Carlos Whittaker

Dec17

Christian Boob Jobs, Evangelical Spray Tans, And Botoxed Church Leadership

Posted by loswhit in Culture,Faith

First a spray tan.
Then some botox.
Then an eye lift.
Then a boob job.
Then who knows.

I know plenty of people who have had cosmetic surgery.
I havent.

I know. I know. You are shocked at how someone with my physique could do it without the marvels of medical assistance.
Now I also know plenty of people who have saved their life different types of weight loss surgery.

Yet as we continue to chase youth as a culture, to what degree do we think it’s ok in the confines of church leadership?
Especially when it pertains to life in church leadership.
What is it saying to the church or is it even saying anything at all?
Speak Oh Ragamuffins…

Los

http://mattbortmess.com matt bortmess

if I had the money, i’d probably have a little sucked out around the mid-section.
oh, who am I kidding? I’m a wimp. I get queasy just thinking about lipo.
http://twitter.com/justinlandis justinlandis

In the case of cosmetic surgery for augmentation purposes (non-reconstructive) it’s hard to imagine any message other than, “I just need to fix this one little thing that God got wrong.” Seems like taking a detour around learning to love in challenging circumstances.

http://www.facebook.com/jeffallen1 Jeff Allen

Well, I haven’t had any cosmetic surgeries, I do have tattoos though… a total way of changing my body forever. I don’t think God got it wrong because he didn’t draw on my body

http://musicalmindset-realnoimitation.blogspot.com/ Brad

I struggled for a very long time with self-image. Then during a men’s retreat, I finally looked in the mirror and loved myself. I loved myself just the way I am because I was created by God. Does that mean I don’t want to lose weight? Or even at times wished I was a little better looking? Not at all. However, I think within our culture, those of us in leadership positions within the Church, need to take a stand to be comfortabel in our own skin. That doesn’t mean we can’t encourage good health, fitness, or buying clothing that makes you look good. But changing your body with surgery is like telling God, “You didn’t do this right, I need someone of this world to fix your mistake”… If the leadership is doing that, the congregation will follow to some degree. That’s not good for anyone.
http://www.heathertoler.com Heather

I am a makeup artist.
yeah I work in an artificial industry, but I feel cosmetic surgery is up to the individual, in leadership or not. My personal stand is to check my motives on it, why am I doing this. As a former church leader, worship and college and career leader, I personally wanted to and still do want a boob job, a reduction and lift, for myself no one else.
If you are doing it to please others as opposed to helping with an area that truly needs fixing, then it’s no one’s business why.
As for God no doing something right, God doesn’t have anything to do with what I have done with my body…. If it eat to a place of gluttony and wreck the beauty he gave me, me fixing through exercise or plastics isn’t criticizing God, but choosing to do my best with what I have done to it.
http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com loswhit

Test
Bethany

The examples you give are somewhat extreme, to make a point. I think the same question should be expanded to include things like make up, anti-wrinkle serums and dyeing hair to cover up grays.

I think it all comes back to how we think about our bodies and aging. It’s not that any one of those things are wrong, but maybe we need some heart examination before clinging to our youthful appearances.

I think we need to take care of our bodies without idolizing them. I also think allowing our bodies to show their age can be a way of looking forward to the resurrection – accepting that this body, and this world, is not our home.

I recommend reading Matthew Lee Anderson’s Earthen Vessels for more on how to think about our bodies as they relate to the gospel.

I haven’t fully thought through all of this myself, and I think everyone is going to fall in different places on what’s acceptable, much like the modesty debate. But the point isn’t to define what’s ok and what’s not, it’s to think about how we can worship Christ with our bodies.
http://ourfamilye.wordpress.com me eliz

Great point you bring up, Carlos.

I really like the replies i’ve already seen on this thread. One of the biggest questions to ask is what is my hearts motives. Do I want more attention for me? is this about me and bringing glory to myself? or is this about taking care of God’s gift and temple?

I think weight reduction for health reasons is huge (No pun intended)! especially with how many overweight pastors and youth pastors I know. I recently dropped 20 lbs simply through changing my diet and really cutting back my sweets and snack intake. Thats for health… it’s weight I should have never gained. Can’t lie that it doesn’t make me feel better about myself. I feel much more confident too, and that can bring glory to God too.

Anyway, I think superficiality is the thing we have to avoid. Are these things meant to be superficial and about us and our glory, or is about what God wants to do through us and taking care of His temple, etc.

I think it can be a fine line, and I think it’s important that we don’t ever give off the impression (as church leaders) that you have to have a certain look about you to be in front of other people. It’s important that cosmetics don’t change who we are in Christ.

Just a few of my own thoughts.
KJ

I honestly think that cosmetic surgery, in non-extreme cases, is wrong. Why? Because it’s saying to God, “hey man, I like you and all, but I think you’re a really bad Creator. No offense. I’m gonna go get someone to fix it now.”

