Not all Christians hold the same beliefs, as what one group may find acceptable, another might consider sinful. Yet, many actions thought to be explicitly forbidden by the Bible are not actually mentioned as such. To clarify this confusion, here are 17 acts people mistakenly believe are sinful.
Dancing
Some people perceive dancing as being fundamentally sinful. However, while the Bible does teach that dancing can lead people to sin, it is not explicitly prohibited. Ecclesiastes 3:4 states that there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” While this implies that dancing is not always appropriate, it can be in the right contexts.
Getting Tattoos
While some Christians will tell you that tattooing is a sinful practice prohibited by the Bible, this is not strictly the case. Leviticus 19:28 states, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.” However, many see this as relating to idolatrous practices rather than being about tattooing and body art as a whole.
Drinking Alcohol in Moderation
Some Christians are very strict when it comes to alcohol and other substances, deciding to completely abstain from any alcoholic beverages. However, drinking is not actually forbidden in the Bible itself. In fact, people drink wine on several occasions in the Bible as part of celebrations and other positive events.
Eating Pork
The Old Testament’s dietary rules prohibited the consumption of pork. However, in the New Testament, Jesus said that all foods are clean, meaning that after that point, eating pork was no longer considered a sinful act.
Wearing Makeup or Jewelry
The Bible does emphasize the importance of modesty and that inner beauty should be prioritized over any external adornments. However, it never explicitly describes makeup or jewelry as being inherently sinful or forbidden.
Celebrating Birthdays
Some stricter Christians see the celebration of birthdays as excessive and unholy. However, the Bible does not forbid celebrating birthdays. In fact, birthday celebrations are mentioned without an association with sinfulness or condemnation.
Playing Cards
While the Bible does caution against excess and activities that could lead to sin or gambling, playing cards in itself is never explicitly condemned. Christianity usually encourages indulging in moderation and in alignment with the Bible’s values.
Listening to Secular Music
Some people wrongly assume that listening to secular music goes against God and the Bible’s teachings. However, while Christians are advised to be careful about which genres and songs they listen to, there is actually no blanket ban on non-Christian music.
Women Wearing Pants
Deuteronomy 22:5 declares, “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.” However, many Christian scholars point out that cultural clothing norms have varied significantly throughout history, and in today’s cultural context, pants are not strictly labeled as men’s clothing.
Drinking Coffee or Caffeine
Many Christians choose to refrain from drinking coffee or caffeine altogether. However, the Bible makes no mention of this. Therefore, most Christian authorities recommend that, as with all luxuries, you should consume mindfully and in moderation.
Practicing Yoga
Because yoga is rooted in spirituality, some Christians see its practice as sinful and against biblical principles. However, yoga is never specifically mentioned in the Bible, and it can be practiced in the physical sense without an attachment to spiritual ideas.
Watching Movies or Television
Philippians 4:8 states “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This would imply that TV and movies can be watched as long as the content is carefully considered and does not lead one away from biblical principles.
Having Doubts or Questions About Faith
Unfortunately, when Christians have doubts or questions about their faith, some others will view them as blasphemous or going against God. However, the Bible highlights many stories of faithful individuals having questions, indicating it is a natural part of spiritual development.
Enjoying Wealth or Material Success
1 Timothy 6:10 warns “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” However, this does not mean that having money is inherently bad or sinful. Instead, it simply means that we should refrain from becoming excessive or overly greedy when it comes to wealth.
Seeking Mental Health Help or Therapy
Sadly, mental health remains a taboo topic among many Christians and society at large. However, Proverbs 12:15 actually encourages people to seek wisdom and counsel, suggesting that therapy could play an important role in one’s personal and religious life.
Participating in Competitive Sports
Some Christians see competitive sports as too individualistic and potentially prideful. However, the Bible never specifically mentions the topic of modern competitive sports, and most Christians agree that participating in these activities is acceptable as long as you avoid idolatry and maintain a Christ-like attitude.
Being Friends with Non-Christians
While some Christians have the sense that being friends with non-Christians makes them traitors to God or Christianity, this is not the case. In fact, Jesus himself has many friendships with people outside of the faith and encouraged His followers to extend love to everyone around them.