The Wedding Ring

The following is excerpted from the chapter, "A Look at the Wedding Ring" in the book, Christian Dress and Adornment, by Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi.

Should Christians wear a marriage ring? Does a plain marriage band fall in the category of the inappropriate ornaments of gold and pearls mentioned by Paul and Peter (1 Tim 2:10; 1 Pet 3:3)? These questions have engendered endless controversies in my own Seventh-day Adventist church, as well as in other churches.

Part of the problem is that the debate on the wedding ring has largely been based on strong personal feelings rather than on a clear understanding of the issues involved. Those who favor wearing the wedding ring feel strongly that for them the ring is a valuable symbol to affirm their marital status and commitment, as well as a protection from uninformed suitors. On the other hand, those who oppose wearing the wedding ring feel strongly that a golden ring is an ornament forbidden by the apostolic admonitions against wearing "gold or pearls or costly attire" (1Timothy 2:10; cf. 1 Peter 3:3).

Chapter outline:

1. Finger Rings in Pagan History.

• Origin of the Finger Ring.
• "Binding" Finger Rings.
• Betrothal Ring.
• The "Magic Power" of Finger Rings.
• Poison Finger Rings.
• Astrological Finger Rings.
• Implications of Ring’s Pagan Origin.
• A Lesson from Ancient Rome.

2. The Wedding Ring in Christian History

• Rings in the Bible
• Betrothal Rings in Early Christianity.
• Purpose of the Marital Ring.
• Rings in Wedding Ceremonies.
• Episcopal Rings.
• Leavening Influence.
• History Repeats Itself.
• The Wedding Ring in the Methodist Church.
• The Adoption of the Wedding Ring.
• Wesley’s Law.
• A Warning for the Adventist Church.
• Jewelry in the Mennonite Church.

3. The Wedding Ring in the History of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

• Pressure to Conform.
• Negative Influence Upon Others.
• Negative Influence Upon Self.
• Responsible Stewardship.
• The Wedding Ring Statement.
• Gradual Reform.
• Ellen White’s Respect for Local Custom.
• Adventist Views Since 1925.
• Approval of Marriage Band in North America.
• A "Leavening Process."
• Conclusion.
• A Final Warning.

...people today are no longer satisfied with a plain gold wedding band, but want more elaborate rings, with diamonds or other gems. The plain marriage band is fast becoming a relic of the past. This means that wedding rings are becoming a costly ornament, not in keeping with the Biblical principles of modesty and simplicity. In the light of these trends, wearing the wedding ring may soon become inappropriate for Christians even in countries where traditionally it has been a sign of virtue.

Many insist that jewelry in general and rings in particular are a minor thing that should not obscure more important matters. I agree. There is more to Christianity than jewelry and rings. This is why they receive limited coverage in the Bible. On the other hand, both the Bible and history reveal that the love and use of jewelry have consistently resulted in spiritual decline and apostasy. Since a wedding ring is such a minor thing, why not play it safe and remove it altogether, unless it is a social imperative? Why not wear instead "the golden link which binds [our] souls to Jesus Christ, a pure and holy character, the true love and meekness and godliness that are the fruit borne upon the Christian tree, and [our] influence will be secure anywhere".