Dress For Church

[CV75]

Neither scripture quotes you post bare any resemblance to the topic. Esp the Revelations one which refers to the matyrs in Heaven. Way oit of any context sorry.

Of course they are in context: they show that the Lord associates a certain calibre of clothing with His faithful worshippers. We can follow suit with these prophecies and parables within our own bounds and habitations. In His mercy and grace, He accepts the best we have to offer, as humble as it may be, both in our feelings and in our outward expression. I don't think this includes, "Hey, everybody, notice my blue hair!"

[Damien the Leper]

Why not? If he doesn't care about outward appearance, why wouldn't he be as likely to show up looking like this as anything else?I know a lot of people, including myself who prefer close cropped hair for comfort and ease.Is there something inherently less desirable about short hair and suits, even if one likes them?

Why would Jesus replace his comfortable and humble clothes with a stuffy suit resembling that of a corporate tycoon? He doesn't care. There is nowhere in scripture that Jesus promotes a certain way of dress.

[halconero]

Edit: Offending sensibilities. 

Edited January 22, 2014 by halconero

[bluebell]

Why would Jesus replace his comfortable and humble clothes with a stuffy suit resembling that of a corporate tycoon? He doesn't care. There is nowhere in scripture that Jesus promotes a certain way of dress.

 

Jesus wore what was acceptable for His time period.  He wore the appropriate garments for a Jewish man of that era.  Is there some reason to believe that He would behave differently had He lived in a different era?  Where does this idea come from that what Jesus cared most about was being comfortable?

 

Besides that, Cal's point was, if He truly doesn't care, then why wouldn't He wear 'normal' clothes for the time period and place (whatever those would be)?

[thesometimesaint]

So....this isn't an accurate representation?

 

 

Hair is too long, and it isn't a dark suit.

[bluebell]

As I have already posted. An elder did advise me to wear a tie the next time I went.

 

And that was dumb of him.  I see men all the time who aren't wearing ties at church (i've been a member of 12 different wards in 4 states in the last 13 years) and it's never an issue.  You obviously ran into one of 'those' kinds of people.  I'm sure you have experience with them because they exist in every organization on the planet.

 

My point is Jesus does not care about the outward attire when one comes to fellowship with him.

 

 

I know this is a really popular thing to say and believe, but I honestly have no idea where the idea comes from.  

 

Yes, we know that Christ cares more about our inside than our outside, but at the same time, we know that Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament, created laws requiring His followers to dress in very specific ways.  Obviously that was a part of the Law of Moses, but is there evidence that He completely changed His mind about the need for respectful or symbolic attire after the Law of Moses was fulfilled?  

 

Is there scriptural support in the NT for the belief that Christ does not care what a person wears when they worship God at all and will never care regardless of how a person grows spiritually and matures in their relationship with Him?

 

Its lucky that I have a well paying job and steady income. My friend who is on govt benefits due to injury can not afford the same luxury and he was advised at the ward he attended to wear something like the other men in the chrch. I felt really embarrassed for him.

 

Again, that's just dumb.  But that's not the LDS church, that is that dumb ward.  I have never been a ward like that.  Never.  You can get a nice dress shirt, tie, and dress pants for about 40 dollars at any Ross Dress for Less and that's typically what i see the men wearing.  The ones who wear suits tend to wear the JC Penney variety.

 

If I was to disregard what the elder said and the following week returned in shorts and a top. I would assume he would have another word with me. Thats when you know people are caring more about the outside than the inside.

 

 

Like i said, those kinds of people are in every church that exists.  Thank goodness church is for the sinners and not the sinless or we'd really be in trouble, wouldn't we.

 

I'll try not to judge your religion by the idiots that i meet who claim it, if you'll do the same with mine.  

Edited January 22, 2014 by bluebell

[EllenMaksoud]

Barn ? I'm not Amish

Wear what you want as far as I am concerned, though better not come in with your pants on the ground and our underwear showing.

[EllenMaksoud]

name="bluebell" post="1209336551" timestamp="1390321554"]You say this like these are the only two options: nice dress/insincere heart or slovenly dress/sincere heart.

Have you considered that it's very possible to wear your best clothes when worshipping and reverencing God AND be sincere in that worship?

And if that's possible, the next question that really matters (in regards to this thread) is "what's wrong with believing that one should dress respectfully when worshipping God sincerely?"

That's what LDS believe is important about how we dress at church so if you really want to discuss how LDS are wrong in their beliefs about this, answering that question is where you need to start.

Also, have you seen anyone on this thread arguing that how you dress matters MORE than how sincere you are? Has any LDS person ever tried to argue that in real life??

As I have already posted. An elder did advise me to wear a tie the next time I went. My point is Jesus does not care about the outward attire when one comes to fellowship with him.

Its lucky that I have a well paying job and steady income. My friend who is on govt benefits due to injury can not afford the same luxury and he was advised at the ward he attended to wear something like the other men in the chrch. I felt really embarrassed for him.

