Shortly after I big chopped, I had an interesting conversation with a man whom I consider to be a casual acquaintance. I didn’t know at the time that he belongs to a religion that frowns upon women cutting their hair.
I could see the look of shock on his face the first time he saw me post-big chop. I didn’t ask his opinion on my new look, because I had decided before I big chopped that I wasn’t going to invite comments or opinions from people about my hair. I loved it, and that was all that mattered to me. Besides, I found most people eventually got around to offering their opinions without me having to ask.
It didn’t take long for him to speak up. A few minutes into our chat, he told me that my hair looked striking. I thanked him. He said that the cut really drew attention to my beautiful face. I thanked him again. But, he boldly added, he didn’t believe my ultra short cut was OK from a biblical standpoint.
At first I was speechless, but I recovered quickly enough to ask him what he meant. He quoted a scripture that apparently says it’s disgraceful for a woman to cut off or shave her hair. He also referred to a scripture that says a woman’s hair is her glory. He explained that when a woman cuts off her hair as dramatically as I had, she is rejecting a God-given glory. While he acknowledged that it’s OK for a woman to trim her hair for maintenance purposes, (split ends, I guess?), he said her hair shouldn’t be cut so short that it has the appearance of a man’s hair. With ¼ inch of hair on my head, I guess my hair fell into that category, at least in his opinion.
I was completely blindsided by his comments, and unfortunately I couldn’t think of a quick response at the time.
I bring up this issue because I’m planning to big chop again very soon, and I know I’ll be running into this man. If he finds it necessary to express his opinion again, I want to be prepared with a polite but firm comeback.
Not a big deal. It will eventually grow back. This scripture that you are talking about comes from the old testament.
That's completely ridiculous. I'm a Christian and i've read my Bible and can tell you that it doesn't say ANYTHING (specifically) about women not being able to cut their hair. It does (generally) speak of being able to differentiate men and women from each other, but hair grows back so *shrug*. The Bible, also, speaks on not adorning yourselves in certain (vain) things & as far as i'm concerned God would rather us be natural than be walking around with weaves/perms. I'm not against weaves/perms at all (my hair was permed for most of my life…and i'm currently wearing a weave) but I hate when people take ONE verse and use it how they want, but completely disregard other verses on that SAME subject. This is why a lot of people stray from Christianity. They met "nut" and automatically stereotype everyone in that "category" to be the same. -_-
WOW not judging but why get sooo violent and aggressive towards each other SONIA & ANON if you are both Christians.. calm down…. Relaxed hair does not give GOD glory… Natural hair does so what is technically on my head now is not giving him glory hence me transitioning… I could BC now but I'm scared of how it'll look… But I know God's love is beyond physical… as long as our hearts aren't rebellious or sinful in Cutting of our "glory"… I hate my Relaxed hair wish I never relaxed it now cos now I know GOD.Stay blessed…. <3
also check out CrownofHisglory on Youtube. She has a great, balanced, yet Godly perspective on this that will really help you.
http://www.youtube.com/user/crownofHisglory
God is more concerned with your heart and what you are doing w/ His Son that He sent to save you! And really… It's a personal walk w/ God. So talk to the Holy Spirit about everything you do and you'll never question if what you are doing is right or not.
-Ashley
I'm a devout Christian and I promise you that's not the case. You're not going to be disowned, unloved or condemned to hell because you decided to BC.
First, allow me to applaud you for seeking truth for yourself. Now on to the matter at hand. It is imperative that we read the Bible in context. Within the context of the traditions and practices of the era in which the stories are told. If we took every chapter in the Bible literally and apply it with our limited modern day understanding then women would stay away from everyone while on their menstrual cycles, we would pluck our eyes out and chop our hands off if they 'offend'. We would also never wear pants, never wear a gold button on gold rim glasses, we would never plait our hair etc. You get the point right? Context is key.
If I explained this verse to you in depth here, the page would only have my post =). So here's a link to a very thorough and accurate explanation of the passage: http://www.actseighteen.com/articles/uncuthair.htm
I hope you and the other ladies here find it helpful. That said, Rock your do! Christ has given you the freedom to do so!
There are lots of responses that seem appropriate:
"I guess that's one more thing for God to forgive me for!"
