I have long hair.
Honestly, it is not because I like long hair. I find long hair to be rather annoying.
But I grew my hair out for symbolic reasons which have to do with my job as a prison chaplain.
First, although I am a prison chaplain, I am a correctional worker first, and am there to protect and serve the community by helping maintain the safe and orderly operation of the prison. And yet, as a follower of Jesus, I wanted to show the men at the prison that I was not just another prison guard. I was different. Most of the prison guards have military backgrounds, and the military haircut to go with it. By growing my hair out, I visually set myself apart from the other prison employees, even though I was one of them.
Ironically, in the process of growing my hair out, I soon found that the people who judged me for it the most were the incarcerated men.
I cannot tell you how many times I have had a man come up to be after a Bible Study or a church service in prison, and ask to speak to me in private. When we get back into my office, they pull out their Bible and tell me that God has given them a verse for me. Then they read 1 Corinthians 11:14: “Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?” I once had a man misquote the verse and change “dishonor” into “abomination” but that is beside the point.
The first time this happened, I had a little debate there in my office about using proper historical-cultural hermeneutics to interpret Scripture, but over the years, I have finally settled on a simple answer. I say, “That is exactly why I wear it long. I want to be shamed.” They usually don’t know what to say to this, and the conversation ends.
After this happened a few times, I realized that my long hair was also a symbol in another way: not only did it show everybody that I was somehow different than the militaristic prison guard, but I was also different than the legalistic religious Christian. And in prison, everybody is a legalist.
Cutting Long Hair is Like Baptism
About two years into my job, I got tired of the long hair, and cut it.
That was when I realized that cutting long hair was like baptism in New Testament times. Everybody who knows you sees that you cut your long hair and asks why you did it. To my shame (real shame, this time), I had no good reason.
A few months later, two female staff members also cut their long hair. When I noticed, I asked them why they did it. They had good answers. They were donating their hair to “Locks of Love” which is an organization that provides wigs to children who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Later, a Native American inmate at the prison cut off his long hair, and when I asked him why, he said it was because a family member died.
Cutting (or Growing) Hair is Symbolic
Cutting off long hair is very symbolic in our culture, and when it is done, it invites people to ask why it was done, and what has changed in your life.
Even if you don’t have long hair, you can grow it out for a period of time, and then cut it. People will notice the change both ways.
Men could even do this with their facial hair if that is preferred. One of the prison guards I work with recently started growing out his beard. I asked him why, and he told me about something in his life that he was trying to change, and said that when it finally changed, he was going to cut his beard. He recently cut his beard, and when I saw him at work, I immediately knew what had happened in his life and was able to congratulate him on the change.
Growing and Cutting Hair is Scriptural
Growing and cutting hair even has biblical precedent in the vows of the Nazarites. Nazarite vows were usually for a short period of time, during which time the hair would not be cut (Num 6). When the vow was complete, the person would cut their hair, symbolizing the change that occurred. Samson, of course, was a lifelong Nazarite, and when his hair was finally cut, it truly did represent his death (Judg 16:19-22). Many believe that Paul took a Nazarite vow for a period of time (Acts 18:18).
Growing and Cutting Hair Sparks Conversations
The point is that the growing and cutting of hair is very symbolic in our culture. Doing this will generate questions about what happened, and why it was done, just as water baptism generated these questions in biblical times.
If a new believer gets baptized today, almost nobody will ask why. Most of those outside the church will not even know it happened. But if you cut your hair, be ready to answer some questions about what has changed in your life and why you are now a follower of Jesus Christ. It is for these reasons that I think that the growing and cutting of hair might be one good modern alternative to water baptism for the new believer.
We will look at several more alternatives tomorrow.
Jeremy,
I’ve heard of people putting a small amount of salt on the tongue of the newly baptized believer (actually during the baptism) to represent being salt and light in the community. It was not only meant to remind the person what their new life was to be like, it was intended to stimulate conversation among non-believers who were present.
Obviously, in this case, it is not a replacement for baptism, but it could be. The whole salt and light thing is ripe for symbolism.
Ross,
Great insight! I had not considered the symbolism of salt and light, but you are right, it could be used in so many ways to indicate change in a person’s life.
