Jesus died for our sins. That’s why as Christians, we should do our best not to sin so that Jesus’ death will not be in vain. However, this perspective can sometimes limit our actions because of the fear that we might be committing a sinful act, when in fact we are not. Let us go through these 19 beliefs that Christians often label as sinful, when in reality, they are perfectly harmless.
Alcohol Consumption
Despite multiple Bible verses that support drinking wine and reference wine as a blessing from God, many Christians still have strong convictions against drinking alcohol. Even Jesus drank wine (Matthew 26:27-29) and He never condemned anyone for drinking alcohol. What is sinful, however, is getting drunk as it can lead to violence, laziness, and inappropriate urges. Christians should be able to differentiate moderate from heavy drinking.
Relishing in Money and Material Wealth
1 Timothy 6:10 is one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible. This causes the misconception that money is the root of all evil. However, the correct verse reads, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows,” which means it is not money itself, but the desire for money or greed that causes trouble and evil, and therefore considered sinful.
Birth Control
In some Christian denominations, the use of birth control, whether artificial or natural, is considered a sin. However, nowhere in the Bible implicitly or explicitly supports this claim. Perhaps the closest example would be the story of one of Judah’s sons Onan (Genesis 38:10). Onan’s act of withdrawal, the oldest form of birth control, is often misinterpreted as the “sin” that led him to his death. But the truth is, it was Onan’s selfish motives behind his actions that were sinful.
Opting Out of Parenthood
On the same note as birth control, many Christians also think it is sinful for fertile couples to remain childless intentionally. However, the Bible does not command all Christians to have children. After all, a person’s worth is not measured by whether or not they have children. Childless couples can still live lives that bring glory to God.
Expressing Strong Emotions
We are only humans, so it is normal for us to experience strong emotions such as anger, fear, and sadness. These emotions make us different from other creations. Even Jesus in His humanness expressed deep emotions, proving that feeling is not sinful.
Working on Sunday
The traditional interpretation of the Sabbath was taken from the Old Testament commandment stating that the seventh day is meant for resting. This was corrected by Jesus in Mark 2:27 emphasizing that, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” This day of the week can be a day of worship and rest in honor of Jesus’ resurrection. However, nowhere in the Bible specifically mandates that all work is forbidden on Sabbath day.
Missing Church Day
Have you ever felt guilty because of missing a church service? While regular church attendance is essential for fellowship, spiritual growth, and worship, occasionally missing church days is not inherently sinful. The true mark of being a Christian is about making an effort to maintain a relationship with God and community, rather than strictly following a routine.
Enjoying Non-religious Music
Some Christians believe that listening to music other than the sacred or religious ones is a sin because it could lead to sinful thoughts or behaviors. However, not all secular music contains negative messages. Music is a diverse art form that can convey different emotions, stories, experiences, and expressions. Christians are encouraged to carefully understand the content and how it can influence someone, rather than labeling all non-religious music as sinful.
Expressing Doubts
Challenging theological beliefs or church teachings can be viewed as a lack of faith, and is therefore considered a sin. This is an old misconception. In fact, many Biblical characters experienced doubt at one point in their lives, but these doubts when addressed and explored, often lead to a stronger faith.
Questioning Church Traditions
Some Christians equate questioning church traditions with blasphemy or rebellion against God’s authority. We have to remember that even Jesus Himself loved to challenge the religious norms of His time (Matthew 5:17-48). His purpose was to urge people to focus on the spirit of the law rather than just its literal interpretation. Questioning church practices and traditions can lead to growth and reform within the church. But it is important to approach it with humility, respect, and a genuine desire to listen and understand.
Not Following Certain Dress Codes
The Bible indeed emphasizes modesty, but it doesn’t prescribe specific styles or detailed dress codes. Oftentimes, dress codes vary depending on cultural norms or other religious denominations, so what is considered appropriate in one community might not be in another. As emphasized in 1 Samuel 16:7: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Eating Pork
Some Christian denominations prohibit their members from eating pork as it is considered sinful. This prohibition is rooted in Old Testament dietary laws which consider pork as unclean. However, in the New Testament, Peter had a vision where he is told that all foods are clean. (Acts 10:9-16) Peter’s vision is instrumental in changing the dietary regulations for Christians.
Yoga
One of the common misconceptions about yoga is that it could involve spiritual practices or beliefs that conflict with Christianity. While the origin of yoga stems from Hinduism, many of its forms emphasize physical health and well-being and can be adapted to fit within a Christian context. Practicing yoga does not necessarily involve spiritual practices that conflict with Christian beliefs, therefore it is not considered sinful.
Engaging in Psychotherapy
Unfortunately, mental health is still considered a taboo topic among many Christians. Despite many mental health awareness campaigns, seeking psychotherapy is still viewed as a lack of faith or seeking human wisdom rather than divine help. Proverbs 12:15 is just one of the Bible verses that acknowledge the importance of seeking wisdom and counsel, therefore seeking professional mental health help is not inherently sinful.
Competitiveness
Some Christians believe that being competitive might foster pride and selfishness which deviate from Christian values like humility and selflessness. However, the Bible does not condemn the drive to achieve or excel. It matters, however, as to how one approaches competition.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV
Friendship with Non-Believers
In the Bible, Jesus often spent time with tax collectors, sinners, and other people who were outside the Jewish faith so He could teach them about God’s love. On the same note, Christians can still form friendships with non-believers without being sinful. These friendships can provide an opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love to non-believers.
Celebrating Non-Christian Holidays
The Bible is more focused on how one conducts themselves in any situation, rather than prohibiting them from celebrating secular holidays. Participating in these events can often be an opportunity to engage with different cultures and traditions respectfully and inclusively.
Practicing Self-Care
Focusing on self-care or self-love is sometimes considered selfish or sinful by some Christians. They argue that self-care means prioritizing oneself over serving others, however, that is not true. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 explains how our body is a temple of God, therefore it is only right to take care of it. Self-care can include activities that promote physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth.
Using Technology
Some Christians avoid using technology because of the misconception that it is sinful or problematic. They fear that technology might lead to distractions, immoral content, or a disconnect from spiritual life. To avoid this, technology should be used thoughtfully in a way that promotes Christian values.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.