"Please show me the exact verse so I can interpret for myself!" (As we all know, there are just as many interpretations of the Bible as there are ppl who read it.)
"I'm a Buddhist!"
"Who cares?"
Lord, I'm glad my life isn't defined by some "book". lol
I understand where your friend is coming from. I don't think he meant it maliciously. It is true that the Bible says women are not to cut their hair short but I think many people misinterpret that passage. What Paul is saying is that women should not cut their hair in order to resemble men. It also says men shouldn't have long hair to resemble women. Go ahead and BC again, girl! God doesn't look on outward appearances. He looks on the inside. A pure heart > the length of hair ANY and EVERY day.
@anon 9:24am you really define the word IGNOURANT yes I spell the british way and paul was making an example of how long hair is a thing of beauty for a woman as is obvious in popular culture.
Simply reply…"my opinion will do."
The motives are key and that is what God looks at.In a world where the gender distinctions are being blurred daily through the media the scripture below comes to mind.
Proverbs 22:28: Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set
Women and men should look different. The man really should have talked about God's redeeming love through Jesus Christ and how to be reconclied to Him.
I might be a little too late with this, but as far as your come back for the man next time, tell him first of all you are not Jewish, you are not from corinth and the context of that scripture does not apply to you.
second if you are Jewish or from corinth tell that Jesus has died to remove us from the bondage of the law, and pharisee mentality.
you are free in Jesus hair and no hair. now rock that TWA in the name of Jesus!
You can tell that man, "What God has for me, it is for ME". Nuff said.
@Dani ok dani
That is freakish and hilarious how that man reproached you!
I would have agreed with him and went on to say that was why I cut my hair. And that I wanted to embrace what God gave me as opposed to changing my hair texture in order to fit in. That would've shut him up! 🙂
@sonia: Hair covers both men's AND women's scalps. Paul makes a distinction about LONG hair specifically for WOMEN.
Reading is fundamental, sweetie. And if you're going to call someone's comment "ignorant" at least learn how to spell the word correctly.
It's funny that you story is so simulular to a conversation I had with a man on the same topic right after my BC. I asked him where does it say it is ok to trim your hair in the bible? And do the women in his church trim or have ear piercings, dawn tatoos etc.??? I also let him know just like himself, everyone CHOOSES certain things from the bible to go by, and takes it as gold to preach on. He got my just and from there he switched the convo slightly. Truth is, I wasn't cutting my hair to go against Gods glory, I cut it to come back to it. Sombody always wants to voice their opinion before finding out the details.
IAMSONOTMYHAIR
@anon 3:27pm "refers to long flowing hair in his letter (because that's the kind that "covers", right?" the most ignourant comment on this post. What hair does not cover the head/scalp. This was Paul's point of view NOT the word of GOD but PAUL'S POINT OF VIEW. He also said it is better to remain single than to marry because single people who abstain from sex will serve God better. Why don't people focus on that?
I've never had anyone approach me randomly, but when I first cut my hair my family was basically saying the same thing…I am a Christian, and I really try to live by the Word of God. I had a set back last year, the whole left side and middle of my head fell out in patches and I had to cut it all off again. It was weird, because even then, my mother was like, "you shouldn't cut your hair." But I was not cutting it just for the sake of cutting it…I was balding on half of my head. It was a depressing time for me, and I prayed and really consulted God before making that decision, but I had to cut it and just step forward in bettering my health etc.
I'm a Christian and as such I submit to the Bible and what it teaches. It does tell all of us to study to show ourselves approved unto God, and to rightly divide the Word of Truth.
And because I've done what it says, I haven't cut my hair since understanding all the scriptures (not just one text) that talk about hair, and that's been years ago.
With that being said, I have friends that do cut their hair that are of my religious background, and I have friends that are not of my religious background and they also cut their hair.
I don't love any of them any less, the friends that I believe should know not to cut their hair, and the friends that don't know or don't care. And we all respect each other. They can't make me cut my hair, and I can't make them not cut their hair. I tell them my reasons, they tell me theirs, and we're all still friends.
They know where I stand, and I know where they're at.
I totally agree. If people spent less time preaching to others (with or without a Bible in hand) and LIVING righteously ( in a compassionate and empathic way), the world would be a much better place.
