Quote:
Originally Posted by StMark
"We don't see this as the single greatest proof that a woman has a walk with God," Gurley said. "We just feel like it is being faithful to our holiness heritage, and in a world where so much has changed, and not necessarily for the better, it shows our reverence to God." - Ken Gurley
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This is, from my experience, how many of us view the standards. He worded it very well. And I don't have a problem with anyone who feels this is the best way they can live for God.
What I do have a problem with is putting others in hell who don't feel that this is how they can live.
I also have a problem with preaching it is NOT a heaven or hell issue, but viewing those who don't follow along, in the church, as backslidden. That has been my experience in every church I am acquainted with. That is confusing. IMO, you can't have it both ways.
I do know how Bro. Epley feels about that. He is consistent in what he believes and he is an honest man. I have no problem with that and I can respect him for it.
I do believe that
Acts 2:38 is the message. When you study baptism, you find out that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. So, I believe strongly in that. All the Epistles, in my estimation, point back to these truths. That is much, much more important to me - "how can I be saved", than how long my hair is supposed to be? For me, it is a gender distinction. I don't think men should have long hair, like a woman, nor do I believe women should have short hair like a man.
When you say it may be necessary to reach outside of the Greek to interpret "long" as "uncut", I have a problem with that as well. I don't know why Paul would reach "outside" of the Greek when he is speaking to a Greek audience.