The Bible gets a bad rap for being super restrictive, but a lot of what people think is in there actually isn’t. In fact, some of those “rules” are cultural things from the time, mistranslations, or people cherry-picking verses for their own agenda. Let’s clear some stuff up because turns out, God’s a bit more chill than some people make Him out to be. Here are some of the things that aren’t forbidden at all, and they definitely won’t keep you out of heaven!
1. Getting tattoos
One verse in Leviticus mentions not marking your skin, but in context, this was likely about pagan rituals, not getting a cute little butterfly on your ankle, Huffington Post explains. There’s no clear, New Testament condemnation of tattoos. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice. If you want to get some meaningful ink, go for it. It doesn’t make you any less of a Christian.
2. Drinking alcohol
Jesus turned water into wine, hello! The Bible warns against drunkenness, which is a whole different thing. Enjoying a beer? Biblically speaking, you’re good. Chugging a bottle of tequila and making bad decisions? Well, that’s where things get iffy. You’re allowed to have a bit of alcohol now and then, just avoid having it in excess.
3. Dancing
Plenty of Biblical figures danced in celebration! It’s about your intent. Sexy dancing to deliberately seduce someone is different than joyfully busting a move at a wedding. Many churches even have liturgical dance groups today, which is proof that God enjoys a good shimmy.
4. Sex before marriage
This one’s tricky. The Bible does promote chastity, admittedly. However, it also acknowledges that we’re human and mess up. If you’re truly committed to someone, many theologians argue that demonstrates a readiness for marriage in God’s eyes, regardless of signing a legal document. Use your best judgment here.
5. Divorce
God hates divorce, right? Well, he also really hates suffering. In cases of abuse or deep incompatibility, staying in a harmful marriage serves no one. The Bible is full of fresh starts. While not ideal, sometimes divorce is the most merciful option God understands human failings, and he also offers unconditional forgiveness. If your partnership has run its course, you should feel confident ending it for the good of both people.
6. Cursing
Now, excessive swearing isn’t classy, but dropping the occasional F-bomb when you stub your toe is understandable. Historically, it would’ve been blaspheming using God’s actual name, far more serious than how it’s used today. A grumpy mood is not eternal damnation material. It really has no bearing on the type of person — or Christian — you are.
7. Women teaching or holding leadership positions
Sadly, this is often about control, not Scripture. We have figures like Deborah, a prophetess, leading Israel, for goodness’ sake! Modern churches restricting women’s roles often distort isolated verses out of context. God uses everyone to spread His message, regardless of gender. He’s not a misogynist, so we shouldn’t be either.
8. Being gay
This is one of the most hurtful mistranslations! The few mentions condemning homosexuality were likely about temple prostitution, or abusive relationships, not two people in love. Modern churches welcoming the LGBTQ+ community understand the Bible as about love, not exclusion. In fact, The Guardian suggests much of the modern church’s anti-gay attitudes can be traced back to a 1946 mistranslation.
9. Enjoying your wealth
“It’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle…” is a saying that’s often misquoted (and certainly misunderstood). It’s a warning against idolizing money, not about needing to live in poverty! Having nice things isn’t the issue; letting them own you is. Sharing your blessings is very much endorsed by the Bible.
10. Questioning your faith
Blind obedience isn’t the same as deep faith. The Bible’s full of figures wrestling with doubt! It’s how your belief grows. Thinking critically about God doesn’t make Him vanish, it leads to a more mature and personal connection to the divine.
11. Making mistakes
The whole prodigal son parable is about redemption! Humans are going to screw up — that’s the nature of the beast. That’s why concepts like grace and forgiveness are so central to the Bible. Thinking you have to be perfect to be loved by God is a recipe for despair, and very un-Biblical.
12. Not going to church every single Sunday
Life gets messy! If you’re sick, caring for a loved one, etc., skipping a service isn’t punishable by fire and brimstone. Your relationship with God is about the heart, not perfect attendance. Community is important, but legalism about it misses the point.
13. Listening to non-Christian music
Some churches get intense about this, but unless the songs glorify actual evil, it’s a personal choice! A beautiful melody, or lyrics about compassion can bring you closer to God, even if it’s not labeled “worship music.”
14. Women wearing pants
That Deuteronomy verse is about gender roles of the Ancient Near East, not a ban on jeans! Women in pants weren’t challenging societal norms back then, so it’s not addressed. God probably cares more about kindness than your denim choices.
15. Men having long hair
Again, this is about cultural context of the time! Long hair on men signified different things then. Unless you’re rocking a mullet in the hopes of starting a cult, God’s focus is likely more on the state of your soul than the state of your haircut.
16. Celebrating holidays that have pagan roots
Is Christmas canceled? Nope! Early Christians were wise, repurposing existing winter festivals to celebrate Christ instead. Unless the focus is on worshipping false gods, enjoying traditions with loved ones isn’t the spiritual threat some make it out to be.
17. Eating shellfish
Old Testament dietary laws were about health codes for the time, and some were tied to ritualistic purity. Jesus declared all foods clean! Enjoy your lobster roll guilt-free. Unless you’re allergic, then yeah, avoid that, but for very different reasons than what’s in the Bible.
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