Are u really a Christian if you dress sexy?

[Shimmie]

I agree with you LoveisYou.

The Bible speaks of being modest and it seems as though professed Christian are trying to keep up with the dictates of the world, instead of pleasing the Lord.

Of course, when a person first comes to the Lord, it is come as you are -- not stay as you are.

What's the point of asking you to come, if He doesn't change you?

After coming in contact with Jesus, The Holy Spirit will direct you in the way of G_d's Word.

And as some ladies wrote earlier, I am voluptuous too, I have to make sure that my neckline and hemline are in accordance with His dictates.

Some women are showcasing things that only their mates should see.

When I dress for Church I wear a 'minimizer' type bra. The reason is because I'm full breasted and I don't want my breasts to be bouncing and jiggling when we're praising God.

I know this may seem 'over the top' (no pun intended) to some, but it's too obvious and I don't want to bring attention to myself in this manner...

 

[Guitarhero]

How come they'd respect the dress code in a Buddist Church, a Jewish Temple, Native American Ceremony and ummmm,
...

But let a Christian Church or a Christian female admonish them and in a loving and gentle manner ... then they scream to the heavens, they're jealous or that they're being judgmental.

What's with that?

Folks just take Jesus for granted... they truly do. They can take 'rebuke' and comply with any other religion and yet cry 'murder' when it comes from a Christian.

Jesus is indeed loving, but He is also Righteous.

What are they missing that?

Cuz christians are nice! And honestly, we're not as legalistic as other religions. Eyebrows will raise with that one, but there are fewer "death rules." Besides, everybody else will put a full nelson on you and drag you out We don't dress as formally as earlier times but common sense says not to let folks see your plumbers' crack and belly button fuzz at church (or anywhere else, for that matter). And I don't like to see boobie crack at work either. Why not buy a bigger shirt. For men? Please adjust peens in the bathroom. You know how some men have that habit. My sixth grade teacher, Mr. Franklin, had that problem. Every 5 min., adjusting before the whole class. What is people's problems! I'm pretty open-minded but this is one of my peeves.

Editing cuz I have more: What's with some of these men with too-tight pants on? Or they are ahem, blessed, and wear those stupid puffy pleated pants that aren't exactly pleated on them??? and the booty is about to bust a seam? Go a size bigger, go plain with no pleats and simple side pocket and invest in some good underwear and gentlemanly techniques to minimize. For goodness sake! Feel like Ms. Daisy here.

 

[Shimmie]

I guess when I visited the Buddhist temple near me they told us do not wear anything revealing or short. They told us that the women were not to touch the monk. I didn't hear any complaints, everyone wanted to be respectful.

I should say the monk was pretty young (and very cute) so he might not as been as strong as older monks. I think that we should afford other christians or anyone really the same courtesy as we did him.

This is my entire point.

No one complains about the other religions when they make these very same requests and even more stringent.

Trust me, a scantilly clad woman would not have made into the door, let alone inside of the Temple of their worship. Yet, if a Christian exercised these same rules, they're labeled the scum of the earth.

Here's another random thought:

Many restaurants ... even 7 eleven stores have a modest dress code for their customers.

Who's complaining about that? Who's accusing them of being judgmental?

I'm laughing because folks know this is the Truth.

We treat the local Pizza Hut with better respect.

 

[LifeafterLHCF]

Clothes dont make a anyone a christian..it just makes you a church goer.I mean honestly..ppl dress in these dumb getups for church.I dont mean to be ugly but it just gets on my nerves that we are so worried about others attire.Do you and they will do them.Hopefully you are praying for them and they will be able to build with God more therefore they will have a awaking to be more modest bc they love God not just to be a good church goer.

I use to have my boobs out didn't care at all.Until I felt compelled by conviction not condemntion I changed. Some have self esteem issues and other reason they dress this way.There are many a sinner and stripper who love Jesus but still in the life.

 

[simplyme1985]

I will say that as I am convicted in my faith I am conscious of how I portray my God. Remember Paul said when he was a child he spoke as a child when he became a man he left childish things behind. As a Christian grows in their walk they cannot continue to be as they were, whether in thought action speech or dress. I have drastically changed my mode of dress.

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[Guitarhero]

This is my entire point.

No one complains about the other religions when they make these very same requests and even more stringent.

