Hermenuetics

Comments

"and chose to avoid the scrutiny of people quick to assign motives to their actions without knowing the truth about their stories." Great sentence, it wonderfully captures the point.

This is key. Many of us professing Christians are quick to assign motives to people's actions without knowing the truth of people's stories. That's often why many inside and outside of the church feel that they can't share (on many topics) with believers. Let us be slow to speak and quick to listen.

Posted By: Marlena | April 7, 2010 12:23 PM

A 70 pound weight loss is NOT a frivolous reason for such surgery. There can be hygienic and other reasons to do that surgery, especially after such discipline has been exercised.

Posted By: Anastasia | April 7, 2010 2:58 PM

Great article, and great comment by Marlena. Too often, Christians are quick to condemn without even attempting to understand the motives behind other people's behaviour and decisions. It is what is in the person's heart that counts, and if we try to understand where that person is coming from, we may be pleasantly surprised in how likely we may make that exact same decision ourselves. Despite the practices of too many Christians and their leaders, Christian faith and living are not a bunch of do's and don'ts.

Posted By: Andrew | April 7, 2010 3:36 PM

Thanks for this post--a helpful challenge to my own gut-reaction to the idea of cosmetic surgery. I wonder, however, what we mean by "normal." I have a daughter with Down syndrome, and there are people who have had cosmetic surgery performed on their children with DS in order to help them appear more "normal." It seems to me that the problem is in the social perceptions of abnormal more than in the faces of those with Downs. I wonder if the same might be true of many of the people who undergo cosmetic surgery?

Posted By: Amy Julia | April 7, 2010 8:38 PM

If I understand the drift of this conversation, it is my own heart-felt desire that counts most in the decision to surgically alter the physical appearance given to me by God. And so long as that desire has a "pure" motive I'm OK. So if I pursue abdominal surgery to guarantee "six packs" or if I pursue penis enhancement,either one to increase my wife's sexual pleasure, I'm OK? Sounds hedonistic and self-serving to me, and not to God's glory by any stretch-marked imagination.

Posted By: John | April 8, 2010 8:47 AM

Her.meneutics:
In case you haven't noticed, we are living in economically tough times. I'd love to spend money on enhancing myself cosmetically or improving my house or looking important by the type of car I drive, but in real life I can't afford such luxuries. I'm not paid that kind of money for the important work I do! Rather than articles on why or why not it is ok for me to be pursuing expensive cosmetic surgeries help me learn how to be content in every circumstance, help me learn to budget wisely, help me understand how to say no to a society that constantly bombards me with the idea that my self worth is wrapped up in how I look and what job I have. Help me value motherhood and raising godly children. Her.meneutics, as a supposed "Thinking Woman's" blog, help me think rationally and logically about the issues real Christian women face in a society that is both hedonistic and post-Christianity. How do I stand up to the feminism that bombards me when those who write for you seem to applaud it and approach scripture with their presuppositions already in place and with a desire to justify their discontented heart?

Posted By: Justa Woman | April 8, 2010 10:06 AM

@Marlena and Anastasia: well said.

@JustaWoman: there are more than enough resources out there to help you "learn to budget wisely," both secular and Christian. And about a billion books and articles in your Christian bookstore or CBD online that deal with those other subjects.

This is a subject that is not talked about much, and I welcome her thoughts on the subject. I love learning and thinking about a multitude of subjects, not just those relating to "survival." You sound overwhelmed and almost bitter. You may not be, but that is how it came across.

@john: it is exactly this type of reaction that makes people not want to be open with and/or hate Christians, because we often jump into the most ridiculous, extreme scenario ie. penis enlargement, and then paint EVERYONE who elects to have some sort of surgery with that same broad brush.

Posted By: Chris | April 8, 2010 1:14 PM

Justa Woman,
Thanks for voicing your concerns. We pay attention to what you want to read about and try to balance a variety of issues and voices.

Posted By: Sarah Pulliam Bailey | April 8, 2010 4:17 PM

Justa Woman "gets it" and we should be better attuned to what it is she understands, which is that most of us have better things to spend our money and our time on than pruning our bodies to match cultural expectations. Chris, I have no problem with a burn victim receiving reconstructive surgery to repair damage from an accident, but if somebody will "hate Christians" because they can't handle hyperbole used to make a point, well I guess they are prone to hating Christians for any convenient reason.

Posted By: John | April 8, 2010 10:47 PM

I've only been following this blog for about two weeks, but I find the comments interesting. The blog posts have been well written and thought provoking, but the comments are sometimes what I would expect to find on CNN.com's comment sections: sometimes a bit too combative and sarcastic for my taste. (Shrugs) Guess it's just the nature of web interactions.

