In 1990 I started studying the subject of jewelry, at the end of that study I felt compelled to write an article on the subject of wedding rings. I completed the article around 1991; I then presented the article in number of churches around Pretoria. I also had a privilege of presenting it at both TOC youth camp and SDASA end-year camp. It got approval for publication at Maranatha but the Editor changed before it went to print. There has been mixed reactions to its presentation, some people became angry and emotional, but many were encouraged. In one church in the East rand where I was invited to present the subject, I remember there was one man who threw away his ring after the presentation.
I wish you could read that article, unfortunately I have left all my copies in S.Africa. I will try to see if I can I way to get this article to you, it is not easy for me to rewrite it because it is about 11 typed pages, dealing with every excuse that people have for wearing rings. I plan to request Prof De Waal, a fellow SASDAnetter to post his more in depth article on this subject. Now I will try to write what I can still remember
The origin of wedding rings
- hear I found that the use of the wedding rings comes from the pagan religion and latter became part of the Roman Catholic traditions, the same church where the Sunday observance tradition comes from.What is the stand of the church
? In the action taken by the church on jewelry in 1973 or so, my article have more accurate info, the GC made a statement that rings, including engagement rings are not to be worn, but articles like watches etc can be worn within the spirit of simplicity and modesty. Thereby distinguishing between jewelry for adornment (1 Peter 3:3,4) and jewelry that can be for use e.g. watches. I wish I had time to expand on 1 Peter 3:3,4, but it should suffice to say that the issue that Peter is addressing is adornment. As a rule Adventist ministers are not suppose to conduct ring ceremonies.What do people say?
Do people put on the wedding ring for adornment or they use it just as sign to show their marriage status? I suppose this is a one of the questions most people think is very critical in this subject. Before I try to answer this question I would like to say that this question is irrelevant to this subject. For if the Bible say that I must not eat pork, the question whether pork meat can be used to reduce the risk of cancer or not does not matter, in fact it is irrelevant to question of eating pork.Back to the question: I do not want to be insensitive on this matter because there are many who are just ignorant on this subject, however it is important that we follow what God says. The essence of marriage is in the exchange of marriage vows, anything over and above that is man made extensions, and yet we must remember that marriage is not a man made institution. If God wanted us to have a sign of marriage He would have given it to us (e.g. Baptism to symbolize new birth) He would not have waited for a pagan institution to introduce one, and than ask the Roman Catholic church to pass it own to the remnant church.
As much as that which God has put together no-man should put asunder, that which the immortal God has created let no mortal man create a sign there for.
Even our government, which is secular, does not recognize a ring, no matter how expensive, as the sign of married, but they will recognize a piece of paper that was signed at a public ceremony.
Some say it is a protection from the advances of others. This is not only a lack of faith, but to me it sounds like idolatry, how can a circlet of gold protect a Christian from the Devil’s temptations. In 1991when I met a certain Mr. Mariri, a "happily" married man. This man told me that he would never have an affair with an unmarried woman because they are too much demanding, they would eventually break your family. True to his own words, he had an affair with a beautiful married woman. So as far he is concern, his main targets are those who have a shining circle of gold on the third finger of the left hand.
Some might say what I put on my finger should not affect my salvation. I would not like to be a judge on that one, some have said what is the difference between Sunday and Sabbath? The answer to both questions is the same: The WORD of God. The choice is between the word of God and the popular traditions of man.
Some might desire to be known as a married man/woman but I think that more than anything else we should desire to known as those who are married to Christ.
Why do people put on jewelry?
– Conformity to the world is biggest problem that we have in the church, to be like other nations was the cry of the Israelites, so it is our cry today. Nobody wants to be on odd ball, and all want to be seen to be fashionable. The only problem is when the choice before is to between what God says and what fashion and the world demands. Even some of our pastors have given in, I have challenged many on this issue, and not a word has come from them in defense this of terrible example that they give to the members, contrary the word of God. I learnt long ago that there comes a time when a man/woman has to stand on his convictions though the whole church bow down. To stand and dare to be different for Christ’s sake. To stand and have a backbone in mist of spineless generation.Since 1993 I have concentrated most of my efforts on evangelism thereby moving away from emphasis on church standards, thank you for giving me this opportunity to share some of my convictions on this issue. I hope I didn’t create more problems than I have tried to solve, even then, I suppose it is good, for God requires us to think. He says come let’s reason together.