Trust me, a scantilly clad woman would not have made into the door, let alone inside of the Temple of their worship. Yet, if a Christian exercised these same rules, they're labeled the scum of the earth.

Here's another random thought:

Many restaurants ... even 7 eleven stores have a modest dress code for their customers.

Who's complaining about that? Who's accusing them of being judgmental?

I'm laughing because folks know this is the Truth.

We treat the local Pizza Hut with better respect.

I agree on this one. We have women who try and go to sweat lodge. Ok, you wear a tank and bra, men are shirtless or tank, shorts on ...cuz it's sauna heat. It's a ceremony and non-Indians are also invited sometimes. So what happens? It's usually klear women for some reason (fantasy about the big buck Native males they are trying for) and they go on the men's side...that's a no-no. Women one side, men another. The Creek Nation Baptist traditional church is the same way. But anyhoo, they wanna look all 1/2 nekkid with no bras and sit right next to the men. It's for spiritual purposes. Pow wows are the same...coming in there with Amazon-bought faux-galia on looking like Pokahantas does America, all skanky, and cross the ARENA to go speak to the drummers. We're still talking about that one...came in there with nude non-clothing on and you could see her underwear pattern from the top of the bleachers! Why do people misappropriate other people's cultures? That's what it is, misappropriate of the Church's culture towards modesty. I guess y'all can tell I'm heated...

 

[Shimmie]

I agree on this one. We have women who try and go to sweat lodge. Ok, you wear a tank and bra, men are shirtless or tank, shorts on ...cuz it's sauna heat. It's a ceremony and non-Indians are also invited sometimes. So what happens? It's usually klear women for some reason (fantasy about the big buck Native males they are trying for) and they go on the men's side...that's a no-no. Women one side, men another. The Creek Nation Baptist traditional church is the same way. But anyhoo, they wanna look all 1/2 nekkid with no bras and sit right next to the men. It's for spiritual purposes. Pow wows are the same...coming in there with Amazon-bought faux-galia on looking like Pokahantas does America, all skanky, and cross the ARENA to go speak to the drummers.

We're still talking about that one...came in there with nude non-clothing on and you could see her underwear pattern from the top of the bleachers! Why do people misappropriate other people's cultures?

That's what it is, misappropriate of the Church's culture towards modesty.

I guess y'all can tell I'm heated...

All that sauna talk, will do that.



Gee whizzers.... a sauna for spritual purposes?

I'm not being condescending... but you know what I'm gonna say.

What does this mean, spritually? I mean what spiritual connection is being sought and attained?

It seems like a hook up ritual.

And please... Please... I'm not being disprectful to you. I know you are sharing and I'm right here with you, heart to heart. No personal judgments.

But you are not gonna catch me in a sauna... My hair will shrink up 7 inches shorter.

But what does this sauna ritual connect to?

 

[Guitarhero]

All that sauna talk, will do that.



Gee whizzers.... a sauna for spritual purposes?

I'm not being condescending... but you know what I'm gonna say.

What does this mean, spritually? I mean what spiritual connection is being sought and attained?

It seems like a hook up ritual.

And please... Please... I'm not being disprectful to you. I know you are sharing and I'm right here with you, heart to heart. No personal judgments.

But you are not gonna catch me in a sauna... My hair will shrink up 7 inches shorter.

But what does this sauna ritual connect to?

LOL...I understand. It connects to G-d. But it's a very ancient ceremony and you get rid of the negative in your life. There are Native christians who translate that into christianity now and it's just basically a christian prayer service but old style. Thing is, they started doing this non-family style and inviting these outsiders who do not comprehend. It's hot in there...so that's why the minimal clothing...but there are still modesty rules. They tell those women to not touch a man and some of those are braless so when they sweat, well, you know.

Some do not ingest peyote but others do. You don't have to. But these klear folks get the mindset that they will smoke it or then find out you eat it dummy!...and they are there to get high. A lot of people actually see Jesus and clean out their lives, particularly folks who had drinking/drug problems before. It's a long story and I don't expect everyone to agree or understand...but they just so disrespect things. Same in the Church. It's horrible.



Where's that Mayflower! Load her up.

 

[Shimmie]

LOL...I understand. It connects to G-d. But it's a very ancient ceremony and you get rid of the negative in your life. There are Native christians who translate that into christianity now and it's just basically a christian prayer service but old style. Thing is, they started doing this non-family style and inviting these outsiders who do not comprehend. It's hot in there...so that's why the minimal clothing...but there are still modesty rules. They tell those women to not touch a man and some of those are braless so when they sweat, well, you know.

