People tend to assume that the Bible condemns a wide array of behaviors, but the reality might surprise you. Here, we zoom in on 18 so-called “sins” that may not be as bad as we thought.
Questioning Your Faith
Having doubts and asking questions are not signs of weak faith but can actually strengthen it. Characters in the Bible like Thomas and Job questioned God, which illustrates that doubt is a human experience.
Dressing Alternatively
Dressing in an eccentric or even way-out style isn’t conventional, but looking a little odd isn’t a sin the Bible ever mentions. Go right ahead if you like looking like a goth, wearing platform shoes as high as stilts, or a hippie kaftan down to your toes.
Having Tattoos
Tattoos are often cited as sinful based on a line from Leviticus. However, the context shows this was more about pagan rituals of the time. In modern society, tattoos aren’t broadly seen as sinful by Biblical standards.
Enjoying a Drink
Moderation is key. The Bible warns against drunkenness, but moderate drinking itself isn’t denounced. In fact, wine is often celebrated in Biblical stories and is part of many religious ceremonies.
Using Financial Products With Interest
While excessive interest rates are warned against, the act of charging a reasonable amount of interest isn’t universally condemned. This is particularly true in modern economic settings where interest is standard.
Wearing Mixed Fabrics
The warning against wearing mixed fabrics was largely cultural and not a universal mandate. Today, wearing a blend of polyester and cotton together isn’t considered a fast track to spiritual doom.
Playing Sports on Sundays
Although the Bible calls for a Sabbath rest, it doesn’t specifically state that playing sports on this day is sinful. The emphasis is on rest and spiritual reflection, not on prohibiting particular activities.
Being Wealthy
Wealth itself isn’t sinful; it’s the love or idolization of money that raises concerns. What’s crucial is how you utilize and share your financial resources for the greater good of society.
Using Contraceptives
Contraception is a hot-button issue among some religious groups, but the Bible is silent on the matter. The focus should instead be on the loving and responsible context in which sexual activities occur.
Eating Shellfish
Shellfish were prohibited in the Old Testament but are generally considered permissible in the New Testament. Enjoying a lobster dinner doesn’t necessarily contradict Biblical teachings, according to most scholars. Good news for most.
Dancing
Dance is often depicted in the Bible as a form of joyous celebration. The context and intentions can make certain types of dancing more questionable, but the act itself is not generally condemned in Scripture.
Swearing
While blue language is discouraged, it’s not the swearing that’s the major issue. The Bible is more concerned with taking God’s name in vain or uttering false statements that harm others.
Working on the Sabbath
Resting on the Sabbath is advisable, but there are Biblical examples, like Jesus healing on this day, that show not all work conducted on the Sabbath is considered sinful. Many people would exclude emergency services and caring professions from the Sabbath rule.
Consulting Psychics
The Bible warns against witchcraft and divination, but it doesn’t extend this warning to modern forms of psychotherapy or some types of spiritual consultations that aim for personal growth.
Getting a Divorce
Divorce is not encouraged but is permissible under certain conditions, like infidelity or abandonment. Therefore, it isn’t a universal sin, according to most interpretations of Biblical teachings.
Playing Cards
Good news for the Tuesday night Bridge game. Cards themselves aren’t sinful; it’s what you do with them that counts. The Bible doesn’t specifically condemn card playing unless it involves risky behaviors like excessive gambling.
Drinking Coffee
Drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages isn’t listed among Biblical sins. The focus is more on excessiveness or indulgence in any form than on specific beverages.
Eating Whatever You Want
Dietary laws from the Bible have been used to promote various eating habits. But if you look closely at the New Testament, it suggests these regulations were relevant to specific communities rather than universal moral codes.