Im new here. I need some help regarding 1 Corinth 11:14

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Needevidence

Active member
Mar 15, 2023
261
59
28
#81
Well, I was just providing evidence. Still, it may not be very good evidence though considered by some people. I'll have to think about that. But Paul also was an apostle, would he lie about himself? He was in Christ, he loved God, and obeying God's commandments brought him such joy for he was pleasing and glorifying the one who gave him new life.
Some woudl argue Paul was not an apostle as only 12 apostles - Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Did he follow the Law - Romans 7:6 “But now we are released from the Law we serve not under the old written code but under the new life of the Spirit”.

Thread issues is if this was Pauls opinion for that time or inspired which must be followed - not sure we have got very far.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,153
3,697
113
#82
Does "nature" teach you that long hair on a man is improper? I doubt it. You might believe that, but most likely because Paul's words are recorded in Scripture. It's a cultural argument. Try asking an indigenous American whether "nature itself" teaches that long hair on a man is improper. He'll probably laugh at your ignorance.

Given that "nature itself" does not actually teach any such thing, either Scripture is wrong, or Paul's words have a limited cultural context. I prefer the second option. You're welcome to whatever conclusion makes you comfortable.
Do you think long hair on men is fine and acceptable by God? Should there be a visible difference between a man and a women?
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,590
13,857
113
#83
In other words, some of what Paul wrote does not fit into our culture today. :unsure:
While your statement is technically true, it is a rather slanted perspective and certainly not the only possible view.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,590
13,857
113
#84
Do you think long hair on men is fine and acceptable by God? Should there be a visible difference between a man and a women?
To your first question, Samson. His whole life story demonstrates that length of hair is a non-issue. If God were really that concerned, He could have designed male hair to stop growing at the prescribed length.

To your second, yes. I doubt you are blind, but I suspect you have not considered that there are several more obvious clues than hair length.
 
Oct 10, 2024
124
43
28
17
USA, Indiana, Elkhart, Goshen.
#85
Some woudl argue Paul was not an apostle as only 12 apostles - Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Did he follow the Law - Romans 7:6 “But now we are released from the Law we serve not under the old written code but under the new life of the Spirit”.

Thread issues is if this was Pauls opinion for that time or inspired which must be followed - not sure we have got very far.
Do you know what Paul is saying in that verse? He in other areas would reinforce the law. What do you think about this?
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Paul says how certain kind of people won't inherit the kingdom of heaven.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,153
3,697
113
#86
To your first question, Samson. His whole life story demonstrates that length of hair is a non-issue.
Samson was under the Nazarite vow. That was the only exception for men growing their hair. Exceptions only prove the rule.

God could have stopped men from growing hair, but that's not a valid argument. God could have stopped homosexuality from occurring, but it still happens.

Notice that nature tells us that women with women and men with men is against the truth of God. Doesn't nature tell us that it is a shame for a man to have long hair?

Romans 1:
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
 

JohnDB

Well-known member
Jan 16, 2021
6,278
2,556
113
#87
Hair length and beard fashions for men changed often in first Century Roman Empire. Often it was the Caesar that set the trend with his hairstyle of choice.
Nero Caesar of fame was the one who had the most extensive hairstyles with elaborate curls of various colors.

What was outrageous was long haired uncouth barbarians. And Paul was wanting Christians to blend in with the local culture by their appearances. What Paul said to women also applied to men. Meaning not to dress or groom themselves into an outrageous fashion that stood out from all others in a society.
You could be shaved or sporting a beard. You could have very short hair or not. Scissors at that time required a skilled barber to operate effectively. Most of the time people cut it themselves with a knife. Senators in Rome couldn't enter the senate without shaving unless they were in mourning for a lost loved one.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,590
13,857
113
#88
Samson was under the Nazarite vow. That was the only exception for men growing their hair. Exceptions only prove the rule.

God could have stopped men from growing hair, but that's not a valid argument. God could have stopped homosexuality from occurring, but it still happens.

Notice that nature tells us that women with women and men with men is against the truth of God. Doesn't nature tell us that it is a shame for a man to have long hair?

Romans 1:
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Streeeeeeetch….

Um, no.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,153
3,697
113
#89
Streeeeeeetch….

Um, no.
Comparing scripture with scripture, just the way I see scripture. No cultural point of view dictates truth. What's truth 2,000 years ago for the body of Christ is truth today.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,153
3,697
113
#90
Meaning not to dress or groom themselves into an outrageous fashion that stood out from all others in a society.
If a culture goes in the direction of men dressing like women and wearing make-up, then Christian men should also to fit in? Nope. I don't want to fit into the world. I'm pretty sure the bible states this in Romans 12:1-2.
 

NightTwister

Well-known member
Jul 5, 2023
2,120
805
113
65
Colorado, USA
#91
If a culture goes in the direction of men dressing like women and wearing make-up, then Christian men should also to fit in? Nope. I don't want to fit into the world. I'm pretty sure the bible states this in Romans 12:1-2.
The scots would disagree...
 

