Cosmetic Surgery (Teachings of the Orthodox Church) Christianity. Orthodoxy. Catholicism. Sense of life. Articles for Christians.
“I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.                “You shall have no other gods before me.                “You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me, and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.                “You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.                “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. You shall labor six days, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.                “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.                “You shall not murder.                “You shall not commit adultery.                “You shall not steal.                “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.                “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
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Cosmetic Surgery (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)
   

QUESTION:

What the Church have to say about cosmetic surgery? I'm thinking of reconstructing my nose, but do not wish to violate my faith,

Please tell me whether it is OK or not to perform such surgery on a man.

ANSWER:

Dear friend: Thank you for your enquiry.

While there is no "official" statement by the Church on cosmetic surgery, there are several considerations one should prayerfully consider before undergoing this procedure:

The reason for the surgery: Reconstruction of one's nose in an effort to attain clearer breathing is different than the same procedure out of pure consideration for one's appearance. Cosmetic surgery performed out of undue concern for appearance could proceed from or lead to the sin of pride and vanity.

The procedure itself: A major TV network reported just last week that cosmetic surgery can often be a risky proposition. In fact, the report stated that out of every 5000 cosmetic surgeries performed, there is one death; this is six times higher than for all other surgeries. Especially targeted in the report were liposuction procedures. It was also noted that many cosmetic surgeons are poorly trained or perform their services in an office, rather than in a hospital, and that there are no resources at hand should a serious emergency arise. While the report said nothing specific about reconstructing noses, it did offer a general warning to the public. Here one needs to prayerfully consider the risks involved as well.

It is only my opinion, but it would seem that unless there is some serious and valid reason -- and I am not sure that wishing to change one's appearance simply for its own sake is a valid reason or that such a reason is not prompted by pride or an undue concern for how we look rather than who we are -- one should tamper with that with which one has been blessed by God. It is one thing, for example, to have reconstruction in order to make it possible to breathe better; it is another thing to undergo such procedures simply for the sake of "cosmetics" or to gain more "self esteem," something with which our culture is obsessed and yet which the Church would view as taking our focus off of God and placing undue attention on the self.

Again, while there are no official statements on such things, the principles involved need to be considered before one can make a prayerful determination as to whether or not to undergo such surgical processes.

You may also wish to discuss your particular situation with your pastor and spiritual father as well.






Published in January 2011.









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