Jeremy:
When I was in law enforcement back in 1990-92 I was thought to be someone I wasn’t because I kept a “high’n tight”.(ex military) Most inmates wanted to “make a deal” with me. I was thought to be a different kind of person who could help them if they squealed on someone else. In high school I kept shoulder length hair whch my thought was embarrassing (though I got straight A’s.
I was going to get a haircut Saturday for myself and Adam adn Ethan but now…I am not so sure.
Peace!
Mike
sorry meant to say thatmy dad was the one embarrassed by my hair (typo)
I had high and tight for a while too. I actually liked it. It sure was easy to wash and dry!
Bringing it back round to where you started, because cutting hair can be such a drastic and obvious marker of change, it is part of military induction/indoctrination process. It is quite telling that your co-workers keep this habit.
So, in a roundabout way, the military assigned meaning to hair length, the guards continued this meaning, and you carried the association further by acting in reaction to it.
Martin,
Great points! The cutting of the hair is part of the initial military indoctrination, and it shows a break with the civilian life, and the beginning of a new life which belongs to the military.
I was baptized when I was twelve. Our church did it by sprinkling. It was a significant event for me. I remember thinking that this was my public statement that I was Christ’s, even though it was done before just the church.
Some significant moment before other believers, wherein one publicly acknowledges their connection to Christ, is probably important for most of us. How that moment looks may vary – for some being sprinkled or immersed in some sort of a traditional “baptism” may be good. For others, acknowledging their connection with Christ might take other forms.
In addition, must we not also acknowledge to those outside the church that we are Christ’s? Personally, I think a life well-lived following Jesus and loving others (as He told us), accomplishes that best.
Several years ago I wore a large nail on a cord around my neck for the weeks preceding Easter, including at my business, where I worked with the public all day. Many people asked me what the nail meant. I explained that it meant that I was remembering that Jesus was executed, but rose from the dead, which is why I choose to follow Him. Most understood what I said, but I have learned that such methods do not make nearly as much of an impression as a “life well-lived following Jesus and loving others”.
Sam,
You are right that a life well-lived before others is one of the best ways of indicating that we are followers of Jesus.
There is really only one way, according to Scripture, that people will know we are Christians, and that is by our love. It doesn’t say “by our baptism” or “by our church attendance” or “by wearing certain clothes” but “by our love.”
So yes, this is the best way. But to show that initial break, that initial change, some sort of outer symbolic gesture is also helpful to get the conversations rolling.
I had a long mane in high school and college. (down to the waste) When I joined the Army, they chopped it off. When I was in the corporate world, I had the acceptable above the ear, which I kept as a pastor. I got a high n tight about 7 months ago because I’m LAZY. I don’t want to spend time on my cow-licks, so I get a crew cut once a month. I’ve let it grow lately though….
I miss my short hair at times for this very reason. I hate washing it, and pulling it out my eyes in the wind. It wakes me up at night, gets in my mouth sometimes when I’m trying to eat. What a pain!
You’ve mentioned the most common understanding of baptism. But, it is also the initiation ceremony into the new covenant. Hebrew covenants were sealed with blood. Jesus, as one “signatory” of the covenant used himself to seal the covenant. Baptism is our entrance into the covenant as the other signatory, which symbolically mirrors what He did. With that in mind, does one really want to change the ceremony to another ritual which doesn’t reflect the covenantal aspect of baptism?
Ross,
Honestly, I am not sure I have ever heard that particular view on baptism before. So on this, I claim ignorance.
What is the connection between baptism and blood? I am not sure I see it. Is there a particular church or denomination that holds this covenantal view of baptism?
Regardless, why couldn’t a different ritual also be covenantal?
Hi Jeremy,
The issue is the connection between blood and the new covenant, and how Hebrew covenants work. Let me remind you of words you’ve probably heard at least every month since you’ve become a Christian.
“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you (Lk 22:20).
Those who understand Hebrew covenants realize that in a covenant relationship, both parties have to make a blood sacrifice; hence the Old Testament sacrifices that sealed the old covenant that Israel made with God. That’s what the “Lamb of God” thing is all about.
The new covenant is no different. It has to have a signatory sacrifice. Jesus made it clear how he sealed the new covenant. But how do the other signatories (us) seal the covenant? If we don’t have a way to “sign” the covenant, the contract isn’t valid. It’s like not saying “I do” and putting on the ring at the wedding. We do this by emulating Jesus in the way he sealed the new covenant, i.e. baptism. That’s where the “death, burial and resurrection” idea comes in.
