Nora Posted July 1, 2007 Posted July 1, 2007 Redwood, Why encourage a modest dress style? A standard of spirituality? No. For the "comfort" of those looking? No. To show off our clothes? No. (I don't think that is why heads of state have certain dress codes. It is a matter of respect. You don't go before any great leader with a mouth full of gum, or dirty, torn clothes, either; it is not polite or respectful. If an earthly potentate demands that respect, can't we offer it to the King of the universe, as well?) We live in a different culture than the one we grew up in, and for some of us, it is hard to acclimate to it. "Respect" has all but disappeared from our language and culture, whether in government, work, or church. However, cultural reasons should not be the criteria for lowering a standard, either. I think the article stated it succinctly. Like it or not, immodesty on the part of either sex attracts improper looks, thoughts, (don't need to dilineate them here) and judgment (that person isn't a very good Christian or he/she wouldn't.....)and, I might add, is certainly a distraction to the strongest worshipper. (As does sloppiness, just in case one might think I have a thing about immodesty!) I realize, I have mixed two different reasons for encouraging modesty. Can it be demanded? of course not, and should not be. Standards are just that, and open to interpretation. In any culture, in any religion, my desire would be that when we enter our God's house, we enter it with the realization we are meeting the Creator of the Universe. Unfortunately, we have too often mistaken His home with a social club, with all the "amenities"! So to go back to my original premise, I believe the (Catholic) church does have a right to suggest to its members they dress appropriately for the situation. Wish a few more churches took it seriously. Not meaning we close the doors on those who come inside dressed less than decently. There will always be visitors, defiant children; welcome them, love them, but let's not climb down the ladder to make them "feel" good. They will feel just great if we don't judge them by what they wear, but instead offer them God's unfathomable love. If God so clothed the lilies of the field, we can trust that He will take care of clothing His human sheep in His time. Hope I haven't muddied the issue. Point is, don't judge a sheep in any clothing, but allow a church to raise the standard high - higher than the highest human thought can reach... Nora (BTW, I like "love won another"...wish I'd thought of it!) Quote
Moderators Gerr Posted July 1, 2007 Moderators Posted July 1, 2007 Thanks Nora . Some thoughtful information. I struggle with the issue of "standards". Would you go to a mechanic who has not passed ANY standards? A doctor, a dentist, who has not shown to have met any standards? Allow any or anyone to become citizens who have not met any standards? Gerry Quote
Woody Posted July 1, 2007 Posted July 1, 2007 Jesus is MY standard. What is needed ... HE does in MY life. However ... we are each at a different stage. And what is needed in MY life .... may not be what the Holy Spirit has in mind at this point for YOU. This is also a cultural. What is modest in one culture is IMmodest in another. So ... it is not really a Church Standard as much as a Cultural Standard. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Amelia Posted July 1, 2007 Author Posted July 1, 2007 How about a moral standard? Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p>
Moderators Gerr Posted July 1, 2007 Moderators Posted July 1, 2007 Jesus is MY standard. What is needed ... HE does in MY life. However ... we are each at a different stage. And what is needed in MY life .... may not be what the Holy Spirit has in mind at this point for YOU. This is also a cultural. What is modest in one culture is IMmodest in another. So ... it is not really a Church Standard as much as a Cultural Standard. It is true that dress standard is to some degree cultural. Did/does Jesus have a dress standard for His people? What did Paul mean when he said, "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety..." 1 Tim 2:9 NIV Has the church become so changed by the world that anything goes & it's ok? Gerry Quote
Woody Posted July 1, 2007 Posted July 1, 2007 Quote: Has the church become so changed by the world that anything goes & it's ok? The church has become tolerant of anyone where ever they are at in the spiritual journey of growth. We demonstrate God's love and tolerance and forgiveness. We also allow for GOD in HIS wisdom to better decide and direct HIS people. And this is done through the individual and the Holy Spirit. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.