Cosmetic Surgery: The Christian Perspective
It has long been said that, ‘true beauty is on the inside.’ Yet more and more, we seem to be unhappy with our external appearances, some resorting to the surgeon’s knife in an attempt to change their appearance to fir their perceptions of what beauty looks like. Does cosmetic surgery truly improve body image, or is it merely patching up the outside, when the true problem lies within?
What is the Christian perspective on cosmetic surgery?
There are a group of Christians who are against cosmetic surgery on the basis that we are created in the image of God, as stated in Genesis 1:26. They argue that if we are created in the image of God, then how we can improve on God’s image using cosmetic surgery? This argument falls down because we reflect God’s nature, not his physical likeness.
Genesis 1:26-27 says, “God spoke, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle and yes, Earth itself and every animal that moves on the face of the Earth’. God created human beings; he created them godlike, reflecting God’s nature. He created them male and female,” (The Message).
Others believe that we should not use cosmetic surgery because our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, as described in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Again, this argument lacks substance. Surgery in and of itself is not sinful. Damaging our physical body by smoking, having illicit sex or drinking alcohol excessively may be considered defiling, but most cosmetic procedures do not damage our body. In fact, some could use the exact same Scripture to justify their cosmetic enhancements.
The main argument that could be made against cosmetic surgery is that it uses resources that could be better spent on something other than ourselves. The Bible reminds us not to be selfish, “For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical…Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?” (Gal 5:17-18 The Message).
Throughout the New Testament, the Christian churches gave money to those around them, without question. In fact, in Exodus God commanded the Israelites to care for the poor, orphans, and widows, or his wrath would come upon them (Ex 22:22). Simply, cosmetic surgery is very expensive. Many would argue that the money that is used on cosmetic surgery would provide a lot more benefit to others who are poor, needy or starving. However, that doesn’t mean should not have botox or cosmetic procedures. But they would have to satisfy themselves that such a use was good stewardship of the resources that God gave them.
As Christians, we know that God loves us and we have experienced his love and live in his grace. Our self-esteem should come from God, knowing that he created us. David had this revelation when he wrote in Psalm 139:13-14, “oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High god – you’re breathtaking. Body and soul, I am marvellously made. I worship in adoration – what a creation,” (The Message). God made us, inside and out and he loves us, so much so that he gave his son for us (1 John 4:10). How we loo doesn’t sway God’s love, or make any difference to our salvation.
So, although cosmetic surgery probably isn’t sinful, as Christians we would have to be fully satisfied that we truly needed it and that it is a good use of our God-give resources. God loves us as we are. As Christians we should do as God does and look at the hearts of others and not judge each other by our appearances.
By: Dr Christopher Pitt, Alive Magazine, February/March 2008, pp.52-53