Some do not ingest peyote but others do. You don't have to. But these klear folks get the mindset that they will smoke it or then find out you eat it dummy!...and they are there to get high. A lot of people actually see Jesus and clean out their lives, particularly folks who had drinking/drug problems before. It's a long story and I don't expect everyone to agree or understand...but they just so disrespect things. Same in the Church. It's horrible.

Where's that Mayflower! Load her up.

Thanks for sharing. I think I understand the theory of the belief about the cleansing, for in a sauna setting the sweating is bringing out the bodies impurities, and in many ways, hence the cleasing.

If one is an alcoholic, the alcohol trapped inside of their bodies will evaporate through their pores and it can be detected by the odor... hence the theory of cleasing.

Whether I agree with this or not is not the issue here, the fact is that I can 'perhaps' see a little behind the theory.

Right now, I'm supporting your feelings because I understand where you're coming from regarding these women dsrespecting the protocol. This is not a hot tub meet-up for them to play games of seduction.

Sweet sister, I hear you on this... We both have a lot to say on this, for sure.

 

[Laela]

Holy Moses! God indeed does care ....because it all is a heart issue.

When God gave Moses instructions to build the altar way back in Exodus, He also warned him not to go up the steps to the altar, lest His private parts gets exposed to the congregation. Moses obeyed. Had he gone ahead and build the altar too high to go up the stair to show off his shenanigans, he'd have disobeyed God.

That same modesty applies today (in or out of church, IMHO) because our bodies are now the Temple of the Holy Ghost, not the church building. Our conduct/dress codes, anything we do really is all a heart matter.. "Rend your heart and not your garment".. If God knows that a saved person willfully dresses provocatively and exposes their flesh for the attention of others, they are the ones who are sinning against Him.

Being all prettified and looking "right" doesn't mean anything either. I remember once looking at myself in the mirror and nodding at how good I look in a new outfit before going to church, checking out my bracelets, earrings, hair do... the Holy Spirit convicted me that morning...cut my spirit like a knife. Though I was dressed modestly, by anyone's standards, I was admonished that I was going to church with the wrong spirit and attitude. Am I going to worship or to look good? I had to ask Him to forgive me on the spot! He does care...

I've seen outlandish hats, cronic coughs, & restless children be just as much (if not more) of a distraction in church as a woman's outfit.

I don't condone being scantily clad in church... My point is, if a person allows another person or thing to interrupt their message, that's their problem. I don't think God would blame the person in a short dress, just as he wouldn't blame a restless child, a woman who is "naturally sexy", or the first lady for wearing her outlandish hat lol.

If a scantily clad woman is in church receiving her message & a man is allowing her clothing to interrupt his message.. He is in the wrong. Not her. We were originally meant to roam the earth naked. I don't think God cares how we're dressed... Especially while receiving his word.

Also, I thought the question was can a scantily clad person in church still be considered a Christian... Not whether or not it's inappropriate to come to church scantily clad.


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[Shimmie]

Holy Moses! God indeed does care ....because it all is a heart issue.

When God gave Moses instructions to build the altar way back in Exodus, He also warned him not to go up the steps to the altar, lest His private parts gets exposed to the congregation. Moses obeyed. Had he gone ahead and build the altar too high to go up the stair to show off his shenanigans, he'd have disobeyed God.

That same modesty applies today (in or out of church, IMHO) because our bodies are now the Temple of the Holy Ghost, not the church building. Our conduct/dress codes, anything we do really is all a heart matter.. "Rend your heart and not your garment".. If God knows that a saved person willfully dresses provocatively and exposes their flesh for the attention of others, they are the ones who are sinning against Him.

Being all prettified and looking "right" doesn't mean anything either. I remember once looking at myself in the mirror and nodding at how good I look in a new outfit before going to church, checking out my bracelets, earrings, hair do... the Holy Spirit convicted me that morning...cut my spirit like a knife. Though I was dressed modestly, by anyone's standards, I was admonished that I was going to church with the wrong spirit and attitude. Am I going to worship or to look good? I had to ask Him to forgive me on the spot! He does care...

My God! What a powerful message!