Speaking as a Christian, and more than just nominally, I have observed a very disturbing and irritating thing with my Christ-brothers and sisters: Some of us compound our boundary issues by mis-using Scripture to justify our non-observance of boundaries. It is especially irksome because in many of the cases where this happens, the person attempting to quote Scripture is mis-quoting, whether actually or contextually, out of their own ignorance and misunderstanding of what is actually being said or meant in the Scripture thus abused. We need to remember a few things our Savior said to us when He walked among us, namely, that the length we measure out to others will be measured back to us; that if we are wrongly judgmental, we ourselves will also be judged; that the treatment we wish to receive is how we should treat others; and that a tree is known by its fruits; aka we are how we act as governed by what's in our hearts.
See, it's true: God does look at our hearts. Problem is that we often forget just how wicked our hearts really are and that God sees this, even when we fool ourselves into thinking it isn't there or that we're not really that bad. That's why Jesus also taught us that we need to take care of the log sticking out of our own eye before we try to take on the splinter in somebody else's eye. When we do that, people like the OP will have fewer casual acquaintances like the man interfering in what, after all, is really none of his business.
The Bible says that people should not commit fornication? Does anybody listen? The Bible also states that men should not cut their beards. Do we see a bunch of men walking around with long beards? No.
When people realize that the Bible is meant to guide our lives and is not a fashion and grooming manual, the world will be a more tolerant place.
Let me first start by saying that I AM a Christian and I believe in God. Okay, ask him to find in the bible where a man should not grow his hair so long that it takes on the appearance of a Woman. A lot of times people read a part in the bible and that's it. They don't read what's before or after it in order to get the entire meaning of a passage. That passage could have been a metaphor that leads to a concept much greater than vanity purposes.
LOL! Angelina
A philosophical question:
If God judges what's in your heart, do all these people who are out here ACTING wrong and doing and saying horribly mean things to people, but "feeling" (in their heart) in a confused manner get a pass??
I CANNOT wait to sit down and discuss that with GOD. I try and live compassionately and empathically because doing so gives me peace of mind and makes me feel like I am contributing the best positive energy to the planet- NOT out of a fear of God's wrath. If that is going to banish me to "hell", then I'd rather be in hell with people like me than in "heaven" with people who get a "pass" because they acted like an ass but went to church, read and quoted the Bible ad nauseum and TRIED to be good, but treated so many people around them with disrespect and selfish behavior.
Oh, and I will be at the Judgment Table with my natural hair which has been trimmed every 3 months. Yup, I can't wait for THAT day! Lol! No fear here.
I would have told him he could fuck right off. Period.
I don't like it when some Christians give their passive aggressive and two-faced personal opinions under the guise of quoting bible scripture as it relates to how one should live their life.
That shit sounded like the worst "compliment sandwich" I have ever heard:
"Your hair is striking" (compliment)
"But, the Bible story says, blah, blah, blah"(critique)
"Your haircut draws attention to your beautiful face"(compliment)
Well, FFFFUUUUUCCCCKKKK HIM!
This is some BS.
My hair has nothing to do with God. How I choose to wear my hair is between the descidion making in my brain and my scissors.
SMH at y'all quoting the bible so literally when it suits you.
When the bible was used to justify SLAVERY was that okay too now?
OP you need to tell that man your hair is none of his business as its on you damn head.
It is so amazing to me how people have to comment on everything. Sometime I want to ask people what their role is in my life, what contribution are they making? As an acquaitance I do not believe that he contributes that much to your life anyway… people use and twist the Bible in a way that justifies their preference. There is also a verse that says the body is a temple but do people in your life feel passionately about your health? Do they remind you to eat a healthy diet or exercise? No? Also when we leave this earth to go to glory we will have a new body and I can imagine new hair. So if you decide to cut it then you should.
Exactly aWickedRose, why must he assume that you too are a christian? I'm not saying you aren't and I'm certainly not saying there is anything wrong with practicing any religion but I can't get it trough my head why people always feel the need to push their beliefs on other people. I know I would get a good telling off if I went off about christianity. Also who can say whose version and whose interpretation is the right one? Nobody for sure… we all have different faiths and beliefs and its exactly why we should respect them and agree to disagree on certain matters.
