Why do people automatically assume this about appearance and religion?

Question

Some religious people (not all, of course) assume that because a person has a tattoo, is pierced, listens to death metal or wears all black that they are evil. This happens with young religious types against others all the time--even in this day and age. Why are these people being taught that how a person looks or what music they listen to shows who they are spiritually?

My little brother is a metalhead, and also a devout Christian. People of his church shun him simply based on looks--they do not take a few minutes to simply talk to him and see that he is a great person on the inside.

It also goes the other way--if someone around here dresses according ot their faith, they must be good. My father did that and looked like an amazingly kind person. He went to church every day and was a devout follower of Catholic faith. He was also a horrible person--he lied, cheated people out of their money, and did dozens of other things. Yet some people would trust him over my brother.

It just seems to me that nowadays people should be taught it's what's on the inside, not the outside. How many of your churches fail to teach this? Are there any that make sure this is very evident that it's the person not the clothes that count? How many religious and non-religious types still judge based on appearances? I know this isn't just the religious people that do this...

I absoultely love my brother, he's a great person (even if we don't share the same religion). And he does so many good things--and it's nice that we get along even though we don't always agree on God.

Answer 1

On something I was watching about a month ago, they were talking about this minister - i think it was a local thing - who's trying to get the younger folks involved in his church. That guy has more tattoos than are displayed on the walls of a tattoo parlor, and several piercings to boot!

How you decorate your body, what clothes you wear doesn't speak to the kind of person you are. I should know that better than anyone else - I wore 1770s and 1875 clothing for years. Still do, actually, just not every day anymore.

Answer 2

The book of Samuel says Man looks on the appreance and God looks on the heart. I know some punk rocks with spiked hair that went to my former church and they were the most on fire spirit filled Christians I have ever encountered. It is important to look on the inside of a person not just the apprerance see 1 Samuel 16:7. Some teens go through a phase were they die thier hair and get piercings to make a statement. Sometimes the most good looking people have the most shallow and vain personalitlies and are ugly on the inside.

Thank you for the reminder that we should love not judge on looks. Peace be with you E4G

Answer 3

I have done alot of research on this subject.I have a friend who has lots of tattoos and piercings. Most people get a little nervous seeing him come down the street. We actually go out in the streets talking to people about God. It's pretty awesome because alot of people who normally wouldn't talk to me and my husband will talk to us because of our friend. He and his wife went on a missions trip and they couldn't even get their church to pray for them. It kills me they are actually out doing something while alot of the people in their church are just sitting in a pew. But they are looked down on because of their appearance.The Bible says its what comes from the heart that defiles the body. God doesn't see us as man sees us. Jacob gave Rebeccah a nose ring when they were engaged. I can't remember where exactly but God tells someone he will remove their nose ring as a form of punishment. As for tattoos they use the Levitical codes for that. If you research it in the Hebrew writings it didn't say tattoo it said gash. Back then they would mark their flesh with gashes for the dead.
You are so right though how many people come into the church dressed in a dress or suit and people think they are wonderful. Yet they could be running around living like hell as soon as they walk out those doors. I think we all have our own convictions and we shouldn't try to pass ours off on others. It's between each individual and God. There is a song by Todd Agnew called My Jesus it pretty much sums up the way the church has become.

Answer 4

It can go both ways. If you see a man dressed in a suit you could be thinking hes just another Wall Street crook. You could also look at a pastor and think hes just another Jim Baker. The old adage still holds truth today. You cant judge a book by looking at the cover. You dont know the fruits of any man or woman only God does. Peace out.............

Answer 5

because to many people look at outside instead of inside which is what matters.my son has same problem has your brother,tattoos,earrings and music that you cant understand but he also sets around reading the bible and has a strong faith and belief.ppl are so afraid of anyone or anything that so much as looks different or believes different.for the most part society in general is superficial to a degree.tell your brother hes a beautiful person and continue going to that church.its what GOD thinks of him,not what the ppl around him think.

Answer 6

Religion has nothing to do with it. It is about being human. People automatically judge people based on their looks. It isn't to say it is right but when you first meet someone you have nothing to go on BUT their looks. Once you get to know someone you can always change your opinion. I try to not judge people based on their looks, but it is almost impossible to stop those little thoughts creeping into my head. I'm sure you have judged people based on their looks - and don't say you NEVER do it because everyone does it.
I have seen many people with tattoos and peircings in church. Some churches are lead by people who are covered in tattoos. True Christians don't care what you look like if you are truly walking in the right path. It frustrates me that people see a few so-called "religious" people acting like morons and then lump them together with every other Christian on the planet. Saying you are religious doesn't make it true if you are harmfully judging people.

Answer 7

I have always believed that once you accept Jesus as your Savior, and get your inside right, that your outside will follow...you will reject all things that represent the dark side. The things you mention your brother wears have the appearance of evil. The music also has lyrics not exactly lined up with the word of God...
“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22).

Now, I know your brother may be a wonderful person, but there are atheists that are wonderful people too. They help the poor, etc so that is not a good argument for how much someone loves God...if you love him, you follow in this footsteps...you have to ask yourself that age old question..."What would Jesus Do"....would he dress like that, do you think,,or listen to that type of music?

Answer 8

It's because people naturally don't trust things or people that look different from themselves or their community. There are always going to be people who want to go out of their way to look a little different, usually due to finding some degree of identity within a subculture. And there will always be the people who don't get that.

Answer 9

I'm Christian and am not completely sure there is life on other planets so this question isn't really something I would automatically assume one way or the other.

Answer 10

It is tragic but unfortunately this is how the whole world is, with the exception of some! We can only try to change ourselves and teach our children and those we are around to not judge a book by it's cover!