they left Egypt. Although the people had left Egypt, Egypt was still in the people, and they represented Egypt with these ornaments. Therefore, God required them to remove these Egyptian ornaments so that he could deal with them Free of Egypt, where they were in bondage.
So, does this mean that all ornaments come from Egypt? Should we not wear any ornamentation at all? Should we not wear any apparel or clothing? Isn’t there such a thing as spiritual ornamentation? According to Scripture, there is spiritual ornamentation.
Let’s look at Leviticus 8:7-9 This concerns the consecration of Aaron and his sons.
7. And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.
8. And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.
9. And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.
There seems to be plenty of ornamentation going on here for a holy spiritual purpose. These were the ornaments Aaron and his sons wore for their consecration as priests. These are the same garments described in Exodus 28:4-5 where God commanded Moses to produce them.
So we see that there are two types of uses for ornamentation—one for good, one not so much.
Isaiah 3:16-26 (3:14-26).
14. The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.
15. What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the LORD GOD of hosts.
16. Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:
17. Therefore the LORD will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.
18. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,
19. The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,
20. The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,
21. The rings, and nose jewels,
22. The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,
23. The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.
24. And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.
25. Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war.
26. And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground.
This passage contains judgment. Apparently, the women of Judah had placed their emphasis on clothing and jewelry rather than on God. They dressed to be noticed, to gain approval, and to be fashionable. Yet they ignored the real purpose of their lives. Instead of being concerned about the oppression around them as addressed in verses 14 and 15, they were self-serving and self-centered.
This passage brings out the point that individuals who abuse their possessions will end up with nothing. It appears that these verses aren’t an indictment against clothing and jewelry but a judgment on those who use them lavishly, focusing on their appearance while remaining blind to the needs of others.
So, in this context, should we not wear jewelry at all? Does this passage forbid the wearing of jewelry? One sure takeaway is that when God blesses us with money or position, we shouldn’t flaunt it. Rather, we should use what we have to help others, not impress them. Moderation is in order.
1 Timothy 2:8-10 (9-10)
8. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
9. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10. But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
The context of this passage pertains to worship. Just as the men were to exhibit sincere worship externally by raising up holy hands, so were the women to exhibit sincere worship externally by dressing modestly. A modest outward appearance in clothing and jewelry reflects a holy attitude in contrast to the showy attitude of the world. They were not to draw attention to themselves—their appearance—consequently detracting from the worship.
Does this mean abstinence from all wearing of jewelry? Since it certainly does not mean abstinence from wearing clothes, it should not mean abstinence from all jewelry, or does it?
Just as there is modest clothing, there is modest jewelry. What kind of jewelry were the women wearing at that time? It was apparently gaudy and showy.
Is it a violation if an individual wears a chain around their neck with a modest size (small) cross because of what the cross means to them? If so, what violation?
A timepiece or watch is considered a man’s jewelry piece; should men not wear watches—at all?
The issue of jewelry is a lifestyle issue, not a moral issue. Modesty does not mean abstinence.
The general rule for both women and men emphasizes that both our behavior and dress must express our submission to and respect for Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:3-5 (1-5)
1. Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2. While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4. 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.
5. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
The Greek word translated as “conversation” means behavior.
Again, the point is to focus mainly on the inward self, the inward part of ourselves, not the outward. Does it mean that we shouldn’t wear gold or jewelry or apparel? Balance is the key to life, including our outward appearance and apparel.
Jewels existed long before—Ezekiel 28:13: Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.
Consumption of Alcohol
The Christian faith discourages the use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol. For some, red meat, pork, refined foods, and Caffeine are also avoided. Many believe substance use can harm individuals and families and hinder spiritual growth. Nevertheless, a survey has surmised that Christians do consume alcohol. More specifically, they consume wine 1 to 3 times monthly, and some consume it daily.
The Bible clearly states that our bodies are temples of the living God via the agent of the Holy Spirit. Based on the Scripture that reads in 1 Corinthians 6:19, NIV, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received of God? . . . . Therefore honor God with your body.” God considers how we treat our bodies, including what we eat or drink. 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Some Scriptures that address alcohol consumption are Proverbs 20:1; 21:17; 23:29-35; 31:4-5.
Prov 20:1
1. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Prov 21:17
17. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Prov 23:29-35
29. Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
34. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
35. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
Proverbs 31:4-7
4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5. Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
These are warnings against the consumption of alcohol.
Also, Ephesians 5:18: reads:
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Paul is addressing drunkenness in this Scripture. Does this mean not to drink at all?
Conclusion
To be clear, is the emphasis on the church’s positions on diet, jewelry, and alcohol Biblical? It appears that they are not. However, that does not mean that they should not be ensued. This is not an indictment against the plant-based diet, the non-wearing of jewelry, or the non-consumption of alcohol. Anyone who wants to consume a plant-based diet is fine; any individual who doesn’t want to wear jewelry or doesn’t want to consume alcohol is fine.
The purpose is to explore whether these positions are Biblically based or personal choice.
The stance on these issues appears to be a matter of personal choice.
As Rom 14:5 says in part, …” Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Therefore, it behooves us to seek to live a life of moderation in whatever stance we choose to take on these issues and allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit when considering these positions. May we follow these convictions.
Amen
Please leave any questions, comments, or concerns below.
Blessings!