Hair is just HAIR, or at least that is what it is to me, if to you its some sort of symbol of freedom from opression or your pride and glory, then that is your belief. Period.
I would gracefully tell him thank you for the opinion I appreciate it for you friend. Then I would strongly say that its my hair on my head and I look damn good. Leave it at that and continue on. 😉
That's funny. My response would be "And a woman should not wear things that pertain to a man. You might want to try to catch all these women out here wearing pants. They may not know!" Lmao Now run and tell that, homeboy.
Nicole H.
My response to that has always been I'm not a Christian and it's offensive that you assume I am simply because I'm black. I made a choice for the health of my hair and I don't think any deity could be upset with that.
I don't know why this is even worth discussing. People will continue to twist the scripture in order to keep you imprisoned if you let them. It is just hair for crying out loud. You needed to tell him to have several seats.
WOW. Like most scripture this has been taken out of context. I've been natural for the last 11 years/loced for 10. I will be cutting them off on my 31st birthday in obedience to God (not that I really wanted to) I believe wholeheartedly that this is my Father's will. I have been through so much in the last 10 years, the last year alone would warrant a hait cut. As I step in a new season of my life, I am leaving behind my hair (dead hair) to represent a new beginning. So on the contrary, I believe that sometimes as women our hair is our glory and not God and He will ask us to let it go in obedience to Him.
Also, does that mean god loved me less when my hair was shorter? I don't think so.
These comments are so diverse and interesting that me myself cannot come up with an opinion due to some of you making such valid points.
Me personally though, I think it doesn't matter. I think he meant to show how women and men are different as far as looks go. He didn't blatantly say women have to have long hair in order for it to be a glory. He didn't specify that at all. We all will interpret the bible differently, that's how we are in general. Everybody has a viewpoint that differs because we are all different.
What I don't agree with though, is how men choose to justify their preference by twisting the scriptures to prove something. Unless god says every woman HAS to have long hair, then I don't believe that scripture is a valid point to bring up in conversation. I don't think having short hair is gonna keep you out of heaven, just like pierced ears shouldn't either, or tattoos. I think modesty is key here.
God indeed judges the heart, which is fair. I mean you body doesn't even go with you when you leave this earth. I think out culture has something to do with it too. I think because we've been conditioned to believe long hair is ideal, they make it seem like that's the only way god accepts women.
At the end of the day though, only god knows. It people like him that taint religion and make it seem like were all judgmental, when it is not our job.
Should your acquaintance have something to say about your hair the next time he sees you after your next big chop, I would simply say that what you do with your hair is your business, and that you don't appreciate his lecturing you on something so personal or lecturing you at all. Hopefully he gets it. And if not, because he is only an acquaintance you may have to end your acquaintanceship with him (not a word, at least I don't think it is, but you get my point)
If he had told me something crazy like that, this would've been my comeback:
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)- Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Who we are on the inside is much more important to God than the way we wear our hair.
@anonymous 6:41, it doesn't sound like the writer cares what the man thinks about her hair or haircare decisions, she is asking for suggestions on how to respond to his comments.
Your friend is completely WRONG!! I am sure he has good intentions but that is not what that means. Please read 1 Corinthians 11:6 and go to the message bible version because the hair is just a symbollic. You have to get the deeper meaning. It is a comparison. Go to biblegateway and read the king James version, the new international version and then the message.
Hey there
I think the best way to reply to him is through using scripture. I agree with anonymous 6:08 that some things in the Bible are cultural and apply to that time. God does not care about whehter wear there hair short and long.
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
why should you care what he or anyone else thinks of your hair and your haircare decisions?
I am a faithful Christian and the bottom line when reading scripture is rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.") Basically when scripture is studied we must know who the specific scripture is being directed to and when. Everything in the Bible can be learned from but not everything applies to today. Some scriptures may be written for a specific group of people or for a specific reason. We must study the word to know who specific scriptures are for, when, why, etc. BUT again EVERYTHING in the bible has a lesson. You must rightly divide the word.