If this is not an appropriate answer from the Lord which presents being Holy and modest, then I don't know what is.

 

[levette]

I do believe the Holy Spirit will convict you of this once you let him in your heart about dressing modest. I don't want to be judgmental but it can be hard to do when it is all up in your face week after week in church.

 

[Prudent1]

levette,
I hear you. It can be hard. When it is (I am only referring to those who have been in a good bible based church for a while and heard many applicable messages) I try to recall this scripture from 2 Cor 10:5
5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
I literally think about the thought concerning the person not dressed properly, pray for them, and then ask God to help me re-focus on the events etc that are going on at the time. I ask him to keep my mind. Sometimes I have to plea the blood of Jesus over my mind/ thoughts so as not to become distracted. I/ we cannot miss whatever we are needing to feast on spiritually even when the distraction is that big.
HTH

 

[Guitarhero]

http://www.ecvv.com/product/1766750.html

Summer is coming...sigh... Only thing, sometimes, the mid drift is a tad exposed and/or tank is tight as well...and they are wearing high heels. Change the shorts for really tight booty jeans shorts and voila'. Also, maybe exchange the shorts for a tube that flows to the knee..but people will wonder if you're wearing a bra. From behind, guess how that looks. We're being too nice these days. Going to the park, doing lawn work? Fine...but your cleavage hanging all out? How is that ever appropriate in any temple?

 

[Shimmie]

This is not allowed in our Church among the men -- which are the 'dropped' pants. It looks terrible to see this; no one wants to see anyone's underwear with their pants hanging down to their knees.

Many of the parents in the congregation have teen boys who have tried to mimic the world, however, it's not happening in the House of God.

Another Random:

How is it that the men (younger males and teens) are kept in check with the codes of modesty in Church, yet the women seem to be free to do as they please?

Random thought continues:

How is it that these same women who are not modestly dressed, can roll their eyes in disgust at the 'dropped' pants on these young kids (or men) and yet get offended when their dropped cleavage is addressed?

Hmmmmmmm, am I missing something? :scratchch:

 

[YasashiiSekai]

I don't know who made up the whole "come as you are" thing, but if you wanna apply that to anything it would be for people who are new to church, because they don't really know whats going on yet when it comes to their connection with God.

As far as attire, I'm pretty sure people know the difference between clubbing clothes and a normal dress.... I think it just depends on the person. If you think something is too tight for church and may be distracting to other members (keep in mind everyone is not on the same level in church when it comes to their spiritual connection) then you should modify your clothing a bit...unless you're going to church for the wrong reasons, then it shouldn't be a big deal to do that.

 

[Guitarhero]

What about wedding dresses? I find on these TLC shows that too many hefty women are choosing these shoulderless dresses with deep cuts in the cleavage, leaving lots of flesh exposed. You know, in Italy, you cannot marry in the catholic church with such a dress on, skinny or voluptuous. Not allowed. I'm not saying you should have on an ugly dress with no style, but seriously...wt-heck? Now sheer mid-drifts are the fashion in wedding dresses. not when the venue is the church.

 

[levette]

I myself didn't change or see anything wrong with dressing inappropriately until I was filled with the Holy Spirit. No one told me not to, the Holy Spirit guided me in all those things. I watched my leaders and how they dressed also. I noticed as God was delivering me and filling me with his spirit. I saw no need to dress sexy anymore craving the attention of men because I too have a very curvy figure and was use to the attention and was validated because of it, but when God showed me his love I found myself not wanting it anymore. He replaced all of that with worth and love for him and myself. It is a real change! So now when I do see women in church with the form fitting dressess I do wonder what it is they are lacking and pray God shows them because it was once me too. Now I love to look nice but God has shown me modesty. If the shirt,pants or jeans are too tight where something like a jacket to tone it down a bit, or a cute oversized shirt. If we really would ask God if he is pleased with our clothes before we leave the house and I mean honestly take a look in the mirror you would be surprised what is revealed about your real reason for wearing certain clothing.

thanks for sharing-- i'll just pray for those who continue to dress provocative to church...let the Holy Spirit lead them to do better

 

[dicapr]

Sexy yes- sexual no. You can be sexy and be completely covered. A nice pencil skirt, blouse and heels can be sexy. That is different from wearing a top that is cut to your belly button and shorts that let your cheeks peak.