Posted By: Laura Droege | April 9, 2010 4:57 PM

While I can understand Justa Woman's feelings - that this is an issue which is simply not on most people's radar - I do think, nonetheless, that it is an interesting topic and no less valuable for discussion merely because it may only apply (at least in specifics) to a small group of readers.

I'm surprised that I Peter 3:3-4 was never mentioned in this article, particularly given the context of the verses and the writer's concern over being attractive for her husband. Perhaps the writer will discuss it in her book? It seems to me to be a touchstone passage for such a topic.

Posted By: ERO | April 10, 2010 1:44 PM

Cosmetic surgery is not necessarily frivolous. I had a rare and potentially fatal disease that caused an enormous weight gain, and when I was cured, I lost over 100 pounds. I had a complete face and neck lift to remove sagging flesh and to restore myself emotionally after the ordeal of years of horrible sickness. It took 20 years off my appearance and made me feel like a healed and different person. I am still struggling to lose the last 35-40 pounds, and when I do, I will have a total tummy tuck and armlift. It's not that I only care about how the wrinkly skin looks under my clothes. It's also because it just isn't physically comfortable to shove rolls of loose skin into clothes, and to have dangly flesh hanging from your body. There are rashes, too. I am still paying for the face lift, but much of the body work will be covered by health insurance as medically necessary because of rashes and skin irritation. I don't feel vain at all to want to do this. If we think that we should always accept what God "gives" us as far as physical conditions and appearances, there there would be no point in correcting club feet or crooked teeth, removing disfiguring birth marks, or even plucking eyebrows, shaving beards and coloring or curling our hair. Please don't criticize anyone for spending money on cosmetic surgery, either. What's the difference if a woman pays $12,000 for a facelift, or a man buys a $25,000 car? Or if you put in a new kitchen for $15,000? Or go on a family cruise for $10,000? Can't you do without a cruise, or make do with the kitchen you have? Or buy a cheaper car? We can go on and on with casting stones at how others spend their money, from the rich man who buys a yacht down to the poor man who buys a candybar. We can all point to each other and ourselves and say, "You are a vain and selfish person and you could have given that money to the poor instead of buying a yacht or a candybar." Better that we worry about being good people who live lives of value instead of wondering if it's okay to have cosmetic surgery. Someone could even point to all of you reading this and say, "You are frivolous and vain in sitting in front of your computer reading things and giving your opinion when you could sell your computer, cancel your high speed Internet, give that money to the poor and get out and work in a soup kitchen." When does the judging stop?
As for cosmetic surgery for Down Syndrome, how can anyone question that? I doubt that the parents who have this done for their DS children are ashamed of them, but rather, they are trying to give them a better chance in a society that often immediately judges them by the distinctive features and doesn't give them a chance to offer the gifts of who they are. If changing the eyelids or ears, or reshaping a nose or mouth will make a child more easily fit in, then God bless the parents for giving their children this advantage.

Posted By: Maryann | April 10, 2010 2:57 PM

Good job, Maryann. Keep it up! I'm pleased to hear about your recovery.

This is exactly what I was talking about.

Posted By: Anastasia | April 12, 2010 1:40 PM

We all want to be beautiful, but we need to look at the real reason for comestic surgery. Do we have a serious medical condition that calls for reconstructive surgery or are we just falling into the lies of the Beauty Industry. I would love to have lipo suction on my butt and thighs, but would I really be happy. I would fit into those skinny jeans and have a rear to die for, but who am I trying to please? Happiness comes from with in and no amount of surery is going to change my heart. Only one Surgeon can change who we really are and that is God. I do believe that there are reasons for plastic surgery, such as... accident victims, burns, breast reduction, cancer victims and serious health concerns. Men and Women today are shooting "Poison" into their faces in a vain attempt to find the "fountian of youth". God really more concerned with the condition of our hearts than He is the gray hair and wrinlkes. I color my hair and use wrinkle creams but, I am ok with growing older. I look forward to grandchildren, and all the benefits that come with being an older distinguished women of God.

Posted By: Christine | April 15, 2010 1:11 PM

I so agree with ERO-let it be known that looks on the
"Heart" of man, and we are not in bondage to man or mankind!
Jesus came to set us free, and we should not allow a "man"
to judge us erroneously! If this is a decision that one
wants to make, especially if it is not interfering with
family finances, and they are not STEALING God's money
(tithes and offering) and THEY believe it is necessary-
So be it! We are not in bondage to anyone! Praise God!

