Despite Popular Belief, The Bible Actually Says These 11 Misconceptions Are Not Actually Sins

By Beth Moreton · March 27, 2024 · 4 min read
A man holding the Bible and turning a page of it.
Source: Rod Long/Unsplash

In the Bible, it reveals a list of sins that Christians are supposed to stay away from and not commit, so as not to disappoint God.

However, it appears some of the sins that have been labeled as such in the Bible aren’t sins and are fine for Christians and people of other religions and beliefs to do.

Drinking Alcohol

A group of people sat down to drink alcohol. The two girls in the picture have a drink in a tumbler glass with a black straw in both glasses.
Source: Michael Discenza/Unsplash

Some Christians view those who drink alcohol as being sinful, but as Knowing Jesus Ministries points out, Jesus drank wine.

So, drinking alcohol is okay, as long as it is done in moderation. The Bible views drinking alcohol as a blessing, but it views drunkenness as a sin.

Dancing

People dancing in a dance glass. They are leaning to the side and clapping and are facing the mirror.
Source: Danielle Cerullo/Unsplash

Many view dancing as harmless and up until now, some people have claimed the Bible views dancing as a sin. But that isn’t the case.

Grand Canyon University has said people can use dancing as a way to glorify God and therefore should not be ashamed of doing so.

Having Doubts About Christianity

A woman with her head in her hands. She has silver rings on her ring finger and a tattoo on her opposing finger.
Source: Toa Heftiba/Unsplash

Having doubts in all areas of life, whether that’s with your job, relationship, or friendships, is perfectly normal, but there are differing opinions on whether doubt is a sin.

The Bible For Normal People has stated that different Bible teachers have varying opinions on doubt. However, for the most part, doubting your faith is a normal thing to happen.

Having Strong Emotions

Someone punching a wall. Their fist is clenched and the wall is red, with a dent from the punch in it.
Source: Pixabay/Pexels

We all have different emotions that range from happy to sad and everything in between, but many believed the Bible once said that having strong emotions of any kind was a sin.

The Compelling Truth states that while having strong emotions isn’t a sin, it suggests that Christians should manage their emotions, such as not acting out in anger.

The Billy Graham Rule

A black and white photo of Billy Graham. He has his head slightly tilted and appears to be listening intently.
Source: Warren K. Leffler/Wikimedia Commons

The Billy Graham Rule was started by the evangelist of the same name, who decided he would never be alone with a woman who wasn’t his wife, which led to many others taking on this rule themselves, according to the Billy Graham Evangelist Association.

But with women now being a prominent force in the workplace, this rule is a lot harder to follow. As it is not in the Bible, it cannot be considered a sin.

Skipping Church

The inside of an empty Church. There are wooden benches on either side of the aisle and at the front of the church is a big cross and a statue. There are paintings throughout on the walls.
Source: Pixabay/Pexels

With fewer people attending church nowadays, some Christians might be worried that if they skip Sunday service or mass, they are sinning.

However, the Liberty Gospel Tracts states this is nothing to be ashamed of as there are many reasons why someone might have to skip church. Therefore, they shouldn’t feel they are letting God down or sinning by doing so.

Tattoos

A woman holding a cup of tea. She is wearing a grey top and has colorful tattoos on her arm of various flowers, including a red rose and a sunflower. She has two rings on her fingers and a bracelet on her wrist.
Source: Annie Spratt/Unsplash

Most people with tattoos have more than likely experienced an older relative or person they work with shaming them for having tattoos, which possibly comes from a saying in the Bible.

HuffPost states in Leviticus 19:28 it says “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you.” However, many people who attend church have tattoos and as long as you’re a good person, it is believed that having tattoos is no longer a sin.

Playing Sports on a Sunday

A woman wearing a sports bra and leggings and is lifting a heavy weight.
Source: John Arano/Unsplash

According to the Bible, Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest, and playing sports of any kind is hardly a way for anyone to rest.

However, with people at work and school on weekdays, for most people, that only leaves the weekend to do the activities they enjoy, including playing sports. Christians In Sport states that people are free to enjoy sport on a Sunday if they like and others shouldn’t judge them for it.

Taking Contraception

A pack of opened birth control. There are four lines of pills, the left hasn’t been opened the other three have.
Source: Bryancalabro/Wikimedia Commons

As many may be engaging in sexual intercourse at a time when they’re not ready to have children for whatever reason, most will take or use some form of contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Got Questions points out that in the Bible, Onan commits a sin in using withdrawal, which is the oldest form of birth control. The sin wasn’t the fact he had used birth control, but that he had committed the sin of selfishness by withdrawing so as not to share his inheritance. Therefore, contraception itself is not a sin.

Swearing

Bright neon sign that says "WTF" on a brick wall in the dark
Source: Sammy-Sander/Pixabay

Many people swear these days, but some Christians will often tell you not to swear as it is considered a sin.

However, according to Medium, swearing is only a sin if it is used to belittle, attack, or demean someone. So, if you are swearing because you have stubbed your toe, that is perfectly acceptable in the eyes of the Lord.

Disagreeing With the Pastor

A pastor wearing all black with a white collar.
Source: Cottonbro Studio/Pexels

As the pastor is the leader of the church you attend, you might find yourself feeling conflicted if, during one of the sermons, you disagree.

But do not be worry, as disagreeing with the pastor is normal, according to Lifeway Church. Everyone has differing opinions and isn’t going to see eye to eye on everything. So, as long as your disagreements can be understood, you are not sinning.