THE Lord IS PUNISHING us therefore we have COURSE hair...

[ceebee3]

If people are stupid enough to believe that, they must really be cursed. They deserve to be cursed.

Foolish people.

 

[ActionActress]

...and other statements like these have been PREACHED to us in church, y'all.

I was raised strictly Pentecostal as a kid, and for those who are not familiar, the Pentecostal faith is extremely strict... well, from where I am, it is.

By strict, I mean... we (women) could not come to church without a head covering.

We could not wear makeup. Nada. Not even lipgloss. You were ashes forever.

Now, as for the thread title... yes, we were preached this nonsense.

And we were told, that when the second coming takes place, we will be transformed, and our hair will be sleek and smooth.

ALSO, we were not to put our hair in braids, because according to some scripture PAUL(?) talks about physical vanity and that women should not partake of it (?) The preacher used to have the deacons check underneath the scarves of the ladies he suspected of braids... and he told them to undo the braids... in church... while the service was in session.

Y'all, I am here, writing this post, because I cannot believe the nonsense I went thru in church.

We were also told that our skin and hair is what it is because we fell out of favor with the Lord. I know, I know... I am flabbergasted.

Is it any wonder I do not attend church today? Of any sort?

As a little girl, I used to watch Creflo Dollar Ministries on TV with my mom and I used to say "Look Mummy, they don't wear any hats. And they wear lipstick to church. Are they saved, Mummy?"

Anyone attend a church that preached their own brand of hair craziness?

I have heard of this but I do know the original peoples including the Messiah himself was/is WOOLY haired!!! Check out some ancient coins. These black churches need to teach this. Not only that Joseph was wooly (dreamer Joseph and his brothers), Moses, and PAUL. And if they were wooly so were the others of their background. So I guess they were cursed too.

 

[Foufie]

My BFF is a member of International House of Prayer for All People (the one founded by Daddy Grace) and they are not supposed to wear braids and or weaves or color. Nothing outside of their natural hair basically. Alot of the women get relaxers but thats about it. If she wears her hair in braids (even when she had surgery) she gets chastised for it. ( i hope I spelled that correctly).

 

[BostonMaria]

What's wrong with braids? I don't get it.

 

[GodivaChocolate]

Girl, don't allow that nonsense to deter your walk with God. Jesus came so that we could be set free, not held in bondage.
People who preach that nonsense will have a heavy price to pay in the end. I never understood why anyone would want to look downtrodden and pathetic in the name of God.
God did not intend for it to be that way. That's why so many people love the world, cause it's pretty and shiny. We as Christians need to present ourselves in a beautiful light so that they world can see how beautiful following God is....

 

[ChristmasCarol]

Girl, don't allow that nonsense to deter your walk with God. Jesus came so that we could be set free, not held in bondage.
People who preach that nonsense will have a heavy price to pay in the end. I never understood why anyone would want to look downtrodden and pathetic in the name of God.
God did not intend for it to be that way. That's why so many people love the world, cause it's pretty and shiny. We as Christians need to present ourselves in a beautiful light so that they world can see how beautiful following God is....

Let the Church say "Amen"

 

[babyb900]

Girl, don't be giving Pentecostal's a bad name! J/K

I'm a life-long member of COGIC- Church of God in Christ - the largest Black Pentecostal denomination in America and we DO NOT preach any nonsense like that. As a matter-of-fact, some of the ladies get really carried away with the hair, makeup, jewelry and clothes. Don't even get me started on the fancy hats! We were taught to avoid being confused with hookers, but other than that, everything goes.

I think the behavior you are describing sounds like some sort of cult. I woulda run away from that mess, too.

I have heard crazy things like that in church. My grandmother even took all the 6's out of decks of cards. God rest her soul.

OT:

I like the COGICs. My SO was raised in one and the people there are nice. We plan on getting married at the church.

I always wondered what denomination they were. I never knew they were Pentecostal. I wonder why my stupid self didnt think to ask.

 

[la mosca]

What's wrong with braids? I don't get it.

I think it has to do with the passage msdevee quoted:

The scripture that you are referring to is at 1Peter 3:3 "do not let your adornment be that of the external braiding of the hair and of the putting on of gold ornaments or the wearing of outer garments "

If you read the scripture in it's entirety and in it's whole context (the whole chapter) it is not saying that we should not braid our hair or wear jewelry or wear clothes it goes on to say from vs. 4 on that our adornment should be who we are inside , not just dressing up and being beautiful outside.