I disagree with anon 2:14 pm. African Americans are not the only ethnicity that chemically processes hair repeatedly. I live in an area with mostly hispanic and white. Many have bleached hair and dyed hair. In fact, I'd say the majority. Last time I checked, dyeing and bleaching are chemical processes. And I believe if one bleaches his or her hair, they must grow it out or cut it off to return to the natual color. I see about 6/10 hispannic girls with have bleached, half natural color hair. (Sorry for being off topic)
he seems comfortable expressing his beliefs with you. and since youre contemplating what he's said, it sounds like youre a person who respects the opinions of others.
dont feel afraid to tell him what you believe in, and do explain to him why you have chosen to big chop. give him that chance to understand you and your decision.
he should f understood why you cut your hair in the first place, getting rid of the damaged hair that was processed. I just don't get it its ok for a guy to do whatever to their hair but when it comes to the female its not ok. And I don't get how its not right to shave your head but its ok to cover it up. All i know is that god loves you and its not like its not going to grow back
you should of asked him what does he think of people who have cancer or an autoimmune disease and therefore have no choice but to keep it short? And then tell him your choice cut is between you and GOD.
I'm a Christian and i can tell you this is using the text in a wrong context. Does he not know that the bibe he so "accurately" quotes says, "Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard" (Leviticus 19 26-28). Technically he's not supposed to be shaving either. Contextual reading is necessary and the study of Hermaneutics (context).
It's contextual and so what people do repeatedly is take the bible out of it's context. What happened then is important but it must be read in the context of what was going on then. It's these Christians that unfortunately tarnish everyone imposing legalistic views.
You can do whatsoever you want with your hair…trust me. God approves because ultimately,
"man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" 1 Samuel 16:7.
Why look for a comeback? Why not try studying what he told you and see for yourself?
Have you ever thought, between the first time you spoke to him and the next time you might see him, to even consider if there was any truth to what he said, or not?
Or is it easier to just disregard anything the Bible has to say?
Only asking.
You cut it off to get rid of damage.
Which is worse, having damaged hair or relaxed hair that is very much against the texture that God gave you, or cutting all of that affronting hair off to reveal your natural texture? Can long relaxed hair really give glory to God?
Moreover, if he truly believes that men and women are separate beings, then a woman could technically never resemble a man.
Is he wearing mixed fabrics (church folks are especially bad about that)? Does he shave?
You could always put it that way.
Personally, I feel that God couldn't care less about what's on our heads. If your heart's not right, no amount of hair on your head, or strictly adhering to "rules" is going to get you to heaven.
According to the Word of God, women should not cut, trim, shave their hair for any purpose. It says for a woman to have long hair. Length is determined by genetics etc, because not every woman's hair will grow down to the ankles, bum, knees, back, shoulder, maybe even the ear, and the list continues.
It clarifies that trimming, cutting is all the same as if a woman were shaven. He's not talking about the "length" of a woman's hair, but he's talking about her having uncut hair.
Well, Paul did say that if anyone is against what he's teaching, they have no custom to be contentious with others, because this is the way that it's supposed to be. You can't twist what he's saying. He's always been direct. Some people just obey the Word of God and some don't.
And this is not judging others, but discerning for oneself what they will do with the knowledge they have. That's all that it is.
Long hair on a man and nature teaching us about it. When a man is aging, do you see long hair on him, or balding?
But when a woman is balding, do we not immediately assume that something is wrong? (even if it's socially unacceptable to admit this).
But for me, since reading about this in the Word of God 12 years ago, I haven't cut, trimmed, nor shaved my hair. It's neck length. Yes, I have split ends, but who doesn't? And those break off when they do. Does my hair look a mess? Nope. I condition, moisturize, style etc. and it looks great.
Hey. The man is right. That scripture does not need any interpreting. Its plain english. The bible says there is no private intrepretation of scripture in 2 peter 1:20. So take the word for what it says no need to add philosophy or opinion.You have the choice of what to do with your hair but it is your glory and God does not approve of it. Nor does He approve of a man with long hair. Its not how I feel it says the same thing in everyones bible.
If someone suggested that big-chopping goes against the Bible, I would tell them thank you (probably with a side-glance) and keep it moving. Because I think that's rude.
Because ultimately, if and how you choose to put your God first will really be between you and your God.
