Is there Biblical precedence........

[trc123]

...... in certain circumstances for a man to have his ear pierced?

[HappyChristian]

Sure....if he wants to be a slave! Seriously, that's what it denoted in the OT. Women wore them as ornaments, but not men...

[trc123]

So a man who was voluntarily devoting himself to his master for the rest of his life to be a servant/slave pierced his ear through with an "aul."

Ex

[HappyChristian]

So a man who was voluntarily devoting himself to his master for the rest of his life to be a servant/slave pierced his ear through with an "aul."

Ex

[trc123]

I actually know a gentleman who is a wonderful Christian man, leading his family in the ways of the Lord, being separate from the world and homeschooling their children. He has one pierced ear with a simple gold cross and he has done this as an outward sign of an inward commitment to serve Christ. He also gets inquiries by people which opens the door for him to give his testimony and witness for Christ.

In light of the OT scriptures and the motivation of his heart, I see no issue with it; but some may.

[HappyChristian]

Interesting. I don't agree with it, though, myself.

[trc123]

We are definitely conditioned by our culture in some of these areas, that is for sure.....

[HappyChristian]

I don't know that it's cultural conditioning for me...I just personally don't like the looks of a man with earrings!

[Crushmaster]

I think it's effeminate.
God bless,
Crushmaster.

[HappyChristian]

I think it's effeminate.
God bless,
Crushmaster.

I think that's part of it for me - and this is probably what trc means when he says culture has conditioned us...I don't think it's from culture for me - earrings on guys meant one thing and one thing only when I was growing up...but now it is so accepted by most people that I don't think it's a cultural conditioning so much anymore. I just don't think it's necessary!

But I also kind of (and this is my cynical nature peeking out - with NO reflection on your friend, trc!!!) get skeptical when I see cross jewelry...it is a way to witness, and to let people know that you are saved. But most of the people I see wear them are not spiritual in any way shape or form.

[trc123]

I think that's part of it for me - and this is probably what trc means when he says culture has conditioned us...I don't think it's from culture for me - earrings on guys meant one thing and one thing only when I was growing up...but now it is so accepted by most people that I don't think it's a cultural conditioning so much anymore. I just don't think it's necessary!

But I also kind of (and this is my cynical nature peeking out - with NO reflection on your friend, trc!!!) get skeptical when I see cross jewelry...it is a way to witness, and to let people know that you are saved. But most of the people I see wear them are not spiritual in any way shape or form.

Yes, I totally agree that most who have a cross worn on a necklace, etc. are not spiritual. But as you observed that is not all and there are definitely opportunities.

[John81]

I agree with LuAnne and Crush. There is no biblical grounds for this but there are biblical grounds against it. One being the feminine look factor, another being that men wearing earrings has been used as a sign of rebellion; think pirates and outlaw bikers as two examples. Also, it wasn't that many years ago when homosexual men wore an earring to identify themselves as homosexual. This all also falls into the area of "appearance of evil" too.

[trc123]

Okay John, you start with a statement of, "There is no biblical grounds for this but there are biblical grounds against it," and then go on to only give extra-biblical reasons, not one of which was from the Scriptures. I at least gave two Scriptural references that would indicate there was at one time a precedence set for it.

Where is your scripture that says a man who wants to make himself a servant to the master shouldn't pierce his ear through with an aul?

[John81]

Scripture is clear the piercing of the ear to enslave oneself to a master for life is between an earthly master and an earthly slave. This piercing was also something that placed a large hole in the lobe, not a tiny hole, and it was not for the purpose of wearing an earring.

Scripture is also clear as to how we are to show our commitment to Christ and it has nothing to do with piercing ones ear.

Pierced ears and earrings on men are associated with rebellion; not something Christians are to be yoked with.

Pierced ears and earrings on men are associated with homosexuals; not something Christians are to be yoked with.

Pierced ears gives the appearance of evil to many; something Scripture commands us against.

[trc123]

Like I said, it is interesting how culture conditions us........