How come we are told not to get any body piercings since our body is a Temple, but they allow our ears to be pierced? Why the exception? I understand the reasons for the rule and it is mentioned in the bible not to do anything to harm or defile our bodies. Since when is it okay to only harm our ears? I don't understand this.
2007-05-06 17:32:08 · 8 answers · asked by McLovin 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I can only speculate since I wasn't involved in creating the guideline.
The Church will generally not give us specific rules about everything. The idea is to teach correct principles, and the people govern themselves. This best helps us grow and develop and to not get hung up on the letter of the law and forget its spirit as some people have done historically.
I think the relevant principles are to avoid worldliness and to treat our bodies with respect. I suspect setting a standard of no more than one ear piercing was because things were getting out of hand with young people in some areas and it was felt that a more specific standard was needed.
Latter-day prophets strongly discourage any piercings according to the web page cited.
2007-05-06 18:05:21 · answer #1 · answered by Bryan Kingsford 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think the general limitation on piercings - which as I recall Pres. Hinckley described in more detail - may arise from how historically in other cultures and times some piercings have become rituals in and of themselves, or they have become signs of certain lifestyles, and that is not part of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. For sister missionaries back in the early 1990s I know we were told that if we had pierced ears, to keep earrings small and modest, say about an inch or so in size, or smaller. I will tell you that I did not entertain any desire to have pierced ears for 22 years but finally had them done, mainly to show that it is possible to have pierced ears - with only one hole in each ear - without becoming worldly. I think a professional, modest outfit can include earrings. I don't ever wear heavy earrings because I don't want the earlobes to stretch downward. I also never pay more than $3 to $10 for earrings, so I don't get caught up about the value of jewelry or stress too much if one of a pair gets lost. If you keep your earrings clean and your ears clean, I don't see how it can harm your ears. I don't think much of the practice of piercing babies' ears. I think someone should be quite a bit older before getting pierced ears. Hope this helps, and I'm sure you can read more about it somewhere on the Internet.
2007-05-07 03:51:28 · answer #2 · answered by Cookie777 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is NOT OFFICIAL - This is MY OPINION
Just thought I'd make that clear.
I believe that it is similar to the reason that Moses destroyed the tablets after coming down from Mount Sinai. The people were not at the level of being able to accept and live the higher law that were on the tablets.
Today, we as LDS are allowed to divorce and remarry without breaking the law of adultery. We seem to be living a lower law. Maybe one day these and other, minor issues (like ear piercing) will be resolved when Saints are able to accept and live more truth.
The Savior has promised to tell us all things from the beginning of the world to the end when He returns in glory. It will be exciting to hear what He has to say.
2007-05-07 09:18:59 · answer #3 · answered by Free To Be Me 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When the advice from the prophet came down, I had multiple piercings in each of my ears. Now I only wear one earring in each ear. I think they allow this because they know it is customary, but as others have said, we will not be told what we should absolutely without a doubt do. We are not living the Mosaic law. We do not have to count our steps every day. I do not think having a pair of earrings is a big deal. Nor is it necessary for our leadership to tell us what to do.
Now about that tattoo I have ...
2007-05-07 08:43:14 · answer #4 · answered by socmum16 ♪ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, it's not a commandment, it is advice. I think the reasoning behind it is that our bodies are our personal Temple and we should have serious consideration about what we do to it. Additionally, we need to focus on things that are important and eternal in nature and not the worldly fashions and trends of the day so much.
2007-05-07 00:39:41 · answer #5 · answered by rndyh77 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our bodies are gifts from God, that is a reason why the Church recommends to us not to get piercings and tattoos and things like that. Of course we still have free will so it is up to the individual person to make the choice for his or herself.
gw
2007-05-07 11:40:36 · answer #6 · answered by georgewallace78 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think they said not to have multple piercings in your ear either. I personally don't like tattoos and a lot of piercings.
I think it is like a picture on the wall of a room looks good. Having too many pictures on a wall looks cluttery and ugly. It looks messy.
I really don't think it is something you need to worry about a lot.
2007-05-07 00:45:34 · answer #7 · answered by J T 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's more of a suggestion. Some piercings really can make us look trashy, and I think they are being more specific about that.
2007-05-07 12:26:02 · answer #8 · answered by Melissa 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