Probably the best development of this that I’ve seen is What The Bible Says About Covenant by Mont W. Smith. Sadly it is an older work, though incredibly well written, so it is hard to find.
However, in answer to your question “Is there a particular church or denomination that holds this covenantal view of baptism?” Yes, all of them that put any emphasis at all on the new covenant. Whether they emphasis it or not is another matter. Most treat it like a minor point of doctrine in the vast sweep of systematic theology.
Frankly, the modern western Church seems to have lost track of the new covenant, although it is the foundational doctrine of Christianity. A Hebrew at the time of the writing of the New Testament would never make that mistake because they were anxiously waiting for the new covenant which was predicted by Jeremiah in Jer. 31:31-34 (which is quoted directly in Heb. 8:7-13).
Nowadays we focus on the details and miss the outline. It’s like building a house without a foundation. One can not truly understand Jesus, his ministry or our relationship with God without a clear understanding of the new covenant which is His written contract with us.
It wasn’t until a Dallas Seminary grad explained the new covenant to me that all of a sudden the lights came on as to how the New Testament is deeply connected to the Old. It shows how far we have strayed from the foundational truths of our own faith.
So yes, baptism is theologically understood to be related deeply to the new covenant, it just isn’t emphasized but instead lost like a snowflake in a blizzard of doctrinal details. And the loss is our loss. That’s why I place such a strong emphasis on the new covenant in my book Viral Jesus. I’m trying to help people get a grip on the beauty of what they actually already have, a wonderful written contract with the God of the Universe. A contract which explicitly states, “I will be their God,and they will be my people.”
I’m curious – based on what you’ve said here – do you believe that baptism is a necessary thing to complete salvation?
No Jeannette, I believe our salvation is sealed by the Holy Spirit( 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13; Eph. 4:30). It would be more akin to having a wedding without the “I dos” and the rings. It would still be valid, just different and losing the power of the intended symbolism.
The Quakers don’t believe in baptism or communion due to historical abuses. I know quite a few Friends and sense the presence of the Holy Spirit in them. But, you are correct, there are denominations who take it to the point of believing salvation is given at baptism, for example Disciples of Christ and Lutherans.
My point is that there is much deeper power and significance in the symbol of baptism. And I believe our acting out of that “sacrament” (not a biblical word)is a wonderful act of obedience which shows our whole hearted desire to enter into God’s covenant with him.
So I personally wouldn’t want to set baptism aside; but wouldn’t judge others who do. One way to look at what Jeremy is suggesting would be to come up with other ways of signaling our entrance into a covenant relationship with God. In my opinion would be fine. I don’t know how God feels about that, but since he wholeheartedly allows Quakers into the Kingdom I would assume he’s fine with it ;).
That’s funny. To me, I saw your long hair as a guy who knows what he wants and was care-free.
It might be some of that too…
I know one Quaker and he said that modern Quakers aren’t considered Evangelical anymore ..
There’s often a significant difference between west coast Quakers (evangelicals)and east coast Quakers (tend to have become more modernist/liberal in orientation). The ones I know are would clearly fall into the evangelical camp. Besides, those are just broad generalizations. There’s wheat and tares in every group.
That must be it! I’m on the East Coast and when I found out they didn’t even take the Bible literally I was actually kind of sad.
This whole article completely contradicts Scripture. Please, if you are really taking the notion of “cutting your hair” as something significant, read the objective facts (http://catholicdefense.blogspot.com/2012/03/does-water-baptism-save.html), not mere subjective opinion.
Patrick,
I read your article. Whew! Where to begin? Where to begin?
Probably with the word “saves.” Do a word study of the Greek soteria and its cognates, and will see that it simply means “deliverance” without any inherent reference to deliverance from hell, entrance into heaven, forgiveness of sins, gaining eternal life, or any such idea. Then look at all the uses of the word in Scripture to see that in the vast majority of these uses, once again, it has absolutely nothing to do with these concepts either.
So when we come to a few texts in Scripture which says that baptism “saves,” we must understand that the word “saves” there has absolutely nothing to do with hell, heaven, eternal life, etc. The only reason we think it does is because of the subjective opinion of various church traditions which is based on some misunderstandings of certain key terms like “saves” and “baptism.”
I could go into greater detail on all your other objections, but this seems to be the primary issue for now.