I'm not a Christian but this still doesn't make any sense to me. The only reason women would look like "men" if they cut their hair is because men for whatever (IMO arbitrary) reasons have been socially conditioned to believe that long hair = feminine and short hair = masculine. But if men DIDN'T cut their hair, it'd be just has long as womens' hair… so there's nothing inherently masculine or feminine about length. Somewhere in some alternate universe, there are "female" creatures with short hair and "male" creatures with long hair LOL.
who cares what he says or thinks. or anyone else that has a problem with what we do to our hair. people are always trying to pick and choose a verse in the Bible to justify anything. maybe he should switch churches if they are worried about women cutting their hair rather than focusing on saving souls and building a relationship with God.
1 Corinthians 11:14-16
King James Version (KJV)
14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
The purpose of this scripture is to make clear what a male and female should look like. We know that it is common for a male to have shorter hair than a woman. A woman's hair is her glory because it is part of her female identity/characteristic. It also has the purpose of attracting the man (When I say "man", I mean the AVERAGE man), so that is why a woman would not go and shave her head as a man would. Her hair is part of her identity. I agree in that aspect. ( To make it clear, the bible is not referring to people who don't have a choice about the length of their hair. Ex: Alopecia victims, Chemotherapy, etc.)
My thing is ,what are the reasons for you cutting off your hair? If you are cutting it to get rid of the damage then I would say that is a fine reason. If you are cutting just for the sake of having shorter hair, then the bible says you are cutting off your glory and your covering. We already know that the definition of "long hair" depends on your culture, obviously. Notice the use of the word "nature" in this scripture. Nature is a derivative of the word natural. In other words, it is not "natural" for a man to have long hair like a woman. The bible needs no explanation. It explains itself. Just read it in its context.
I agree w/ Anon 3:38p. My relationship w/ God is my business…as is my relationship w/ my hair. The earlier poster was right about scriptures being used to justify almost anything, including slavery. I mean..if we're to use that scripture, it says that a woman should cover her hair or shave it— unless it is shameful to cut her hair, in which case she should cover it. …this will lead to a broader debate…. tell him "Thank you for your opinion," and walk away, lol.
I see that many women's take on 1 Corinthians seems to be that Paul was referring to "long hair" as being a woman's covering, which is not correct. In order to understand this, you have to look at the reason why Paul wrote to the Corinthians church. There were women of Corinth who newly converted and brought pagan practices into the church. One of the pagan practices was the ritual of the "temple virgin" in which pagan women shave their hair and burn it as a sacrifice. Paul wrote to the church to discourage this practice. When he refers to "long hair", he actually refers to hair which is not cut. Its not the length of the hair that matters, but the condition of the hair. When Paul said a women's hair was her crown and glory this was not simply a compliment, this means that a woman's uncut hair is her victory over sin and sign of submission to her husband and God. It also says a woman's uncut hair grants her protection from the angels. Back in the old days, churches of all denominations believed this interpretation. Some woman wore hats or head coverings, but it was considered unseemly for a woman to cut her hair. In fact, one of the ways to punish a woman who was rebellious was to cut/shave her head. Its only in the 1900's that this practice changed. Point being, Paul discouraged the practice of women cutting/shaving their hair because it separates Christian women from Pagan practices.
Ask him why he feels the need to explain this to you since you did not ask for his opinion? I like to analyze why people ask specific questions. For example he may say, becaus I'm a Christian and I wanted you to know what we believe" again ask him why he felt it necessary to tell you what he believes. Keep interigating him until he becomes speachless. Don't try to respond with a bible quote just keep asking him why he is giving you his opinion? At the end if he finally has nothing to say, let him know that your relationship with God is none of his business. And dispite what anyone says- only God can judge you. You have to stand up for yourself when someone makes you feel uncomfortable. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" Proverbs 18:21 People need to be real careful about opening their mouths because just when you think you know what's best for someone else, you end up getting what you gave 10 fold.
I'd probably tell the guy that God knows all the shade the world throws at black women (and our hair), so hopefully He will show mercy if we get all "crazy" and do something wildly sinful like cutting our hair.
*nature
This is something that is often miscronstrued…men are quick to use that "woman's hair is god's glory" but what about theirs? If we want to generalize, then lets point out the fact that in Samson's hair lied his strength, and when it was cut this strength diminished and only returned once it grew back. Would this be the same for all men?
maybe overreaching, but ijs.
anybody can pull a scripture to justify belief. lets remember that the Bible is not written by GOD but by man, through man's interpretation of GOD. At time it in itself is living proof of the contradictory natural of man.