Posted By: WDC | April 15, 2010 4:40 PM

I love my Lord! I have been married 23 years. God has always been faithful to me even when I have gone astray. He always waits patiently for me to return to him. 10 years ago I had breast augmentation. I would never have thought to or would have I done it. My husband mentioned it to me. More to the story.... I do not need to go into, except that resentment and inner anger lingered over me at myself and my husband since the surgery. Which created many other struggles in my life that i am am trying to over come with Gods help. And as of three moths ago I finally confronted these feeling and issues with my husband. This was very !! hard!! but true forgiveness come from both of us and our relationship has become closer. Personally, I am really loving God knowing that he has forgiven me and I have finally forgiven myself. I am content at the moment,but the lingering thought is, do I need to take them out in order to completely please my God? If so then a whole new hardship will come. Flat wrinkly messed up breasts! New resentment? Maybe these thoughts are just coming from the evil on e to try and get me back down again. Insight from any God loving person that has had similar happenings, or just good council I would be happy to hear. Mean while my mind is in my bible and my God, growing in him at the same time knowing he loves me and has forgiven me.

Posted By: Pamela | May 6, 2010 9:42 AM

Ten years ago I had breast augmentation. I would never have thought to or would have I done it. My husband mentioned it to me. More to the story.... I do not need to go into, except that resentment and inner anger lingered over me, at myself and my husband, since the surgery. Which created many other struggles in my life that i am am trying to over come with Gods help. And as of three moths ago I finally confronted these feeling and issues with my husband. This was very !! hard!! but true forgiveness came from both of us and our relationship has become closer. Personally, I am really loving God knowing that he has forgiven me and I have finally forgiven myself. I am content at the moment,but the lingering thought is, do I need to take them out in order to completely please my God? If so then a whole new hardship will come. Flat wrinkly messed up breasts! New resentment? Maybe these thoughts are just coming from the evil on e to try and get me back down again. Insight from any God loving person that has had similar happenings, or just good council I would be happy to hear. Mean while my mind is in my bible and my God, growing in him at the same time knowing he loves me and has forgiven me.

Posted By: Pamela | May 6, 2010 9:47 AM

@Pamela: Don't know if you're reading this thread anymore, but for what it's worth, I felt moved to respond to this. I'm reminded of I Cor. 7:18-20: "Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called." Although I know the situation is not the same, I think this verse speaks to the fact that we are forgiven when we seek God's grace, no matter what previous marks our bodies bear. If you made a mistake by getting implants (and I'm not saying that it WAS a mistake but that it's between you and God), then you are already forgiven for it if you have honestly sought His forgiveness. I could be wrong, but unless the implants are causing you to stumble repeatedly in some way, I don't think you need to subject yourself to the damage and inherent risk of another surgery. When God looks at you, He sees all your past sins, not just ones that have left a physical mark, but they are all washed away in the blood of Jesus. I pray that, knowing this, you will be at peace with your body the way it is and experience the security that comes from experiencing God's forgiveness.

Posted By: TheLordIsMyShepherd | May 20, 2010 12:28 AM

I think we can get carried away in judging others' choices with their bodies. Ultimately, we'll all be held accountable by God for the choices we make, and He will judge far more fairly than any of us can.

Posted By: Breast Augmentation Salt Lake City | September 28, 2010 2:00 PM

I believe we should do everything in moderation - from make-up, to hair, to clothes. We should all look good with cleanliness to give Glory to God - not to draw attetion upon ourselves. We are not our own, for we are God's, we are bought with a price, as the bible says. With that being said, one should think about everything they do with their body - EVERYTHING! For one to tell someone else that God didn't make them a certain way, therefore, they shouldn't change God's body - I somewhat I agree. However, this is the same person who goes and "paints" a face on that God didn't create. People need to think about that more before they judge others. Personally, I believe we should do all things for HIM. We have to pray, study & keep humble - while doing nothing in vain. Rememeber, when getting cosmetic surgery you are taking the risk of death all for a temporal body. One much outweigh the risk and benefits - including biblical before taking on any cosmetic surgery.

Posted By: IMO | November 4, 2010 7:20 AM

I just have to say that if anyone gets plastic surgery for reasons that have nothing to do with disfigurement and only to gratify their fleshly needs then you seriously need to understand that in doing so you are only criticising God's creativeness. God made you to be you. If he wanted you to have big boobs he would have given it to you. He only gives you things he can trust you with. Just ask your self this - will you be using your augmentation for the Good or more to please yourself and others around you? The ball is in your court.

Posted By: I Love God | August 23, 2011 1:05 AM

"There are myriad reasons that my patients choose to have elective surgery, many of which fall outside of the realm of sheer vanity. For instance, when a candidate has achieved great weight loss through diet and exercise (such as the writer of this article), minimizing problem areas is not necessarily a cosmetic surgery-- loose folds of skin can create hygiene issues, and sometimes have a deeply negative impact on a candidate's psychological wellbeing.

Whether or not a cosmetic procedure is a necessity absolutely must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. "

Posted By: Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson, Columbus, Ohio, plastic surgeon | November 16, 2011 2:44 PM