 

[Heavenly]

Girl, don't allow that nonsense to deter your walk with God. Jesus came so that we could be set free, not held in bondage.
People who preach that nonsense will have a heavy price to pay in the end. I never understood why anyone would want to look downtrodden and pathetic in the name of God.
God did not intend for it to be that way. That's why so many people love the world, cause it's pretty and shiny. We as Christians need to present ourselves in a beautiful light so that they world can see how beautiful following God is....

Thanks GodivaChocolate, I am really encouraged by your words and would like to extend my gratitude. I believe that with every fiber of my being. At the end of the day, hair and our appearance can be seen either as frivolous entities... or as vital parts of who we are as a people. Either way, these are strong tools that are often used to uplift or bring down a people.

In our youth group we were very fortunate to have a youth leader who was very progressive. He allowed us to attend youthnights in jeans and scarf-less. He was... as it is known elsewhere... very charismatic.

 

[Chaosbutterfly]

this i so different to many pentecostal churches in africa where sunday is almost like a fashion show, its like who can wear the largest, most colourful hats or traditional headtie and the most stunning clothes. the whole idea is you come before God looking your best

This.
Whenever we went to church in Nigeria, I would be looking around like
We still had to cover our heads, and men couldn't sit with women, but anything else went.
People wearing hats from like...other planets, laces in every color of the rainbow, makeup on POINT.
I wish someone would try to march into church not looking their best. The usher'll tell you to take your simple behind back home and change, because when you're going to see the Master of the Universe in His own home, you better come correct.
It was one thing if you didn't have the means to get all dressed up, (and the village was small, so you know who they were) but the people who could, really went there.

And the atmosphere was still that of worship. It wasn't like they were competing with one another to look good or anything.
I'm really sorry that you had bad church experiences growing up, but I'm really happy that it didn't make you bitter or turn you against God.

ETA: I do remember reading something about how Jesus had hair like lamb's wool...which is not straight or silky at all. Hahaha at selective Bible readers.

 

[Heavenly]

This.
Whenever we went to church in Nigeria, I would be looking around like
We still had to cover our heads, and men couldn't sit with women, but anything else went.
People wearing hats from like...other planets, laces in every color of the rainbow, makeup on POINT.
I wish someone would try to march into church not looking their best. The usher'll tell you to take your simple behind back home and change, because when you're going to see the Master of the Universe in His own home, you better come correct.
It was one thing if you didn't have the means to get all dressed up, (and the village was small, so you know who they were) but the people who could, really went there.

And the atmosphere was still that of worship. It wasn't like they were competing with one another to look good or anything.
I'm really sorry that you had bad church experiences growing up, but I'm really happy that it didn't make you bitter or turn you against God.

Not at all! I'm blessed to know Christ

Funny thing is... such experiences can make one very sneaky and covert. I had undercover pierced ears for 2 years before anyone ever found out.

I partied like there was no tomorrow, but come sunday morning... perfect little angel.

Know what was funny? In church I wore the shortest skirts I could find. And no one said anything.... as long as my head and shoulders were covered. Go figure.

I thank God for His light and forgiveness.

 

[dymondgurl]

Ignore it. False teaching happens all the time. There's always gonna be someone preaching a crazy doctrine in the name of God. Do what I do: evaluate and read the Bible for your self. The bible says that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". It also states in Genesis that when God created man, he said that "it was good." That's what's in my bible. Any hang ups that someone has because of their own self-hatred and the internal need to control you as a woman falls into the category of that's their problem. Case and point, I went to a church where they taught that giving $100 is better than $1. That's not in my Bible. In my bible is a story of a poor widow who gave her last cent and Jesus honored her more than the rich guy who was giving millions. I evaluated that church, left, and I haven't been there in 5 years.

Amen.

I grew up in church as well. I thought I remembered in Sunday School that Jesus had feet like bronze and hair like wool. Sounds like Jesus and me were more alike than a flaxen silky haired, blue eyed Jesus that some will have you believed he looked like. Not that it matters anyway. I definitely agree with the bolded part(actually the entire post) Read the Bible for YOURSELF.Ask God to give you understanding of his word. Know that YOU ARE beautifully and wonderfully made.

 

[mscocoface]

I was raised COGIC but it was an off shoot of them where they taught Jesus was just a man. Kept most of the rules about women in church, head coverings and all of that.

I am just thankful my parents switched to another belief. Some of the strict rules were off the hook. Lesson I learn was to read the bible for yourself. Also I leanred that there is a difference in the bible and doctrine, religions and beliefs.

 

[DivaD04]

they're is no such thing as a blond hair blue eyed God no do I have a picture of "Him" in my house.
uh oh, idk what churches some folks been to or belonged to, but i have yet to attend/belong to a church that preach such ungodliness.
It's one thing for man...pastor, deacon, choir members, congregation, to mess up since we fall short...but it's TOTALLY different when a church start to preaching about why we have kinky, curly, coily, and as some state nappy hair.
if I ever heard such things....I'd be gladly not to show up nor give any tithes/offerings. Madea, you said piece be still!