But more than that, what does it say about us that we are willing to put our bodies into the risk of surgery just to fix things our culture tells us are imperfections? Not Hollywood, or the porn industry. No, the church. The people who say we believe that God Himself made our bodies the way they are, who say we believe that our bodies are temples. Or was that all a lie after all?

I understand that people get caught up in insecurity about their looks, and want to look better. But I honestly believe that someone who is that obsessed with looks probably shouldn’t be trusted with church leadership. If Christians can’t be comfortable in their own skin, how can we show the world that its system of valuing others by looks is wrong? How can we even pretend to speak against a media world that gives young people body dysmorphia and eating disorders if we can’t even stop it among ourselves?

And one more thing: How the heck can you tell young people struggling with low insecurity and self-esteem to accept or love themselves, when you yourself can’t?
http://joshuawagneronline.com/ Josh Wagner

My take is this: if you’re doing it because you’re trying to fit into a mold so that you’re accepted, loved, promoted, etc., then you need to check yourself.

Personally, (disclosure: I’m a guy) I don’t want surgery or hair color or whatever to fit in or stay young. I’m only 28, too, so I may feel different in 30 years, who knows!

But I would hope that you would feel comfortable in your own self before changing your appearance. If you chase that to fit in or be accepted then you’ll be chasing that forever.
Misha

As a completely biased human services student, to me it says, “I’m spending half a load of money and a good chunk of time to improve something superficial when I could be donating it to someone who legitimately needs it.” If everything we do is out of love, I don’t see any reason to use that kind of money for cosmetic surgery.
Lori

Having had two major surgeries..one of them to save my life.the thought of having a planned surgery for cosmetic purposes is so beyond my comprehension. The only reason I’m thankful I had surgery was so that I would KNOW what people feel like when I hop all cheery like into their hospital rooms. It feels like someone hit you with a truck and then ran back over you. The only reason I had my very first “planned” surgery on my shoulder was so I wouldn’t drop my grandbaby due next spring. Any other reason for having “elective” surgery is unfathomable to me. When I see our culture, I think of Isaiah’s words about Jesus: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him…” ~Isaiah 53:2 Where did his beauty come from? “Because He poured out His life unto heath…” (vs12) Instead of focusing on our appearances…not to mention what $15,000 or even $1500 could do for a small village (the cost of some of these procedures) Let’s pour ourselves out. That’s true beauty.
Jessica

Good answers! I have always simply thought that you shouldn’t mess with what God created. Yes, take care of the temple he has provided, but surgery? I just CANNOT TAKE A PASTOR AND HIS WIFE SERIOUSLY that looks like Ken and Barbie. And I have see a few. If you have to cake so much make up on to hide your true self, why should I listen to anything you have to say?
anonymous

Judge not lest ye be judged. one may opt against plastic surgery for various reasons but when you start judging others who have made such a choice, how does that make you any different than a christian who shuns and judges transvestites?
Brandon

I file this question under the “Not a salvation issue” area first and foremost. That being said, on a personal level, I just don’t agree with purely cosmetic surgery. In my experience with those who get it, the insecurities still exist regardless. Not an authority on it, just an opinion. I don’t think it’s wrong, just don’t think it’s the best use of resources and for many isn’t effective to helping the issue.
http://rooftopsandsecets.blogspot.com Alicia

First thoughts? Outwardly we are wasting away but inwardly being renewsed day by day.

I’m a 26 woman and I’m already finding myself wondering if I’m no longer attractive in today’s youth-driven culture. I freak out over lines that my husband doesn’t even see and I do get washed over with the “I feel so ugly” feeling when I see how pale I am. (I’m white. And gave up tanning – but I won’t say no to hanging out by the pool once in a while!)

But I always go back to a conversation I had with a friend. Wrinkles are coming. And when they do, I want them to be lines of laughter. Not sorrow, bitterness, or anger. That goes back to my attitude and walk with the Lord more than anything. That’s a greater challenge than it seems in a broken world – but I think it’s more enduring, longer lasting, and more worth the finite time and effort have on earth. I want His joy written on my face when I’m older.
http://ladvidaleipprandt.blogspot.com Katie

As a 30 yr old mama whose God-given breasts have changed a heck of a lot after nurturing and nourishing my 3 babies for going on 4 years straight now…I whole-heartedly believe there isn’t anything wrong with “paintin’ the barn if it needs paintin’ ” …as my granddaddy liked to say.
Shannon

I have often wondered when enough is enough in this area. A close friend of mine who served on the praise team with me had an enhancement (or two) above the human equator without telling anyone until it was over. I happened to walk in on her and another friend in the church restroom as she was showing off her new look. It made me sad. Not the boob job itself, but her need to do it. I knew her. I knew her well. I knew where she’d been what she struggled with in the area of self and knew this was going down the wrong path for her. I was sad, maybe a bit jealous, but mostly sad. I wish she loved herself as much as God and the rest of us do.
Anonymous

29 years old. Theological degree. 10 years of church leadership. Worship leader. And next to salvation, breast augmentation was the absolute BEST decision I ever made for myself. No one knows I even had the procedure done except my mother and my sisters, and I took more than a year to tell them! It’s not meant to be a public spectacle, and so it isn’t. It’s a personal decision I made for myself about how I personally felt about my body. By the grace of God, I aim to be a woman of godly character, integrity, and poise, and with or without the increased cup size, I continue to carry myself as such. So as in all things, prayerfully consider the cost, risk, and return on investment and move forward in peace in whatever you decide to nip, tuck, cut, increase, decrease, lift, or remove.

