Can adventist women wear pants?

[Rasor11]

Does the Bible prohibit the wearing of pants by women? Does the spirit of prophecy prohibit the wearing of pants by women?

[Gerr]

Why not? Many men wear skirts in many parts of the world.

And pants for women are already well-established in our culture.

Now if you are a man and you start wearing bras and panties, there would probably be a problem.

[Tom Wetmore]

The Bible is silent on the subject of women wearing pants... and men wearing pants. Pants apparently were not worn by either men or women in Jewish culture.

Understanding "the spirit of prophecy" to be the testimony of Jesus, (See Rev. 19:10) the answer for your second question would be the same. No recorded testimony of Jesus nor any eyewitness testimony about Him mentions pants for women or men, most likely for the same reason as above.

[Rasor11]

The reason I ask is that the church that I attend recently had a seminar in which it was made pretty clear that women should not wear pants. They went on to further state that the wearing of pants was the cause of diseases in women including cancer. I was stuned when I heard this. The person leading the seminar quoted something from Ellen G White to support what they were saying. I am wondering if they misunderstood her writings or if Mrs. White did make statements to this effect but later changed her view.

[Tom Wetmore]

As for EGW, I have reviewed every reference she makes to pants. Mostly she encourages women and girls to wear warm lined pants under their skirts in cold weather. She speaks favorably of the positive health benefits for such use of pants by women.

It would appear she was favorably inclined toward the pants as a part of the so called "reform dress" until variations and contentions about it stirred up ridicule and opposition. By 1897 she had abandoned that idea and urged others do likewise. However it does not appear that she necessarily changed her mind about its merits, including the use of pants for the women.

[Gail]

What about men wearing pants? Is it unhealthy for them, too?

[Gail]

I am reading a book and it has a photo of EGW wearing her "reform dress". The book said that she had to back up a bit with the reform as people were staring at the outfit and it was feared that it would attract more attention than was needed, attention that would detract from the message she was delivering.

I thought that was an interesting tidbit.

[phkrause]

The reason I ask is that the church that I attend recently had a seminar in which it was made pretty clear that women should not wear pants. They went on to further state that the wearing of pants was the cause of diseases in women including cancer. I was stuned when I heard this. The person leading the seminar quoted something from Ellen G White to support what they were saying. I am wondering if they misunderstood her writings or if Mrs. White did make statements to this effect but later changed her view.

More than likely taken out of context. As many things she commented on. Find out the passage and let us know. Read it for yourself also. No matter who says what, we should always check it out.

[Gail]

Stockings can't be any better...

What is the principle connected with the statement?

[Taylor]

Modesty, practicality, and what the activity or event says is proper is the issue, not the item of clothing. If a woman can't be modest in a dress (for instance while riding a horse, or rock climbing, or bending over in the garden; or if it is impractical (i.e. the skirt getting wet and frozen as it is dragged through the snow) then she should wear pants. If the occasion demands a certain style of dress in order to be proper (for instance a woman might want to wear a woman's suit in order to meet the president of the USA or something) then the clothing needs to be "business like" whether that is pants or a skirt.

Women should look feminine and men should look masculine no matter what they have on.

Just my 2 cents.

And talking about unhealthy...women might have had super modest dresses in EGW's day but they had so many layers as to be hot and way too tight with their corsets etc.

[Gordon1]

I am reading a book and it has a photo of EGW wearing her "reform dress". The book said that she had to back up a bit with the reform as people were staring at the outfit and it was feared that it would attract more attention than was needed, attention that would detract from the message she was delivering.

I thought that was an interesting tidbit.

Hi Gail,

Could you provide the book title and reference. Were these EGW's words or the author's opinion?

[Gail]

The book is "Ellen White's World" by George Knight. The pages are 37-38, and on page 39 there is a picture of EGW wearing her reform dress.

[Gail]

I should have added that those were Knight's words but if you contact him I'm sure he will provide you with a reference.

[phkrause]

I should have added that those were Knight's words but if you contact him I'm sure he will provide you with a reference.

Its to bad that he doesn't. He should have footnotes. If not I wonder where he's getting this info from.

[Gordon1]

Does the Bible prohibit the wearing of pants by women? Does the spirit of prophecy prohibit the wearing of pants by women?

