Q&A Home > A > Appearance

• I am a Sunday school teacher and I was faced with a question that requires research before responding. The question: Is hair coloring (dyeing) a sin for Christians and also for clergy? I understand that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and it is our responsibility to take good care of it; however I could not find anything specifically that says coloring your hair is wrong or a sin. Some youth and even some deacons posed this question. One deacon specifically said, “I like growing my ‘goatee-beard’ but I have gray hair, and at times, I color it black; now is that a sin or wrong?” As a Sunday school teacher I take great caution as not to provide personal opinion or a wrong answer. Is it wrong or a sin to color hair?
• I cannot stop being vain with my looks. My father has encouraged that in me by his criticism of my fat figure, ugly dresses, etc… and by constantly comparing me to others. I have lost weight, but became sick as a consequence. (I have just recovered from an eating disorder). How can I get over my vanity? I am angry at, and tired of my father. How can I free myself from all these entanglements?
• In His Holiness' lecture dated 10/05/04 Copticpope.org - 5-10-04 in the social topics section, His Holiness said that it is wrong if a woman does not use make-up because she will be criticized by her friends, relatives, and strangers. Would you please explain to me what is wrong with not using make-up? Why don't we let the others say whatever they want to say since we are not offending anyone in making such a decision?