Andrews University has a wide range of students who hold a variety of beliefs. One such belief surrounds the topic of jewelry and is rarely discussed and may need to be a more open topic on this college campus. This is important because of the religious context of Andrews University as an Adventist institution. According to some Biblical texts and writings from Ellen White, jewelry is something that should not be worn.
The origin and history of jewelry can be observed through the Bible. God created precious jewels to be of use. Since even small portions of jewelry were rare or unusual, they were bartered and used as a select form of currency. Over time, individuals began to wear jewels in order to impress others with their wealth. When at the market, people could simply pull off their bracelets or rings and pay for the item. In the Bible, we see this with Abraham’s servant “paying” Rebecca after she watered his camels, “And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold” Genesis 24:22. Similarly, when Israel built the temple, they brought an offering to the Lord using their jewelry (their money). “And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord” Exodus 35:22. Some Adventists argue that God does not want his sons and daughters to adorn themselves with wealth for all to see. Rather, humble themselves and place all of the attention pointing towards God. The way we speak, dress, act, etc.
Many may point to Matthew 7:20, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” When saying this, it is believed that you know a Christian based on their actions, or their outer appearance. If they follow the character and image of God. Or, in other words, their fruits. You cannot know a person by what their intentions or beliefs may be, yet what the person produces, this is what others in the world should classify as a Christian: to be the body of Christ. Along those lines, John 20:21 states, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” To be a demonstration of God, a representation of His image, 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “We all... are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Finally, the last big argument for conservative Adventists is that jewelry is a form of pride or that many who wear jewelry are not satisfied with themselves and must adorn themselves in order to feel priceless. Isaiah 3:16-23 reads, “Moreover the Lord says: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and wanton [seductive] eyes, Walking and mincing [swaying] as they go, ... In that day the Lord will take away the finery: The jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents; The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils; The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands; The perfume boxes, the charms, and the rings; The nose jewels, the festal apparel, and the mantles; The outer garments, the purses, and the mirrors; The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes.”
If you don’t know whether it is wrong or not, perhaps it is best to just not do it at all. As Doug Bachelor has stated, “I know that on the judgment day, God will not condemn anyone
for not wearing enough jewelry.” So the safe thing to do is not wear any.
On Andrew’s campus, some have stated their opinions, which leave this hotly debated topic open for discussion. Many from different cultures and a variety of backgrounds were generous enough to give their side of the story and opinions.
Uccitly Caballero (senior, French and psychology)
“[I grew up in] Mexican culture but also super strict SDA. It was almost as if the SDA church was saying you are betraying God and you are a heathen and going to hell [for wearing jewelry]. People should be allowed to freely express themselves. Diversity and culture is beautiful and when you try to eliminate that with strict laws it takes away the culture.”
Anna Pak (sophomore, psychology and pre-optometry)
“My parents and my home church lean more on the conservative side, so I always was advised not to wear jewelry at all, no matter how simple or small. Now that I’m older, I’ve gotten the chance to experiment with my style and try out different types of jewelry, such as necklaces, rings, and earrings. A lot of pieces I wear tend to be more minimalistic, and some have been gifted to me. Although I do understand the Adventist perspective of not wanting to give off the impression of being vain, I do think jewelry can play an important part in how you express yourself, and so I do believe that jewelry should, in most circumstances, be okay.
Nalani Bodden (senior, psychology)
“Wearing jewelry is not an issue. I was always told jewelry was wrong. The Bible teaches that by having a real relationship with God, we will make it to heaven. I do not think that wearing jewelry will impact whether you make it to heaven or not. Many people from different religions will also make it to heaven, and some may wear jewelry, so why are we (Adventists) the exception? As Adventists, we are always focused on looking like a Christian, and if individuals don’t, we judge them. Instead, we should encourage people to have an actual relationship with God.”
Zoe Shiu (senior, music and psychology)
“Jewelry was generally discouraged in the culture of my church. Currently, I don’t hold jewelry to be a moral issue based on what I gathered from my meager attempt at a preliminary Bible search. I also tend to think that there is sufficient suffering and trauma going on in humanity that moralizing jewelry may not be the most efficient use of our time or energy if we could be investing in providing humans with safety or relief from pain.”
Lexie Dunham (junior, psychology)
“There was a lot of difference in opinions. It was really interesting because I never remember my particular SDA church placing a strong emphasis on it at all. My parents were relatively neutral on the subject. They were never really against anyone who wore it unless it was in the rule book at school that we couldn’t. My school was against it, but as I got older (same school), the rules started to get more relaxed. I personally do not. Only because I don’t think it’s a huge salvation issue. I think it’s important that we don’t look at what is on people’s bodies but instead what is in their hearts and minds and what kind of person they are. I personally have a few rings and am planning to get a few more. I think it’s really beautiful to be able to express yourself in different ways, as long as you never forget your inner beauty!”
Lia Glass (sophomore, digital communications)
My parents were always very chill about jewelry. I grew up being allowed to wear necklaces and stuff. My sister got her ears pierced when she was like 11. I don’t agree with the Adventist view of no jewelry, I’ve always seen it as fine. I feel like “adorning yourself” is a mindset and has more to do with the intent than action.
Jewelry is a long standing issue, and whether jewelry should be appreciated or integrated into the church is a point of view that should not separate God’s children or create a divide in which Christian’s should act hostile or unloving toward one another.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.