Should I be alarmed that my son had his left ear pierced?

Question

Sure, all his friends are doing it; but, is there a Biblical reason for undoing it?

Answer 1

A few decades ago, earrings on a man would have been more of a rebellious social statement, and it was often associated with such.

The generations and social expectations have changed, however, and nowadays it's more of a means of self-expression (similar to dying one's hair or getting a tattoo) rather than a social statement of any sort. Even 15-20 years ago, a guy with his left ear pierced was a little "different," and I believe that a guy with only his right ear pierced was signifying he was gay -- nowadays men pierce both ears and put gold hoops in them, and a single earring means nothing at all.

That's the social reasoning. As far as biblical?

At different times in Biblical cultures, men wore a single earring. (I remember the indentured servants in the OT wore a single earring as a mark of their servanthood.)

If your son is not wearing an earring to be rebellious, if he is not wearing it out of insecurity over who he is, if he is not doing it out of peer pressure, or for other "negative" reasons, then I don't think there is a specific rule that covers men wearring earrings.

(And even if your son is insecure over something and is looking to "find himself" by trying out new things, this is more an indication of where he is rather than something that needs to be stomped on somehow...)

If your son was specifically told NOT to do it, however, and he chose to blatantly disobey your desires as parent, then you have something to discuss with him and some Biblical grounds on which to talk to him. [Goal: Reassert your authority as parent, as a reflection of God's authority, without needlessly crushing his spirit and while still dealing with where he is at right now as a kid...]

For background, I got an earring in the mid-90's and wore it until a few years ago. At the time, I considered it a means of self-expression but had some real insecurities. Eventually I just got to the point where I didn't need to wear it anymore. I don't know why. I just stopped and didn't need the outer reassurance. It can easily just be another phase.

Answer 2

1. No, you shouldn't be alarmed. It's just a piercing.

2. If it's meant to symbolize something and that something is what's bothering you, removing the earring and letting the piercing close over won't change it.

3. If your son is under 18 and had this piercing done without parental consent, you don't need a Biblical reason or backup from a bunch of strangers on a website to be a parent -- if you don't want him to have a piercing, you're his parent, what you say goes and that's reason enough.

4. If your son is over 18, all you can do is let him know you don't like it and tell him what bothers you about it and leave it at that.

5. Why look for ways to cast false blame on the Bible and/or God for your personal opinions on this matter? Whatever is bothering you about this piercing obviously has nothing to do with the Bible or you'd already know whether the Bible has something to say about it.

Answer 3

I have teenage boys, and I choose my battles wisely, or try to. I don't make a big deal out of hair length, or even clothes too much. I don't think there is a biblical reason for not piercing one's ears, either. It is more a society issue- I make them aware that some authority figures may see certain things like piercings and tatoos as intent to rebel, and lack of class. (Even though I am careful to stress that class is all in how you treat people and conduct yourself.) It depends on how they prefer to project themselves to others. I would not worry too much about the ear- let him have that. He can know you are not delirious about it, but that you respect his right to make his own decision on this, and he should take the earring out when he interviews for jobs, etc.
By the way, I have always heard that "left is right and right is wrong," in regard to being gay. Good luck, and God bless.

Answer 4

No not at all, I'm a christian too. It doesn't matter to God if your son had a mohawk as well because God looks on the heart. Your son could be a real good guy regardless of that, let him express himself. I mean there are limits for teens or whatever, but getting an ear pierced is no big deal.

Answer 5

I wouldn't worry about any of it because it is just a thing. It only means what you think it means. I have three daughters and three sons and all have had their ears pierced. They have not started to drink blood as far as I know. I have had my own ear pierced for 50 years and I am a Baptist minister. My personnel reason is that it is a sign of a bond-servant. The masters used to put rings in the ears of the slaves to tie them to a post or something. I do it voluntarily as a sign that I am a bond-servant to Jesus. It is not religious doctrine it is a personal choice. God Bless!

Answer 6

No you should not be alarmed. It's not a big deal. They just think they look cool. Really they look silly. And using the bible as an excuse to get him to take it out is a childish thing to do. It's like saying I don't want him to do this so I'm going to try to make it look like a sin so he has to take it out. There is nothing in the Bible forbidding men to where piercings.

Answer 7

a piercing is a sign of weakness, he may be trying as you've already noticed to be " in the band " to be cool in front of his friends. at his age a pierced ear doesn't mean a thing anymore. you should probably tell him that a ear pierced does not make him any better. but ... at this age .. there is nothing you can tell them,and they to believe you are old fashioned or mean with them.

Answer 8

You can find a biblical reason to prohibit almost anything. I'm sure someone will post a response you can use.

Answer 9

If he did so in disobedience to you. Then He needs to be disciplined. But, if not, let him be. As our children get older they start making decisions for themselves. We need to train them the way to go early on, so when they start deciding for themselves they will make more right decisions than wrong ones.

I think the gay community would think He was part of it, if He pierced His right ear.

Answer 10

I'm still not over the whole "Fag Tag" phase back in the 80's. Guess I'll just never understand why a man feels like he needs to make his ears into pin cushions. Women, I can understand, men no . . . unless . . .