Most women today enjoy enhancing their beauty with a bit of makeup. However, for many women in the Pentecostal faith, there are guidelines impacting their appearance, including restrictions on makeup, clothing, hairstyles, and jewelry. The question of whether Pentecostals can wear makeup often arises amidst discussions on modesty among women. This article aims to clarify the stance on makeup for Pentecostal women and provides some insights that might be of interest.
Traditionally, Pentecostal women were not permitted to wear makeup in church, but in recent years, some have embraced it due to the influence of globalization. Before we explore why makeup is sometimes frowned upon, let’s first understand the Pentecostal church itself.
Pentecostals are evangelical Christians practicing Pentecostalism, a movement within Protestantism that began in the U.S. at the end of the 19th century. Pentecostals emphasize experiencing the Holy Spirit through an event known as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, often displayed by speaking in tongues, or “glossolalia,” a speech not understood by speaker or listener.
There are several reasons why some Pentecostals view makeup negatively:
1. Scriptural Beliefs: Many Pentecostals believe makeup isn’t supported by scripture, often citing passages like 1 Timothy 2:8-10, which encourages modesty in women’s dress and adornment.
2. Worldliness: Makeup is sometimes seen as a trait of worldliness, contrary to the teachings in passages such as 1 John 2:15-16, which advises against loving worldly things.
3. Promoting Lust: Some think that makeup could enhance a woman’s natural beauty to the point of tempting men into sinful thoughts, thus it’s discouraged to maintain purity.
Despite these views, wearing makeup isn’t considered a sin in itself. Biblical examples show that using cosmetics was common among devout women, suggesting it’s the intention behind wearing makeup that matters. If wearing makeup enhances a woman’s natural beauty without leading others into temptation, it’s generally acceptable.
For Christian women who choose to wear makeup, there are benefits and guidelines to consider:
1. Youthful Appearance: Makeup can help maintain a youthful look, like other grooming practices.
2. Amplifying God’s Beauty: With the right approach, makeup can highlight the beauty of God’s creation without overshadowing it.
3. Boosting Confidence: A simple, classic makeup look can enhance inner beauty and boost self-confidence.
For those seeking to wear makeup modestly:
1. Keep It Natural: Use shades that complement your natural skin tone.
2. Embrace Femininity: Choose styles that highlight your femininity without altering it.
3. Be Classic: Avoid overly dramatic styles that distract from your true self and aim for a neat and organized appearance.
In summary, while traditional Pentecostal doctrines may discourage makeup due to its associations with immodesty and worldliness, there is not a consensus among all Pentecostals. Some feel that as long as makeup is used modestly and with good intentions, it’s not at odds with biblical teachings.