Girl, don't allow that nonsense to deter your walk with God. Jesus came so that we could be set free, not held in bondage.
People who preach that nonsense will have a heavy price to pay in the end. I never understood why anyone would want to look downtrodden and pathetic in the name of God.
God did not intend for it to be that way. That's why so many people love the world, cause it's pretty and shiny. We as Christians need to present ourselves in a beautiful light so that they world can see how beautiful following God is....

WELL SAID!!!

 

[ChristmasCarol]

I was raised COGIC but it was an off shoot of them where they taught Jesus was just a man. Kept most of the rules about women in church, head coverings and all of that.

I am just thankful my parents switched to another belief. Some of the strict rules were off the hook.

Wow. Never heard of "Jesus is just a man" in any Christian church. If he was just "some dude" I wonder why anyone would call themselves a Christian?

What's with the headscarf thing? Been to dozens and dozens of COGIC Churches and conventions and the only people I see with their heads covered are the church "nurses".

My church is not strict AT ALL. Just last week, a minister said "Even an old barn can look good with a fresh coat of paint", referring to makeup. Of course everyone laughed. But not as hard as when the organist was called out: "We gon' have to pray for Bro. Jones, he needs to leave the weed alone. Come on everybody and pray for Bro. Jones." Needless to say, everybody rolled that day! The organist was cracking up for getting called out like that. Don't know if he stopped smokin' or not.

 

[Rei]

It's always the woman's fault.

yep. my church too (seventh day adventist), they disfellowshipped a girl that I knew for becoming pregant out of wedlock, but when I asked my mother what happened to the guy, she was silent on that matter.erplexed raging sexism y'all

As girls we couldn't wear pants to church, only skirts so we were the only ones freezing when it was wintertime or having to wear thick tights (you know it was a man who made up that "law"), but I think that is more of the old west indian mindset rather than a seventh day adventist precept, because when I went to an SDA church in florida and saw girls wearing nice pantsuits I was like *MIND BLOWN*

 

[beans4reezy]

I was raised in a strict, Haitian Pentacostal church - and no we never went that far in our teachings to denigrate our natural hair and skin. On the contrary, relaxing, or altering the hair by any means was not encouraged. We were encouraged to wear the natural hair God blessed us with.

Your post speaks more to the doctrine or teachings of a church. According to the way in which the Bible is interpreted, different teachings are taught in different churches. Doctrine varies from church to church, so it is up to the individual to accept the teachings of their church.

And yes, while like you, I wasn't allowed to wear pants, make-up, hair extensions, nail polish, or earrings (I didn't get my ears pierced until I was 21)- my Pentacostal church never indoctrinated in us to hate our hair or skin.

Sorry- just my opinion, but those teachings are beyond absurd to me.

 

[dplyrooted]

I grew up in a church where the minister flipped back and forth on whether the women could wear braids. That church was Pentecostal Apostolic, very strict, they had some crazy rules and regulations, but I never heard the cursed thing.

 

[la mosca]

My church is not strict AT ALL. Just last week, a minister said "Even an old barn can look good with a fresh coat of paint", referring to makeup. Of course everyone laughed. But not as hard as when the organist was called out: "We gon' have to pray for Bro. Jones, he needs to leave the weed alone. Come on everybody and pray for Bro. Jones." Needless to say, everybody rolled that day! The organist was cracking up for getting called out like that. Don't know if he stopped smokin' or not.

 

[Heavenly]

I was raised in a strict, Haitian Pentacostal church - and no we never went that far in our teachings to denigrate our natural hair and skin. On the contrary, relaxing, or altering the hair by any means was not encouraged. We were encouraged to wear the natural hair God blessed us with.

Your post speaks more to the doctrine or teachings of a church. According to the way in which the Bible is interpreted, different teachings are taught in different churches. Doctrine varies from church to church, so it is up to the individual to accept the teachings of their church.

And yes, while like you, I wasn't allowed to wear pants, make-up, hair extensions, nail polish, or earrings (I didn't get my ears pierced until I was 21)- my Pentacostal church never indoctrinated in us to hate our hair or skin.

Sorry- just my opinion, but those teachings are beyond absurd to me.

The social underpinnings of an Apartheid system transferred subliminally into church sermons etc back in the day - without the preachers even realizing it. Apartheid was all about hair and skin, and less about ethnicity.

Did you know that at some point if the powers that be could not figure out what race group you should belong to... you were scrutinized by the grade of hair you had and the tone of your skin. Many families got split up this way, because some brothers and sisters in the same family were light and others were dark.