Perhaps before we start coming up with “better” ideas, we should ask ourselves whether the Bible is true or not.
I understand the idea of a symbol which would better communicate to those outside that an experience with Christ had happened. But to suggest not being baptised is just not scriptural. The guy who didn’t shave until the change had occurred in his life had the right idea, but it doesn’t communicate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the way water baptism does. When I baptize someone, I tell them that we are acting out on the outside what has happened to them on the inside. When we are standing there, we are acting out that we have been crucified with Christ.
I ask in counseling, What do we do with a dead person? The answer is that we bury them. Going under the water is a symbol of the burial of the “old” person–“I have been crucified with Christ…” Then as Christ rose again, the “new” person now comes up from the water. It is a beautiful symbol and one which is different from any other organization in the world–as it should be. The symbolism always needs to be explained, though.
“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” Romans 6:4
If we eliminate baptism as a symbol of a new life in Christ, then we would have a very difficult time explaining the passages which mention baptism, and especially Romans 6:4.
It just amazes me how we humans like to talk about spiritual things, yet dismiss the teachings of Scripture as being irrelevant for our time.
Rocky,
No, we don’t always bury them. Sometimes we toss the body into the sea. Sometimes we burn them. As I pointed out in other posts, other cultures do not (and have never) buried people. Some put people into trees or feed the bodies to birds. Would you still require water baptism as a symbol of burial in these other cultures where such a practice is completely foreign and meaningless?
In talking about the teachings of Scripture, we must understand the culture within which Scripture was written or else it does become irrelevant for our time. If we understand baptism as a “full identification” then passages like Romans 6:4 can have meaning and significance for all people in all cultures at all times; not just for the segment of the world that practices burial.
The great commission, our Lord’s last command and the basis of all evangelism, tells the apostles to go forth to every nation and make disciples of them, and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also said may they be one, Father, as you and I are one. Baptism takes all Christians of every nation and unites them in the saving action of Christ. It is the action of God in which we humbly cooperate in trust. God bless.
David,
I dealt with Matthew 28:19-20 in a different post.
Baptism does unite us all, but not water baptism. Rather, it is the baptism of the Spirit that unites us all into Jesus Christ.
Haha….a few years ago….for no apparent reason….I shaved my head. I am a female. You should have seen the looks I got at church. Oh well. It was quite liberating….though, I’m sure not the most flattering for me….but, sometimes….YOLO.
Hilarious. But you prove the point exactly. It is some public act which makes us stand out and forces people to ask why we did it.
By what authority do you contradict the command of Christ? Christ specifically ordered us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. To void this command is the height of arrogance, claiming to know better than Christ.
By the authority of Scripture. Do a search on this blog for baptism to learn more.
Or just get my book, “Dying to Religion and Empire” at Amazon.
Ahhh Jeremy!! Come on man! Ya just wanted to look like Jesus. Admit it! Or a surfer dude! Lol. I have a wee friend who became an orthodox priest. OMG! He has long hair and huge long straggly beard. No idea who he wants to look like. But to be honest he looks like a vagrant. People probably sniff him when he goes in shops. Lol. Youse all are just plain wacky! Get it shaved bald and be done with it man. Just a spit and a polish required henceforth.
And yes yes yes. Spirit baptism!! Now your talking my language. Out with the old and in with the new. Water baptism. An old rite which now means nought. The spirit baptism is the regen. Even John the baptist gives us this cue. I. E. I baptise you with water but the one who comes after me who I am not fit to tie his shoelaces will baptise with the holy spirit. So to all those water baby’s out there. You ain’t seen nothing yet!
And!! You haven’t updated the wee pic of yourself with the long hair cut. Maybe ya still fancy yourself as that surfer dude. Good looking guy actually! And I have a wife by the way. Just in case your thinking I got the hits for you. Lol lol lol. But showed her your pic and she approves!! Damn it!! We have a jealous god and show our likeness to him in our jealous nature. The good jealousy. Not the bad stuff. Lol. Grow it back. Keep on surfin jesus!
Interesting article! Could you please briefly explain how you understand that verse in 1 Cor. 11 about men and long hair? My understanding is that 1 Cor. 11 is dealing primarily with cultural issues as opposed to sin issues. But, I still think it would be sinful for a man to try to look like a woman and vice versa. This whole thing can get gray pretty fast though. Just wanted to hear your thoughts on how you take the verses dealing with hair length.