Women's Adornment
What does the Bible say?

Introduction

Within the framework of Christianity, certain questions have arisen concerning a woman's proper adornment.

1. Must a Christian woman refrain from wearing slacks and wear only a dress?
2. Is a woman "worldly" if she wears earrings or other jewelry?
3. Must a Christian woman refrain from using make-up?
4. Is it a sin for a woman to cut her hair?
5. Must a Christian woman wear a covering on her head when in worship or prayer?
   
   

While such questions have not been major issues in most churches, a significant number of people do consider these things as being of utmost importance. Others, though not directly involved in the controversy, are affected indirectly because of friends or relatives who are. All in all, there are multiplied thousands who have been confronted in one way or another with these questions.

I Have been in several Churches that teach these things for over 20 years. I have met men who will not wear a tie clasp, wrist watch, wedding band, or shirt with short sleeves. I have met women who feel they must always wear some form of head covering when attending worship services or offering a prayer. I know women who have been told they would "go to hell" if they were to cut their hair or wear any make-up. Some wear only dull colored clothing. They would not think of wearing slacks, a ring, or earrings!

It is not easy to disagree with very fine and sincere people who hold such beliefs, especially when they feel these beliefs constitute a standard of holiness and spirituality. Nevertheless, in all good conscience it will be necessary for me to disagree with the strict and unfruitful extremism to which some have gone. As Christians, we believe in a life of holiness. But true holiness (Ephesians 4:24) can never be that self-righteous holiness which is merely in a set of rules based on traditions of men.

This study is divided up into six parts.

1. Part One: Should Women Wear Slacks?
   Here we will examine Deuteronomy 22:5 within its proper scriptural and historical setting.
   
   
2. Part Two:Should Women Wear Jewelry?
   Are such things as rings, earrings, neclaces, or bracelets wrong? What does the Bible say?
   
   
3. Part Three: Should Women Use Cosmetics?
   Should women refrain from using lipstick because Jezebel "painted her face"? What about powder, perfume, and eye shadow?
   
   
4. Part Four: Should Women Wear Head-Coverings?
   Why did Paul say he had no such custom?
   
   
5. Part Five: Should Women Cut Their Hair?
   Why was it OK for some women in the Bible to shave their heads? Why did some men in the Bible have long hair?
   
   
6. Part Six: Women's Modest Apparel.
   Now let us attempt to evaluate these things in the light of the over-all spirit and attitude of Jesus.