They got split up because the races had to live apart by law.

Know too, that governmental flavor and character influenced behavior. If the leaders told you something, it ought to be true... it came from the leaders after all. While not everyone bowed down to these individual teachings... most did, because the various communities were comprised of humble people, people who trusted and obeyed for the most part.

Gosh I'm off track... but I get passionate about this stuff.

But its all in the past... moving on. No more ashy lips.

 

[BeetleBug]

I never heard of this in any church I've been to. It sounds like he's bringing his own agenda and self hatred into the Lord's house.

 

[JayAnn0513]

I worked with a lady who went to a church like that. No braids, no makeup , long skirts, no weaves. He even wanted her to wear a skirt to work even though she rode a bike and was a lab tech.

 

[that_1_grrrl]

I did not know COGICs were Pentecostal. The preacher that used to live across from me was a COGIC minister.

Girl, don't be giving Pentecostal's a bad name! J/K

I'm a life-long member of COGIC- Church of God in Christ - the largest Black Pentecostal denomination in America and we DO NOT preach any nonsense like that. As a matter-of-fact, some of the ladies get really carried away with the hair, makeup, jewelry and clothes. Don't even get me started on the fancy hats! We were taught to avoid being confused with hookers, but other than that, everything goes.

I think the behavior you are describing sounds like some sort of cult. I woulda run away from that mess, too.

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

I did. Then I started asking questions because the logic behind their arguments was faulty. Our "pastor" (ugh.....) told us that men wore the pants and women that wore pants would go to hell. I just thought,"Wait a minute..... what about the tribesmen that wore gourds? What about the men that wore wraps in Egypt and Asia? What about the tribes in the rain forest that go naked? God won't send them to hell. That's their way. And if what you say is true that they will be risen again to hear his word (because they may not have heard it in another life....) then you're saying in a round about way that reincarnation is possible....but you just said we only get one life. You don't make sense." I was 9 years old guys. I got called all kinds of names and all of the turmoil I experienced from that time in my life came from man not from God. Those were not God's teachings. That's all I'm going to say about that.

Anyways, yeah, I been there, done that, burnt the t-shirt and the matching granny panties. I refuse to let anyone do my thinking for me.

 

[cupcakes]

coarse hair is a a curse from God? wow ive never heard that one before

 

[divya]

That is so sad. Whatever happened being "fearfully and wonderfully made." Guess that verse got passed right on by.

yep. my church too (seventh day adventist), they disfellowshipped a girl that I knew for becoming pregant out of wedlock, but when I asked my mother what happened to the guy, she was silent on that matter.erplexed raging sexism y'all

As girls we couldn't wear pants to church, only skirts so we were the only ones freezing when it was wintertime or having to wear thick tights (you know it was a man who made up that "law"), but I think that is more of the old west indian mindset rather than a seventh day adventist precept, because when I went to an SDA church in florida and saw girls wearing nice pantsuits I was like *MIND BLOWN*

OMG...I'm SDA as well, and I have issues with some churches and disfellowshipping people. If you are going to disfellowship the woman, then disfellowship the man as well if he is part of the faith. People need to leave that sexism at the door of the church. It's dead wrong and sinful. Don't let me get started on that...

LOL@the no pants. That's old West Indian people...and some old traditional people in general. I love them, but some of them need to relax. Religious West Indian people tend to be strict period. I will not wear pants to church in the West Indies period. Not me...

 

[yaya24]

I worked with a lady who went to a church like that. No braids, no makeup , long skirts, no weaves. He even wanted her to wear a skirt to work even though she rode a bike and was a lab tech.

perplexed

 

[yaya24]

Preachers, Pastors and Preists (and whatever other leading public figures in the church) are JUST people. People have their OWN agenda, beliefs and opinions.

It is important to know what is written and everything else can be taken with a grain of salt IMO.

 

[that_1_grrrl]

Really? People dress all kind of ways at my church.

Oh that's horrible.

I've never been to a church like. I can guarantee you I couldn't last 2 minutes in a church like that. Shame on the congregation for blindly following a person. That's what happens when people don't read the bible and just do what the other person says. Most people are too busy being religious and don't have time to actually do what the bible says. Even Jesus was annoyed by this.

I was brought up Catholic and we were not allowed to dress like we were going to a club LOL The priest would call you out on it in a heart beat. I go to a non-denominational church now and haven't encountered this. When I lived in the Dominican Republic I did see a few churches that would not allow their female congregation to wear pants, make-up, no dancing, no shaving, and they weren't allowed to relax their hair. Not the most attractive congregation LOLOLOL

 

[Jenibo]

I've heard that Cain's curse was dark skin