Hi Rasor,

As Gail mentioned, the underlying principle counts.

The purpose of God's children is to glorify their Creator, & this can only be done in willing obedience.

Deuteronomy 22:5 states "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God."

God desires that we maintain proper order in all behaviour, especially social relations, as these habits fit (or unfit) us for heaven. (Character is represented by the wedding garment; subjection to the Bridegroom is our sanctification).

As Gerry stated, pants on women is (now) a cultural norm in the West, but still seen as immodest in other regions.

Traditional Muslim apparel probably better reflects the Biblical ideal for both men and women. It's no wonder some Muslims rail against our licentiousness. Though their religious tradition covers much error and oppression, I admire the chaste deportment of the muslims I meet (and Orthodox Jews as well).

EGW's emphasis centers on order, modesty and health.

"I saw that God's order has been reversed, and His special directions disregarded, by those who adopt the American costume. I was referred to Deuteronomy 22:5... [the American costume - the pantsuit]...There is an increasing tendency to have women in their dress and appearance as near like the other sex as possible, and to fashion their dress very much like that of men, but God pronounces it abomination..."

"Those who feel called out to join the movement in favor of woman's rights and the so-called dress reform might as well sever all connection with the third angel's message. The spirit which attends the one cannot be in harmony with the other. The Scriptures are plain upon the relations and rights of men and women." 1 Testimonies 457.

[Gordon1]

I should have added that those were Knight's words but if you contact him I'm sure he will provide you with a reference.

Thanks Gail. George Knight is a great detractor of Ellen White and her testimony. Never before have I heard such ridicule and scorn heaped upon EGW and her family, to the howling delight of the SDA crowd.

If EGW was given heavenly guidance in apparel design, it's unlikely she would bow to peer pressure or popular opinion.

Thanks for the reference.

[Gordon1]

Rasor, if you're seeking answers, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (with Hebrew & Greek Dictionaries) is an excellent Bible Study reference. Or try the Blue Letter Bible online if books are not your thing.

In Strong's one can search for any Biblical word in alphabetical order.

All the Bible passages which contain that word will be listed.

[Gerr]

The reason I ask is that the church that I attend recently had a seminar in which it was made pretty clear that women should not wear pants. They went on to further state that the wearing of pants was the cause of diseases in women including cancer. I was stuned when I heard this. The person leading the seminar quoted something from Ellen G White to support what they were saying. I am wondering if they misunderstood her writings or if Mrs. White did make statements to this effect but later changed her view.

I would like to see that quote. I know the tight corset women wore in her time caused health problems.

[Gerr]

What about men wearing pants? Is it unhealthy for them, too?

Excellent point!!!

I pity the women wearing dress in winter in the cold regions.

[Gail]

Originally Posted By: Rasor11

The reason I ask is that the church that I attend recently had a seminar in which it was made pretty clear that women should not wear pants. They went on to further state that the wearing of pants was the cause of diseases in women including cancer. I was stuned when I heard this. The person leading the seminar quoted something from Ellen G White to support what they were saying. I am wondering if they misunderstood her writings or if Mrs. White did make statements to this effect but later changed her view.

I would like to see that quote. I know the tight corset women wore in her time caused health problems.

That and the horrendous weight of the garments.

[phkrause]

I would like to see that quote. I know the tight corset women wore in her time caused health problems.

Yes I do believe she talks about that. I believe she talks about tight clothes being harmful for all.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

The reason I ask is that the church that I attend recently had a seminar in which it was made pretty clear that women should not wear pants. They went on to further state that the wearing of pants was the cause of diseases in women including cancer. I was stuned when I heard this. The person leading the seminar quoted something from Ellen G White to support what they were saying. I am wondering if they misunderstood her writings or if Mrs. White did make statements to this effect but later changed her view.

Where was this seminar? When did it take place? Who led the seminar? Why did you attend this seminar? What church do you attend? Do you attend on a regular basis? Who is your "pastor"? Do you consider yourself to be an SDA? Do you believe in being honest on a forum?

Just wondering...

[skyblue888]

Rudy, may be you are wondering too much! Sounds like the inquisition to me. hmmmmm

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Rudy, may be you are wondering too much! Sounds like the inquisition to me. hmmmmm

[Guest]

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