Idk why you feel you owe this buttinski any explanation at all. And I really don't get all the suggestions to quote scriptures, etc. Many people feel women's bodies are communal property to be explained, analyzed and discussed. You play into that by being all worried about being polite to some nut who doesn't know to mind their damn biz. Why do some ladies worry more about social mores than their own personal space is beyond me.
"Whatever you want to think nutter"
I am not sure I would waste time thinking about what to say to someone so dumb. He'll tell by my facial expressions that I think he is an idiot.
At my age you'd think I wouldn't react, but I'm constantly amazed at what people will say to people…
I would say well "God may not like a lot of decisions I make thank goodness he forgives…. One thing he also doesn't like is judgement as only he is without sin an able to judge others"
****smiling***** "thank you for your unsolicited comment. my hair is my business."
Before I wrote this, I saw there are 19 comments. Those 19 comments resulted in 19 different viewpoints. It's not always necessary to have response when the point someone expresses is valid in that someone else's life – and not your own. Validate your beliefs in your own convictions based on your own experiences. Politely respond with a smile, "that's an interesting thought." And move on the the next topic.
@Anonymous 2:14
Clearly you haven't seen Korean and Japanese straightening perms.
http://londonkoreanlinks.net/2006/11/29/magic-straight-perm/
Be careful with literal translations. The bible's words were once used by many to justify slavery.
I don't explain my hair to anyone. My relationship with the creator is personal. End of story.
COMMENT MAN: "You cut your hair again…how cute…but like I said before…the Bible *blah blah blah and more blah*
YOU: *polite* "Thank You"
*firm* NOW LEAVE ME ALONE…THANK YOU!…
see…still polite.
This (the quoting of I Cor 11:14-15 in reference to a woman's hair choices) has bugged me for years. YEARS, I tell you. Even before I went natural this bugged me. 🙂
Because everybody has their own interpretation I prefer to just go with the literal: I think it's safe to say that the ancient Corinthians didn't have short Afro hair as a general rule. Otherwise Paul would have said something else. His letters were meant for the people they were sent to, and as such they (like a large part of the Bible) aren't going to apply to all peoples, all over the world, in all situations.
Just because he refers to long flowing hair in his letter (because that's the kind that "covers", right?) does not mean Afro-haired black folks are "less than" or have to "do more" to be considered acceptable in the eyes of God. To suggest otherwise is another form of programming designed to make black folks feel like they're lesser beings compared to whites specifically and non-blacks in general…and it has ALWAYS fascinated and annoyed me to see how blacks themselves participate in their own degrading (I mean that word literally: de-grade) by throwing that verse out when a woman makes a CHOICE to cut HER hair.
And of course ultimately I end up saying something similar to what K @ 2:36 pm said…and shake my head and move on…
Proverbs 26:4 "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him".
You can always say that as Christians our main goal is our salvation/relationship (our daily walk) with God. I know God knows and understands why you made your decision to cut your hair. I also believe that cutting or not cutting your hair will not save you. If he cannot explain how cutting/not cutting your hair will save you then he need not say more. What he is really doing is bringing division to the body of Christ and that is a no no. As Christians, we are suppose to be about peace not division.
I don't know why we sometimes feel that we have to explain to others what we choose to do with our lives. I also find it interesting that some people choose to take their values and place it upon others. Personally, I am not surprised that he said that but I am surprised that you asked him what he meant. As soon as he said that he didn't feel it was okay as for a biblical standpoint was a clue that he was going to be judgmental. When you cut it shorter and the next time you see him, tell him that he has "HIS" values and "YOU" have yours. Then tell him for future references that you've got your own values/beliefs and for him to keep his to himself. Besides, GOD Loves you regardless, remember that.
@K. 2:36 PM….LMBO!!!!!!!!!!!! That was a good one!
I can't help but smile while reading your post. To answer that question directly if i was asked i'd respond:
"To cut your hair isn't against what the bible actually teaches regarding dress/grooming.
Yes with modesty in mind when choosing clothing, entertainment and styling of hair the scriptures do give advice. You're mostly likely referring to the apostle Paul's words at 1Timothy 2:9,10 as well as those of the apostle Peter's words at 1Peter 3:3,4.