Especially as it took him great courage for him to go in the first place. To have him shattered and upset and to get the mind think that if he wants t be worthy of God he needs to beca cookie cut out of the other guys there.

And I

If I was to disregard what the elder said and the following week returned in shorts and a top. I would assume he would have another word with me. Thats when you know people are caring more about the outside than the inside.

I am a conservative person, I wrote in my first post what I wore and it was casual modest attire.

[Tacenda]

That tears it ! This day, I am going to go to the thrift store and find a man's suit coat in black. It will go fine with one of my black skirts. Then I will find a man's shirt that can use a tie, and a nice man's tie.  What will happen Sunday? Will it be Sisters or Elders who demand I "get that tie off"? 

Anything seems to go these days.  I think it'll be awesome.  There was a time in the early 80's maybe late 70's that girls wore ties, I owned a few.  Of course it was made for women.  Beware some might think you're one of those women who want to have "wear pants days".   

[EllenMaksoud]

Anything seems to go these days.  I think it'll be awesome.  There was a time in the early 80's maybe late 70's that girls wore ties, I owned a few.  Of course it was made for women.  Beware some might think you're one of those women who want to have "wear pants days".   

LOL, there is little danger that I will wear pants, like EVER ! In the 80's women's pants were high waist but since they are not available any longer, I am anatomically unsuitable to pants.

[EllenMaksoud]

I just have to say that this conversation reminds me of the clothing discussions in Islamic culture. Haram is forbidden, and halal is acceptalble. Muslims are pretty legalistic and there always seems to be one or two running around correcting everyone, especially with women. We called them Haram Police !

 

When I first started with the church in Portland, after having been in Kirtland, I first appeared at church in Salwar Kameez and Hijab. I liked to hear about Jesus Christ, but was still Muslim and wanted to find a way to change Islam to accept Jesus Christ. One day, as I walked into Sacrament service, a "haram police" woman stopped me and said that my pants were not acceptable in church. In fact, they were silk pants under an ankle length skirt. If I had just tugged my skirt down a little she would never have seen them. LOL I now know that she was simply winding me up to get a laugh.

[Damien the Leper]

So....this isn't an accurate representation?

 

 

That is sacrilege and blasphemy. Jesus should never be subjected to such filthy torture.

[Damien the Leper]

Jesus wore what was acceptable for His time period.  He wore the appropriate garments for a Jewish man of that era.  Is there some reason to believe that He would behave differently had He lived in a different era?  Where does this idea come from that what Jesus cared most about was being comfortable?

 

Besides that, Cal's point was, if He truly doesn't care, then why wouldn't He wear 'normal' clothes for the time period and place (whatever those would be)?

 

Still missing the point. Was explicit instruction given on what was appropriate attire to wear to church by Christ? If not, then this is a non-issue. There is no such evidence to imply such.

[Garden Girl]

And that was dumb of him.  I see men all the time who aren't wearing ties at church (i've been a member of 12 different wards in 4 states in the last 13 years) and it's never an issue.  You obviously ran into one of 'those' kinds of people.  I'm sure you have experience with them because they exist in every organization on the planet.

 

I'll try not to judge your religion by the idiots that i meet who claim it, if you'll do the same with mine.  

 

There's always one or two in every ward that tend to go beyond the mark and behave in such silliness... That said, I do believe that we should dress appropriately and respectfully in our chapels without insulting others... in my ward we have men who wear a nice sweater and shirt and slacks... men who wear suits, white shirts and ties... men who wear colored shirts and slacks... men who wear crazy ties.  Once in a while we see a man with sport shirt and denims.  Admittedly I feel that slacks are preferable to denims but would never mention it to anyone wearing  denims. 

Someone did mention how people used to wear their "Sunday go to meeting clothes" as a matter of respect and setting apart the Sabbath and attending church from the other days and events of the week.  IMO it's still an expression of respect.. 

 

GG

[EllenMaksoud]

I attend a church which is very casual in regards to attire that you wear at church. Even during summer months I have been known to wear knee length shorts and a t shirt. And everyone is pretty much casual. That being said it doesn't take away from our walk with God.

And quite truthfully God cares more about how you are on the inside as opposed to the outside.

Clothes doesnt make faith or piety if the heart is wicked.

In the past I attended another church where it was deemed more respectful to dress up for church. I noticed when I attended a few services at the ward near me that members of the LDS also dress up.

As a guy I find the whole shirt and tie thing very resticting. Any other guys feel this way?

When I attended the LDS service I dressed quit nice, pressed pants, checkered shirt and light cardigan but ecen than I had people look don their nose at my attire.

Any reason why dressing up is so needed, especially whn Jesus never commanded us too.

Any answerw are helpful. I have been invited to another ward, but I am hesitant as I dont want to dress up to impress. I rather just go and be in the presence of God.

