The best and most susinct answer is this
Adventists that live in cultures which require that wedding rings are worn are not going against the teachings of the Bible. Those that do wear wedding rings do not do so out of vanity, which complies with any Biblical restrictions. These individuals are just as devoted to the Lord as those who choose to not wear wedding rings.
Adventists may or may not wear wedding rings.. ( I know… Amazing answer).
Most Adventists believe that wedding rings are perfectly fine, seeing them as an item symbolizing virtue (Wilson). Other Adventists choose to refrain from wearing wedding rings, viewing them as ornamental and therefore unnecessary when aiming for an image of modesty.
Why DON’T Adventists wear wedding rings?
One of the twenty-eight fundamental beliefs regarding modesty mentions that ornamental accessories are unnecessary in showing one’s faith (Wilson). If you classify a ring as an ornamental accessory then you would not wear a ring.
Adventists dress more plainly due to their adherence to the teachings of the Bible, in which modesty is advocated. Although Adventists recognize cultures in which wearing a wedding ring is required, their preferences are towards being without jewelry. Vanity is often associated with jewelry such as rings, earrings, bracelets, etc.
This is probably the main reason some Adventists avoid wearing wedding rings, even though they may not look like “traditional” jewelry. Vanity is not a desired virtue by any means. It is something that Adventists work to avoid like the plague. Their aversion towards wedding rings is likely the result of the desire to maintain their faith and devotion to the Lord by following the books of Leviticus in verbatim. Ellen G. White, one of the Adventist profits, has also stated that wearing wedding rings when not culturally required deserves discipline from the Church (Coon).
Why DO Adventists wear wedding rings?
Although it is often discouraged, if Adventists live in a culture that its normal to wear wedding rings then they usually do.
Fun fact, The Seventh Day Adventist North American Division Annual Council now allows Adventists to wear wedding rings (WorldView). Although every other type of jewelry is forbidden, wedding rings are allowed because they were determined to advocate happiness in marriage rather than personal vanity.
At first, wedding rings were only allowed for Adventists who lived somewhere where wedding rings were required to be worn, with no exception. As these individuals migrated to North America, it was recognized that they should not have to change the requirements regarding wedding rings if the culture that they were used to wore them.
The ability for North American Adventists to continue to wear wedding rings was also useful for native North American Adventists since the cultural need to wear wedding rings has become increasingly apparent (WorldView). Although these Adventists wear wedding rings, they refrain from wearing most other kinds of jewelry.
Why do Adventists believe this way?
Adventists believe this way due to their adherence to their faith and their fundamental beliefs. They choose to refrain from certain aspects of a “typical” lifestyle in favor of a holistic lifestyle. They also have strict restrictions on food. Read about what meats Adventists eat here
In this lifestyle, accessories signifying vanity are not normally condoned.
Wedding rings, while they may be viewed as relatively harmless in terms of vanity, are still considered to be jewelry. As a result, confusion regarding whether or not wedding rings can be worn has become prevalent among Adventists.
As long as a person does not wear jewelry other than a wedding ring, Adventists that live in cultures which require that wedding rings are worn are not going against the teachings of the Bible. Those that do wear wedding rings do not do so out of vanity, which complies with any Biblical restrictions. These individuals are just as devoted to the Lord as those who choose to not wear wedding rings.
What does the Bible say about wedding rings?
In the Bible, Peter mentions that a person’s beauty is evident in their virtues rather than their outward appearance.
In 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, modesty in one’s outward appearance is elaborated on. This statement explains the value of modesty and decency in prayer (Severance).
Although the Bible does not specifically mention wedding rings themselves, it does elaborate on jewelry quite frequently. Considering that wedding rings are technically a form of jewelry, the statements regarding jewelry can also be applied to them.
Since Adventists strictly adhere to the teachings of the Bible, their caution regarding whether or not wedding rings can be worn stems from the passages condemning the wearing of jewelry and other accessories that may express a sense of vanity. Ornament accessories were deemed unnecessary in the Bible, so the question arises as to whether or not wedding rings count as ornamental.
What do other religions believe about wedding rings?
While Adventists appear to have divided opinions over whether or not wedding rings are acceptable to wear, other religions have ornamental restrictions as well.
Catholics and Muslims are without restrictions regarding whether or not they can wear wedding rings (VDBVR). Mormons, while being very modest in dress as well, do not have any restrictions on wearing wedding rings (Sterbenz).
Unlike Adventists, members of these religions are able to wear wedding rings without restrictions. However, they are equal with Adventists regarding disdain towards unnecessary ornamental accessories.
Closest to the policies of Adventists, the Amish are quite modest with the way in which they dress. The Amish are also against wearing wedding rings, also believing that by wearing ornamental jewelry such as wedding rings, a person is being immodest and vain. Most Quakers and some Mennonites refrain from wearing any sort of jewelry, including wedding rings.
Every religion is different, every religion has its own interpretations. The only difference is Adventists take this to their core and some are super offended if you change your mind on a topic.