NightTwister

Well-known member
Jul 5, 2023
2,120
805
113
65
Colorado, USA
#92
Ok...so im an 18 year old male. I converted to Christ two years ago so am still quite new to all this. So I don't know much in terms of general theological knowledge. With that being said, I need some help.

Ive always had super short hair, but my Girlfriend said I should grow it out, so I have been. It's currently at my shoulderblades, and I was going to go to mid back. I must admit my GF was right, I look the best I ever have. But then I read 1 Corinth 11:14. Where Paul says it's against God for a man to have long hair??? I know it's a sin for a man to look feminine, but I certainly don't. And long hair has nothing to do with that. So I'm confused.

Ive done research and I've found that nobody really knows. Some scholars say that it's fine and others say it's sinful. I don't have a pastor I can ask as I don't go to church yet (my parents are atheists) so I'm kinda stuck and just need help. Please. Someone!
As long as it's not a mullet you should be fine.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,590
13,857
113
#93
Samson was under the Nazarite vow. That was the only exception for men growing their hair. Exceptions only prove the rule.
Since there is no mention of a restriction on length of men’s hair other than Paul’s words, you have no argument.

God could have stopped men from growing hair, but that's not a valid argument. God could have stopped homosexuality from occurring, but it still happens.
Homosexuality is an expression of the fallen nature of humans. Hair length is not.

Notice that nature tells us that women with women and men with men is against the truth of God. Doesn't nature tell us that it is a shame for a man to have long hair?
To the latter, no, it does not. There’s no connection as Romans 1 has nothing to do with the length of hair but rather is addressing overt sin. Humans have no control over their hair growing whereas they do over their actions.

Further, as others have mentioned, there is no objective definition for “long hair” in Scripture… nor is there for “short hair”. At what point does the man who cannot afford a haircut cross into sin? There isn’t one! So set aside your silly, pointless arguing and focus in more important matters.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#94
1 Corinthians, Chapter 11:

14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

It does not say it is "against God" does it?

As well, Paul was giving his opinion and not a Commandment from God. This particular Scripture reveals one of Paul's misspeaks. And, Scripture is justified as Truth because it is included.

Nature does not teach that long hair shames a male. Consider the mighty Lion! The great mane the male wears, as opposed to the short mane of the females.

Paul wrote in two distinct styles:

1) Thus sayeth the Lord. When writing in this style, Paul was teaching Commandments from God. There was to be no debate or arguing, it was "Thus sayeth the Lord!"

2) I would rather that/it would be better that. When writing in this style, Paul was giving his opinion/advice on how believers could live a Christ like life with the littlest of problems.

When reading Paul's Epistles it is necessary to distinguish which style he is writing/speaking in so as to know what is a Commandment from God, and what is not. Far, far, too many people can not, and this has caused, and continue to cause flawed understanding of and teaching of Scripture. IMO, much damage has occurred and continues to occur because people are not able to distinguish these differences.

A lack of the knowledge of the scriptures is what leads to false interpretation of the scriptures.

You have discarded Paul's statement in 1 Cor 11:14 as just being Paul's opinion and not God's.

2 Tim 3:16-17 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reprove, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#95
Hi and welcome!

I'm very glad to hear you've become a believer. As far as the issue of long hair, I personally believe 1 Corinthians 11 teaches that a woman's long hair is a symbol of her submission to her husband; and a man's short hair is a symbol of his submission to Christ. However, I wouldn't put put the cart before the horse. The Lord will reveal His will to you as you follow Him and grow spiritually.

My question to you would be, as a new believer, have you been water baptized (immersed) into Christ? Jesus taught by example that we should be baptized; and He commanded that it should be taught and practiced. If you haven't already, I pray you'll make this your next order of business.

1 Pet 3:20-21, Just as Noah and his family were saved=delivered from drowning, as they had already been delivered eternally The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save=deliver us from our guilty conscience (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

These two examples of deliverances are received as we sojourn here on earth, and not eternally.
 

JohnDB

Well-known member
Jan 16, 2021
6,278
2,556
113
#97
If a culture goes in the direction of men dressing like women and wearing make-up, then Christian men should also to fit in? Nope. I don't want to fit into the world. I'm pretty sure the bible states this in Romans 12:1-2.
If that were the case then clothing is unisex....like things are in China very often. Nobody confuses men for women or vice versa.
And Christian men and women in China are not into practicing the sexual perversions found here in America that seem to be at odds within the Churches here. There is no argument about it whatsoever in their churches.

longer hair on men was popular in the 70's and into the early 80's. things have changed since.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,590
13,857
113
#99
So, are you able to answer this question with a simple yes or no? If not, I understand. Do you believe that Paul was making a 1st-century misunderstanding? By the way, I'm was not trying to prove that you are not allowed to have long hair this whole time at any point.
Which question, exactly? I don't see one in your post, other than in the quotation from Scripture. To that, no, it doesn't.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,590
13,857
113
Not in the body of Christ…
You seem to think that your narrow experience is normative. It isn't. I've seen many pictures of Christians from that period... longer hair was normal on the men.