Los

Winner

Amy

My 14 year old son just got his braces off. We paid a lot for them and we did it simply because he wanted straight teeth. I feel great about that and feel like it honors God. Just like I feel about my pierced ears and my Bible verse tattoo.:)
Jamie

Our identity should be in Christ. If our identity was truly in Christ, would we really want to get a boob job? Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Should we strive to exercise, eat healthy and look attractive? Yes. We are to take care of our bodies. We are also ambassadors to Christ. We should look presentable, but to compare cosmetic surgery to wearing make-up or covering up grays is wrong. I believe if we are so secure in who we are in Christ, then we would not want to put foreign objects or potentially harmful products in our bodies. In the Bible, women wore make-up & dressed attractively. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was so humble. Ruth was one of the most humble, hard working women in the Bible. I could not even imagine them with spray tans, botox, or breast jobs.
LaRissa

As a pastor’s wife, I have wrestled greatly with this question. After 4 kids, I would like to have some body repairs. After all, if my car was totaled in a hail storm, I would pay to have the dents taken out

However, I would greatly caution Christians to examine their motives – Are you dying your hair, having cosmetic enhancements, etc., because you need to be beautiful to feel valuable? If so, then your worth is misplaced.

My current decision on personally having work done is that it is cost prohibitive – I cannot justify thousands of dollars to put everything back where it belongs when I could use that same money to feed a village.
Troy

First off, I would highly discourage boob jobs. To me, it sort of encourages lust, similarly to skimpy clothing. But secondly, I think in general it’s not a good thing. God made each person unique in his or her own way. By purposely changing it, you’re sort of saying, “I appreciate it, but I think we can do a little better”. Besides that, as some other people have said before me, I think you should evaluate the motives behind it. I can’t see one that God would find holy and good. Or even neutral.

Troy

I would like to amend this by saying that I was referring more to major plastic surgeries as opposed to corrective surgeries.

http:twoblondeboys.com Pat Callahan

I think there are two issues here:

First, is it right to do anything to change your look. This would include spray tans, boob jobs, and botox. But it would also include hair color, make-up… heck, you could even lump push-up bras and spanx into the mix.

I think one would be hard-pressed to make a case that this would be anything more than what the Apostle Paul would refer to as a “disputable matter.” So, the choice is left up to the individual.

The second issue deals more with the heart of the matter: why? If the issue is self-image – in other words, if you are using “whatever” to try and spackle something that is essentially emotional (or spiritual) rather than physical, then you are barking up the wrong tree. You are trying to fix something that is broken without addressing the root issue: why am I unhappy with myself?

I use color. I have no issues with it. I don’t prefer to have as much gray show in my hair as I do without the color. But it all comes down to preference – I don’t need it to feel better, I just prefer it that way. I’m OK with it. My wife is OK with it. And I think (at least for me) that God is OK with it.
JW

Me too. I was an athlete growing up, very tall, deep loud voice, flat as a board. I felt somewhat masculine. In my mid-20s, I went to my parents prayerfully and broached the subject. Told them if they had a check, that I’d not do it since I was still single and under their umbrella. They prayed with me and talked through it with me and agreed to it. Even paid for part. They said if my brother had been born with one testicle, they would have paid for surgery to fix it so he could feel normal and masculine if that was what he wanted.

I was on a church staff at the time, did it over a holiday, and by creative modest dressing nobody ever knew anything. I got the smallest bags the doc offered. I didn’t want to seduce or be big, I wanted to feel feminine for my future husband. 15 years later I still love it and don’t regret it (nor does my husband). This is my body now and I am grateful for parents who knew my heart and supported me.

No regrets. And if someone judges, that’s their beef. I’m good and loved by a Father and a father who gets it.
http://www.mohan37.com mo

I knew a girl who was addicted to plastic surgery and had a super distorted view of herself. she routinely ruined pictures that she was barely in by throwing fits. I never sought to understand her issues, and wasn’t very nice to her, and in hindsight, God was showing me how insensitive and impatient of a person I was/am.
Anonymous

There are definitely cautions to consider in making such a decision. Just like many decisions. That said, I am in church leadership and have had breast augmentation. I agree with previous comment in that it was one of the best decisions I have made apart from following Jesus. I prayerfully examined my heart and motives prior to making the decision, then talked through the issue with my husband and a close mentor. It was a private matter that I considered privately and kept private after going forward with my decision. My identity is found in Christ and therefore I haven’t faced disappointment in trying to fill a void with plastic surgery. As for the investment, it’s still an issue of the heart for me. I saved to make it happen. I paid cash. I still sacrificially gave of my resources to the Lord.
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