Over time, the interpretation of the Bible has varied, leading to differing beliefs about its content. Here are 18 things that some people consider sinful, which are not mentioned in the Bible.
Board and Card Games
The Bible doesn’t mention any implications about playing card games and board games. People associate gambling with the pastime, which is mentioned as a sin. But if you’re playing them for fun, you’re safe from sin.
Celebrating Birthdays
Believe it or not, it is common among some people that celebrating your birthday is a sin. But there is nothing in the Bible that says so. Two birthday celebrations are actually mentioned in the Bible. One is King Herod (Matthew 14:6; Mark 6:21). The other is The Egyptian Pharaoh during Joseph’s time (Exodus 40:20).
Eating Shellfish and Pork
In the Old Testament, there were dietary laws on eating shellfish and pork, but they were specific to the Israelites. In the New Testament, there is an indication of a shift in these traditions. For instance, Peter has a vision in Acts 10 that symbolizes the acceptance of Gentiles and new dietary freedom.
Women Speaking in Church
Some believe that women are prohibited from speaking in church, but this is it’s not Biblical. It comes from Paul’s misinterpretation of 1 Corinthians 14: 34-35. Instead of saying women should be silent in church, it says they should be quiet when speaking in tongues.
Dancing
There’s a misconception about dancing. The Bible contains many references to dancing, and they’re not all in a negative light. The problem comes when it overlaps with lascivious behavior. Otherwise, dancing can be an enjoyable, non-sinful thing to do.
Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcohol isn’t considered a sin in and of itself. Wine and other alcoholic drinks are mentioned many times in the Bible. The issue is with drunkenness. So moderation is the key.
Wearing Jewelry and Makeup
The Bible focuses on modesty and inner beauty. Sometimes, makeup and jewelry are connected to sinful activities, such as prostitution. Still, it’s not a sin in and of itself.
Body Piercings and Tattoos
The Old Testament does mention body markings, but these passages need to be direct commands for today’s believers. The historical and cultural context of these practices dramatically differs from today. Christians are encouraged to weigh their freedom in Christ against societal norms and personal convictions.
Watching Movies and Going to the Theatre
Some believe watching movies and going to the theatre are sinful. However, the Bible has no specific references to these modern forms of entertainment. Instead, it’s more about what you watch and weighing the material with Christian values.
Playing or Listening to Secular Music
Music of any genre is not categorized as sinful in the Bible. What matters is the lyrics’ content and the music’s impact on each person. Christians are encouraged to choose music that aligns with their values.
Practicing Yoga
Some believe that yoga is a sin because it originated in Eastern religions. But this is only sometimes the case. If you’re aligning your own faith with your practice and not other religions, you’re doing just fine.
Beliefs in Astrology and Reading Horoscopes
The Bible discourages divination, but nowhere is astrology mentioned. The question is: Are you using astrology for entertainment or is it guiding your life decisions? Christians are called to trust in God for guidance instead of the stars and planets.
Cremation After Death
The Bible has no direct prohibition against cremation. There are some references to burial, but nothing that says it’s the only option. Essentially, it’s a personal decision. The key is to respect the body as God’s creation.
Living Together Before Marriage
Living together before marriage is often dubbed “living in sin.” However, there are no specific living arrangements listed in the Bible. Cohabitation was viewed much differently in Biblical times. Christians should examine cohabitation based on the context of faith and community values.
Consuming Caffeine
The Bible doesn’t mention caffeine specifically. There is more guidance on how caffeine relates to one’s spiritual life. Addiction is one of the main concerns.
Getting Divorced for Reasons Other Than Adultery
The Bible primarily mentions divorce based on adultery. However, New Testament teachings examine other aspects of ending a marriage. Reasons such as abuse, neglect, and irreconcilable differences aren’t explicitly mentioned but can be examined based on Christian values.
Mental Health Treatment
Mental health isn’t something mentioned in the Bible. The importance of prayer and counseling is emphasized, though. It also emphasizes the value of professional medical treatment.
Using Social Media and Modern Technology
The Bible doesn’t mention social media or modern technology since it didn’t exist then. Some considerations can be made for wise time management, avoiding idolatry, and keeping wholesome communication. With these values in mind, using social media shouldn’t be an issue.
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