Standards Books

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False Holiness Standards by Linda Hopper- This book deals with various issues related to outward holiness standards. Linda Hopper was a former UPC member and her husband was a licensed UPC minister and pastor. The Hoppers are now retired from ministry. The book covers topics such as pants on women, jewelry, make-up, and women's hair. From her former website: "This book is a thorough and exhaustive research project that was inspired from Linda's desire to know the complete truth about what the Bible really says regarding Christian adornment, especially in connection with women's dress."

Tell Me The Truth Holiness Standards by Thomas L. Clayton- "Ask yourself these questions: Why do we do this? Is it from God or man? What does the whole Bible say about it? How does God really feel about it? Holiness Standards, God or Man, Bible or Tradition. This book answers the questions we are all afraid to ask." The author is a Oneness Pentecostal pastor. NOTE: He quotes writings of at least two people, one being me, without giving credit or even mentioning he is quoting from the work of another. Most of page 98 is from Jason Young's writing and part of pages 91 and 94, along with all of 92 and 93 (except for how he gives the four particulars on the two Greek words) are mine. Because of this, as of March 1, 2016, Amazon pulled the distribution of the book.

Are We Splitting Hairs? A Comprehensive Study of First Corinthians 11:1-16 by Joel R. Chipman- Joel Chipman was an ordained minister with the United Pentecostal Church and used to be a pastor in Waterford, Michigan. The church left the UPC at some point, though when seems to differ between some who attend the church and what official UPC literature states. He and the church (Life Tabernacle) were still listed in the 2012 directory and for at least a couple years prior to then, I would hear how the church was not UPC. They were no longer listed on the UPC website as of at least June 27, 2013. The church dropped pushing the standards some time ago. This is about the UPC teaching that a woman is never to cut her hair, which is based upon a passage in 1 Corinthians 11. Chipman no longer believes the Bible teaches that a woman should never cut her hair. Chipman came out of the UPC church in Flint, pastored by Henson. It has been said that Henson contacted area ministers in the organization and told them to have nothing to do with Chipman or his church. (They would be seen as having left "the truth" even though they yet hold to the main UPC teachings.)

Should a Christian Woman Wear Pants? by Denise Snodgrass- "Deuteronomy 22:5 has long been used by various 'holiness' groups as a text against women of today wearing pants. 'Should a Christian Woman Wear Pants?' begins with a study of this verse of Scripture. It presents a study of ancient Biblical dress, the history of pants, and answers the question of who was first to wear pants, men or women? It also pinpoints the exact date in history and the circumstances surrounding the separation of clothing styles with men in pants and women in dresses. A lesson in American history is presented of how the country's first 'feminists' and dress reformers destroyed the association of male superiority with bifurcation, prevalent in the country's culture, and introduced feminine trousers. The book takes clothing out of the incorrect realm of 'holiness' and salvation and into the correct category of culture and history."

A Study on the Doctrine of Long Hair in the Bible The Greek Text & Historical Background of 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 by Denise Snodgrass- This is Denise's second book on standards as taught by the UPCI. "Attempting to interpret the scripture passage of 1 Cor. 11:3-16 within a modern day church setting is a mistake, but a study of the culture surrounding 1st century Corinth is imperative. Defining the key terms in the passage in the original Greek is also imperative to understanding the passage."

Neo Phariseeism An Inside Look At Hairsplitting Theologies by David Wasmundt- This book was written by a long time ordained minister in the UPC. He no longer holds credentials with them though he still believes their teachings on salvation. David Wasmundt discusses unnecessary yokes such as salvation by works and man made holiness standards. He includes a section on discussing specific standards placed on women. These are not in-depth studies and would not have changed my views at the time I was involved in this organization. That is not to say that the book isn't helpful. It was originally was released in 1992 while he still held license and, as you can imagine, it created a stir in the organization. Keep in mind that it was in late 1992 that the UPCI passed their affirmation statement, which went into effect in 1993. He ended up writing two letters due to the controversy his book created, which have been posted on this website since the 1990s. You may read them here and here While you can sometimes find used copies online, they are often ridiculous in price. New copies cost $12.95 (includes shipping). You may request copies by emailing jorja4you@aol.com

Pendulum Extremes Keeping Your Balance While Walking in the Narrow Way by David Wasmundt- This is a follow-up to Neo Phariseeism. Covered are pendulum extremes in the broadway and in the church, with a focus on keeping a proper balance. I felt he covered some unnecessary topics. While you can sometimes find used copies online, they are often ridiculous in price. New copies cost $13.95 & that includes shipping. You may request copies by emailing jorja4you@aol.com

A Love Like This The true story about the Life, Love, and Ministry of B. H. and Mary Hite - by Shirl Hite Sieli. B. H. Hite played a part in the merger between the PCI & PAJC and served on the board when the United Pentecostal Church first organized. Before the merger he was a member of the PCI. Shril's book includes some early history of the Oneness Pentecostal movement from 1913 through 1948. You will find that how it was in the early days is not how it is portrayed today. The author shared in a Facebook post that her father, "left it up to the individual to use their own common sense for how to dress, wear their hair, etc. I have pictures in my book proving that I and my siblings cut our hair, and wore jewelry. And I never owned a long sleeved dress or blouse my entire young life." It was after the passing of B.H. Hite in 1948 that changes in the UPC started taking place. The book is just over 100 pages and sells for $15, which includes postage to the USA. Shirl may be contacted at SSieli@aol.com.

False Holiness Exposed by Bob Hellmann- From a review on Amazon: "For anyone that has struggled with becoming holy for God, this is a must read. In this book you learn what real 'Holiness' is. Not only will you find freedom from religion, but freedom from self. Only God Himself can make us holy through His Holy Spirit. Not works, outer attire, religion or anything else can make us holy. Too many people are bound by religious beliefs, which are only man's interpretations of the Bible. Too many people are miserable and bound up by these beliefs. This book will truly set you free to enjoy the real relationship of holiness God intended us to have, that we can only receive from Him, and enjoy with Him."

The Tithe That Binds by Rory O. Moore- Rory was a licensed UPC minister. I felt the book was good in places, but also disagreed in areas. I think it would have been better if he had omitted some things in the book, such as his beliefs about churches, and simply stuck to the matter of tithing. It may be read free here. You will find articles and videos on tithing here.

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Updated December 30, 2023

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