Many people have ideas about what the Bible forbids based on misunderstandings or old traditions, but how true are these? Some of these ideas stem from the different beliefs we grew up with, which can seem strict or confusing, leaving people wondering what’s actually factually correct and what isn’t.
In this article, we break down 18 common misconceptions about things people think are forbidden in the Bible but aren’t – revealing the true message of the scriptures and clearing up any confusion.
Tattoos and Piercings
People often think tattoos and piercings are a big no-no in the Bible because of a verse in Leviticus 19:28. But that rule was more about old cultural practices, specifically about pagan mourning practices, than about us today. The New Testament doesn’t ban any art forms in our body, so they’re up to personal choice.
Drinking Alcohol
Many people mistakenly believe the Bible forbids drinking alcohol, but that’s not the case. The Bible actually warns against getting drunk, not about having a drink now and then. For example, 1 Timothy 5:23 even suggests that a bit of wine can be good for you. The main point is moderation. Enjoy a glass of wine if you like, but always drink responsibly and avoid getting drunk. God isn’t trying to ruin your fun; He just wants you to keep things in balance.
Cremation
When it comes to what happens after death, some people think the Bible insists on burial rather than cremation. But if you look closely, the Bible doesn’t specify how to handle remains. It’s more focused on the value of life and the hope of resurrection. Whether you choose burial or cremation is a personal decision and doesn’t impact your standing with God. What matters most is your respect and care towards life and death.
Not Going to Church Every Sunday
Many people believe that missing church every Sunday is a big deal and can lead to straying further from God, but the Bible doesn’t really set strict rules about attendance. It emphasizes the importance of community and worship but doesn’t mandate that you be in church every single week. What really matters is the quality of your spiritual life, your involvement in the community, and how you understand and embody the word of God, not just the act of attending services.
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is a modern practice that the Bible doesn’t directly address. The scripture focuses on the heart and character, not physical appearance. As long as plastic surgery is pursued for health reasons or personal confidence and not out of vanity or to harm yourself, it’s not considered sinful. The Bible encourages us to care for our bodies, which means making decisions that are right for us personally.
Birth Control / Contraceptives
Many people think the Bible says using birth control is wrong, but that’s not true. The Bible doesn’t mention modern contraceptives at all. It focuses on being responsible for family planning and the reasons behind your choices. Using birth control is a personal choice and is not against biblical teachings. What matters is how you handle your family life and make thoughtful decisions about it.
Having Non-Christian Friends
The Bible doesn’t say that Christians should only be friends with other Christians. As a matter of fact, Jesus spent time with people from all different backgrounds. Instead of avoiding non-Christians, the Bible encourages us to show love and kindness to everyone. Being friends with people who don’t share your faith can be a way to share your beliefs and be a positive influence.
Wearing Make-up
People sometimes think the Bible says you can’t wear make-up, but that’s untrue. The Bible talks about being modest and valuing inner beauty more than outer appearance. 1 Timothy 2:9 encourages modesty, but it doesn’t mean you can’t use make-up. There’s nothing wrong in acknowledging our external beauty. It’s okay to wear make-up as long as it doesn’t take away from who you are inside.
Divorce
Most of us Christians get a lot of hate whenever we support the concept of divorce because, according to some, God hates divorce. But did you know He hates to see us suffering, too? While it’s true that we value the sanctity of marriage, the Bible does allow divorce in some situations, like if there’s cheating or abandonment. The Bible’s view on divorce focuses more on understanding and compassion than on an absolute ban. If the marriage is filled with abuse and resentment instead of love and respect, then there’s no point in staying in that marriage.
Gambling
Gambling is another topic where the Bible isn’t as clear-cut as some might think. The Bible doesn’t explicitly ban gambling but does caution us against the love of money and the possibility for gambling to lead to financial problems. The real issue is how gambling affects your life and whether it leads to irresponsible behavior or financial ruin.
Working on Sundays
The Sabbath is meant for rest and spiritual renewal, but the Bible doesn’t say you can’t do any work on this day. Jesus showed that doing good and helping others can fit with the Sabbath’s purpose. Although the main idea is to focus on resting and worshiping, the Bible does not strictly specify avoiding all work.
Questioning Beliefs
Some people feel that questioning your beliefs is not allowed, but the Bible actually supports seeking understanding and wrestling with your faith. Many biblical figures questioned and sought answers. It’s okay to explore and ask tough questions as long as you do it with a sincere desire to understand and grow in your faith and not just for the purpose of slandering it.
Not Receiving The Body Of Christ During Communion
People often think that you are committing a sin by not receiving the body of Christ. The Bible encourages it but doesn’t say you must always take it. Obviously, there will be times that you might miss it for personal reasons or because you can’t be there. Moreover, there are people who have not yet gone to confession and can’t fathom receiving Him while still carrying the weight of their sins. It’s more important to understand why communion matters than to feel bad if you miss it once in a while.
Wearing Inappropriate Clothing to Church
One of the many icks of churchgoers is those who wear inappropriate clothes inside the Church because it is viewed as disrespectful. Indeed it is, especially if you have the choice not to wear those. However, the Bible also emphasizes the state of one’s heart over external appearances. Wearing clothes that aren’t really fit for church doesn’t make a person less of a believer, and it doesn’t have much to say about their faith. For some, it’s more important to focus on worship and connection with God, regardless of attire.
Women in Leadership Roles
Many believe women can’t be leaders in the church, but the Bible shows otherwise. Deborah was a judge and leader of Israel, and Priscilla was a respected teacher in the early church. The Bible highlights their contributions and leadership, and it just goes to show that what matters is a person’s calling and gifts, not their gender. This allows for diverse and strong leadership in faith communities in order for the church to grow and foster different perspectives and talents.
Teenage Pregnancy
Most people often view teenage pregnancy as a taboo. The Bible doesn’t say being pregnant early is a sin, but it does encourage moral behavior. Immorality is indeed a sin, but the pregnancy itself is not. Instead of judging, supporting and guiding young parents to help them build a positive future is important.
Being Alone
Being alone is not forbidden in the Bible, despite some claims. While Genesis notes it’s not good for man to be alone, highlighting the value of companionship, the Bible also shows the positive side of solitude. Jesus often withdrew to pray alone (Mark 1:35), and Paul wrote about the benefits of being single for focusing on God’s work (1 Corinthians 7:32-34). Being alone can offer personal time with God and spiritual growth, balancing the need for community with individual reflection and prayer.
Eating Pork
Some people used to believe (and some still do) that eating pork is forbidden because of what is stated in the Old Testament laws. However, those rules were for the Israelites long ago. The New Testament may have had a few changes about this, permitting Christians to eat pork. The focus is now on being spiritually clean, not strict dietary rules. So, eating pork is allowed and is no longer considered a sin.
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Jannah is a dedicated Christian content writer with growing experience, driven by her love for sharing the message of faith. She brings dedication and passion to every piece she writes, drawing from her background as a former lector. Jannah is committed to creating meaningful and inspiring content that reflects her Christian values.