Subject: Must a woman have long hair |
Bible Note: EdB, When an attempt is made to interpret scripture in the light of the culture and customs that prevailed at the time the passage was written, there is the risk of being accused of trying to take away the Bible's authority and render biblical precepts as irrelevant for our day, but just because some twist scripture for their own ends, does not invalidate the need to consider the cultural background of these passages. Any true exposition of Scripture must take these things into account if the exposition is to be valid. Should we attempt to wear the same type of clothing style that was worn by those who lived in biblical times? Our present day attire bears no resemblance to those times, should we wear loin cloths, so that we can take literally the command to "gird up our loins"? Should the practice of foot-washing be continued even if we do not live under the same conditions that made that custom popular? Do we insist on "real wine" when we have our communion services, or do we yield to the present day attitude that says it's not proper for a Christian to drink alcohol? Are we disobeying God when we do not adhere to the letter of the word in these issues? While I'm not suggesting that it would be fundamentally wrong for a Christian or Church to practice wearing loin cloths, use real wine in communion, practice the "foot- washing" tradition, wear the head-covering, etc., I do think that it is wrong to make these cultural issues a basis for Christian fellowship. Don't get me wrong . . . I do not have a problem if your Church has attempted to find a static equilibrium that existed during biblical times and has attempted to duplicate those conditions. However, I do have a problem with the innuendo that for one to be a Christian, or to be true to God, they must follow you in your attempt to enforce cultural standards that existed during that period (which spans thousands of years, by the way) on the 20th century Church. God bless |