Thanks

Glenn

Oh, my goodness, I did not realize you are from OZ!  Are they really that stringent down there? I always thought that Aussies were pretty laid back.

[PtolemyGlenn]

That tears it ! This day, I am going to go to the thrift store and find a man's suit coat in black. It will go fine with one of my black skirts. Then I will find a man's shirt that can use a tie, and a nice man's tie. What will happen Sunday? Will it be Sisters or Elders who demand I "get that tie off"?

Lol. Love to see you do that.

[bluebell]

Still missing the point. Was explicit instruction given on what was appropriate attire to wear to church by Christ? If not, then this is a non-issue. There is no such evidence to imply such.

 

Obviously members of the LDS church generally believe that the instructions to dress respectfully in nice clothes comes from the Savior.

 

And we do have evidence to imply that Christ wore to 'church' exactly what His religion dictated He should wear. 

[ERayR]

Still missing the point. Was explicit instruction given on what was appropriate attire to wear to church by Christ? If not, then this is a non-issue. There is no such evidence to imply such.

 

If we had every word that Jesus uttered we could answer that question but we don't.  There is no evidence to imply he didn't give such instructions either.

[PtolemyGlenn]

But if Jesus thought it was important enough it would clearly be mentioned to wear your best abd finest clothes.

To say its not mentioned so he could have said it is a little bit of a cop out.

One could suggest he didnt mention doing the Unicotn dance so because its not mentioned we should be doing it before communion.lol

[sheilauk]

Wear whatever you are comfortable wearing, but if you don't conform be prepared for looks and/or comments - this is the case in every walk of life.  I wear "Sunday clothes" to Church, but not because of any comments from the General Authorities or anyone else.  I wear what I feel comfortable wearing.  I'm a lawyer - if I went to Court in shorts and a t-shirt, I wouldn't even get an audience in front of the Judge.  My view is that when I'm at Church, I'm particularly in the presence of my Judge, Lord and Saviour and I want to look my best (and would wear the same whether at an LDS chapel or any other place where I was worshipping).  I wear what I would wear if He were visible in front of me.  Just because I don't see Him doesn't mean He's not there.  I let others decide for themselves what they feel comfortable wearing.  Some people prefer to conform, some don't.  Some people like to comment on others, some don't. You don't have to listen to them. However, I admit to liking see the brethern in suits but that's a very personal preference - I like the look of suits!  And I may have been "trained" by my profession!

 

The General Authorities have given guidance on styling.  Its not compulsory to follow it, I don't think you'll be excommunicated, though you may not be allowed into Temples in certain types of dress.  However, some folks like being guided.  Same for everything - there are those who like guidance, would you have them left adrift?  Better to issue the guidance and have individuals decide for themselves than not, in my opinion.  And again - "clothes maketh the man".  What you wear can influence and reflect behaviour and attitude - I see that in the Courts all the time!  As for criticism for not conforming - ride it out.  Speak to those who smile at you and don't make negative comments and ignore the others.  Criticism eventually ceases when those folks realise that you're not listening.  At least, in my experience, they do. 

[PtolemyGlenn]

Yeah its funny about the courts. Dressca woman in modest clothing and a conservative hairstyle and it seems to make people forget she drowned 3 kids in her bathtub.

Im not sure why a suit or nice modest dress implies they are innocent. All just a good charade.

But I usually wear what is comfortable for me.

. And it wasnt as if I walked in wearing ripped pants a singlet with meat pie stains and thongs. Lol Just for some reason this one guy was fixiated on me not wearng a tie and it was only my first visit.

Edited January 24, 2014 by PtolemyGlenn

[bluebell]

But if Jesus thought it was important enough it would clearly be mentioned to wear your best abd finest clothes.

To say its not mentioned so he could have said it is a little bit of a cop out.

One could suggest he didnt mention doing the Unicotn dance so because its not mentioned we should be doing it before communion.lol

 

I don't believe anyone has suggested that we need to show up in our finest clothing.  You don't see many tuxedos at church.  

[PtolemyGlenn]

Tuxedo finest.lol only if you're a penguin

[Damien the Leper]

Obviously members of the LDS church generally believe that the instructions to dress respectfully in nice clothes comes from the Savior.

 

And we do have evidence to imply that Christ wore to 'church' exactly what His religion dictated He should wear. 

 

The difference is that Jesus' dress code was equally sociological as it was religious. This is not the case with the LDS.

[Damien the Leper]

If we had every word that Jesus uttered we could answer that question but we don't.  There is no evidence to imply he didn't give such instructions either.

 

Then there is no reason to speculate, encourage or enforce as to what is proper or most reverent. My love and devotion to Christ is not in how I dress. That is material and vain. My love and devotion to Christ come from my faithful observance to the Holy Scriptures, the Magisterium and the Orthodox traditions laid out by Jesus, himself, the original apostles and the apostolic succession set forth to today that remains unbroken.