It's an outline to how we shouldn't be keeping with the latest fads which mostly dishonor God but to make sure that the choices we make in regards to hair/grooming are in line with how a person of godly devotion should look. So long as my hair is well kept, not a fad or extreme in any way whether in cut, style or color, i'm not violating any bible principle" The end, then wait for response…
Is it just the hair on your head that you are not supposed to cut because it makes you look like a man? What about armpit hair? If you let it grow too much it looks like a man's armpit. Is that okay? Religion is funny. Except yours, yours is okay
I say tell him to mind his own business….he without sin please cast the first stone and then sit down.
I agree with all that is said before me but I truly feel if this gentleman cared about anything it should be asking if you are saved or not. Going to heaven or hell is not determined by how much hair we have on our heads. Our job as followers of Christ is to love our neighbor as ourselves and spread the gospel, not beat people over the head with scripture.
I do al kinds of things to my hair and my relationship with Christ doesn't suffer when I choose to cut, braid, were a wig, or rock my fro! Be blessed
Will your hair separate you from the love of God? I think not.
People always pick the most interesting parts of the bible to obey it seems. The bible has some pretty strong words about fornication but I NEVER hear any man arguing about abstaining from it. SMH.
it sounds as if he's taking scriptures out of context culturally. There was a group of people in the bible who did not cut their hair and there were Nazarites; they were jewish. part of their vow was to not cut their hair.
Not to be cut or shorn during their vow.
Numbers 6:5 All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.
Judges 16:17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.
Judges 16:19-20 And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.
Shorn after completion of vow.
Numbers 6:18 And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.
more info – here http://www.bible-topics.com/Hair-The.html
it's more of a cultural thing than a spiritual thing and as such there is no judgement.
for things of this nature, i often recommend praying about it, and if you are convicted act accordingly, but don't let anyone impose their views on you for things such as these.
I would respond by saying that his view may be a misinterpretation.
The verses people usually refer to for this argument are 1 Corinthians 11: 14-15, which say "Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering." It's in a section about covering your head in worship. It is a rather challenging passage, and people take pieces of it out of context and say it tells women to be hidden and subservient, and it compared an uncovered head to being "shorn" but I think that the point is that long hair was a sign of modesty in women in those times. I don't think it was an eternal edict about the length of a woman's hair as much as a prescription to adhere to a standard of modesty before God. Looking at verses 2 – 16 (the whole section) helps clarify, I think.
So if you read the Bible I think that argument would work. If you don't you might just have to let it go because it's a much debated theological point in some circles.
Hmm.. Well I think you should explain to him that you cutting your hair is your way to accept the NATURAL glory that god has given you and to come closer to what he originally made you to be, if of course you subscribe to that. If not I would simply politely tell him that while his viewpoint is certainly valid you don't feel personally convicted by it and hope that you can cordially continue your acquaintance by agreeing to disagree.
I assume he doesn't completely understand the context in which the passage was written but instead if debating simply state that your hair is still your glory [something that is the source of honor,& fame] whether it be close to your scalp or not.
Everyone's got a way to spin the scripture into what they want it to mean.
I recently cut my hair from hip to armpit length and a man that I didn't even know, have never spoken to, but have seen several times on the train came up to me and (almost) yelled at me!
He said: I see you cut your hair. That is your strength! That is your pride! Don't cut it again. And walked away.
It was surreal. I didn't even say a word.
He has dreads down to his knees, fyi.
xo
Dani
okdani.com
I belong to a denomination which does not believe in cutting a women's hair. Whether it be trimming or otherwise. Based on the bible verse in Corinthians, we believe that a women's hair, not a hat or a cloth, is her covering. In fact, back in the old days people would shame a women by cutting off her hair if she did something unseemly.
However, African Americans face a unique delimma. Out of all ethnicities, we are the only race which often chemically processes our hair. The only way you can reverse this is to cut off the relaxed ends. As far as I'm concerned, it's better for a women to wear the natural texture God gave her rather than wear long uncut relaxed hair, but that me. Although I don't believe in a women cutting her hair, if a woman decides she wants to be rid of the relaxer by doing one big chop, IMO thats ok.