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O.K. here's the situation. I'm a long hair (definitely in Bill's second camp theory!). Church has ALWAYS been an established part of my life. What can I do, say, whatever, to those who give me flack? "Jesus had long hair" doesn't really work and has little ground to stand on. There are even verses in the New Testament that address men with long hair however, 99% of the people take it out of context and make it say what THEY want it to to fit their own set of beliefs. I don't put my own expectations, beliefs, or opinions on others because that's what they are, MINE. So I really resent it when other's put their's on me.
Any advice?
I was raised on a hispanic pentecostal church that did not permit any type of long hair or beards on men, but did NOT allow women to cut their hair. Although the Bible was used as a basis for the belief, I always understood this to be a result of cultural fashion, and not likely to change rapidly. I could understand why, as there was almost no presence of longhaired men on the population in general. Churches by nature are conservative, and thus distrust what is different and non-conformist.
Now I live in South Carolina, and although some conservative churches do shun long hair in men, there are so many men with long hair arround I can't believe it would be a source of general discrimination in the south (I/m not saying discrimination cannot occur on specific situations, like workplace, for example). I have never had anybody here comment badly on my midback longhair, although I have seen some stares. If you are being directly confronted by members of your church on this regard I would try just educating them to the fact that this is a cultural response. Even if the Bible can be used to sustaine their point of view, the argument is prety flimsy. I would suggest you read up on long hair in the Bible and be prepaired. Ultimately, if they can't accept you, you better find a church that will. I'm sure there is no shortage of those in the south.
BabyHuey
At the rist of sounding judgmental, the one Scripture passage that many Christians fail to apply is "Judge not lest ye be judged."
MykleQ
There's not a lot to say to people who refuse to see beyond their own biases. Engaging these folks by attempting to dissuade them from their prejudices or demonstrate the "rightness" of your position (which they've already made clear they won't concede) will just make you frustrated. Since the length of your hair really isn't open for discussion, politely indicate that you don't intend to discuss it.
Hey guy..
I have lived in Birmingham Ala all my life and I know exactly how you feel!! I had to search the opinions of several churches before I found one which I felt 'accepted' in.. At the others, nothing was said, of course, but you could tell...
I had little trouble finding one which accepted my long hair AND earring..
Good Luck!!!
RVE..
ICQ#9162854
Yes. I am a southerner in Asheville, NC 60 years old and have long hiar which I have set twice a week in a salon. I want a masculine style, but my hair is curly and to calm it down and make it look neat I need to set it. Sometimes I just pull it back till it is dry, but it does not look as good.
Not all southerns are narrow minded. Not all churches confuse the conventions of the 1950s with their moral and spiritual beliefs. Why nbot go to a Methodist, Presbyterian, or Episcopal church. You'll find educated clergy and better music besides and less narrow mindedness.
Jim
please bear in mind that it isn't as important whether or not a church accepts you... what's important is that God will accept you- long hair, short hair, no hair... i very much like the response given by MykleQ. there's always going to be prejudice out there; people will ALWAYS try to impose their beliefs on you. your patient polite silence is the best response to that. don't dignify someone's bigotry by engaging them in an argument.
you might consider organizing a worship/support group with fellow longhairs and open-minded christians (& families) who wish to spend their time & attention pursuing their beliefs instead of judging someone for their hair length. perhaps you can even establish your own church--?