 

[Guitarhero]

^^^ Somebody needs to get the memo out in that case cuz we're seeing a whole lotta unnecessary 'sessual' in the choich. How do you wear a knee-length skirt and waist jacket top but nothing hiding the hip and waist skin underneath when you move? It was potentially modest... Seriously, do people wear this junk at work? Is there a shortage of full-length mirrors in the world market? How have they forgotten how to appropriately dress for the occasion?

 

[dicapr]

^^^ Somebody needs to get the memo out in that case cuz we're seeing a whole lotta unnecessary 'sessual' in the choich. How do you wear a knee-length skirt and waist jacket top but nothing hiding the hip and waist skin underneath when you move? It was potentially modest... Seriously, do people wear this junk at work? Is there a shortage of full-length mirrors in the world market? How have they forgotten how to appropriately dress for the occasion?

Yes that is an issue at some workplaces. My job just had a forum on how to dress professionally. It is a different generation and alot of the finer points on how to dress is lost. We are a society of jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. Many women/men are not aware of see through materials or may not think that someone may be offended if their shirt rolls up when they move. Besides, at church I am focused on God. What someone has on is the last thing on my mind and if it becomes a problem (nice looking man in a dress shirt w/o an undershirt) I avert my eyes and pray for focus.

 

[crwnandglory]

^^^ Somebody needs to get the memo out in that case cuz we're seeing a whole lotta unnecessary 'sessual' in the choich. How do you wear a knee-length skirt and waist jacket top but nothing hiding the hip and waist skin underneath when you move? It was potentially modest... Seriously, do people wear this junk at work? Is there a shortage of full-length mirrors in the world market? How have they forgotten how to appropriately dress for the occasion?

I would agree that there is a lot of "sensual" dress, esp in my church. The bolded part of this response made me raise an eyebrow. I am saved, I have a heart for the Lord, I pray,praise and read the word daily, I got to church at least two times a week, I serve as a volunteer at my church, etc. I say all of that not to demonstrate that I am a "good" Christian but to highlight that I am someone growing in Christ and hungry for the things of the Lord. NOW, I may have misread the comment (sorry if I did) but I truly would not think that a woman wearing a skirt and a jacket/top that does not cover her hip area is inappropriate or sensual.
I will say that there are some ideas of how a woman should dress and what is/isn't sensual that is not common knowledge. There are many people that think that wearing open toe shoes (esp without stockings) is inappropriate and sensual. There are some people that think that a woman should never come to church in a skirt or dress without stockings no matter the time of year. So the danger in this is that some women could be condemned for dressing in a way that is considered sensual to someone with strong opinions. Where would a woman go to find out what is appropriate to wear to church? How much should we even CARE about the opinions of other human beings?

It's a sticky issue. I know that to some I may look "sexy" in church and not because I am dressed inappropriately but because others may have more stringent views of dress code... The truth is a gorgeous woman can distract any man who does not know how to keep his eyes on God, no matter how conservative she is dressed.

 

[Guitarhero]

Where would a woman go to find out what is appropriate to wear to church? How much should we even CARE about the opinions of other human beings?

In our catechism and by modeling the respectful dress of others in the congregation. They know what is right and what is wrong. Sometimes, indecency is borderline and is a mistake. Other times, it's intentional. This is what we have to say about our own congregations (I cannot speak for yours). We have everything we need and instruction for all in our Church for a good catholic family:

Modest Clothing and Catholic Christians

May 29, 2009 by conway23

The sexualization of America’s youth, and of women in general, is best witnessed in the various forms of immodest clothing so popular in fashion today. The most glaring example is the plunging neck line on most women’s blouses and dresses. Modest clothing, it seems, is being marginalized in American culture along with Catholic and Christian values.
Contrary to what feminists say about Catholics, a call for modest clothing is not some fundamentalist ploy to oppress women, but simply a call to charity. Once a person realizes that she can lead someone to sin by immodest dress, she will quickly grasp that charity requires wearing modest clothing.

Modesty in clothing and attitude is a form of charity to others. (photo by Bernardoh)

We know that men are more visually stimulated than women, and so to quell this sinful “wandering eye” in men, our Lord Jesus Christ warned:

“But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mat 5:19).
​

Jesus Christ understands our weaknesses and knows that adultery begins first in the human heart. If we can resist the urge to use a woman in our mind as an object of pleasure, we can hopefully nip temptation in the bud before its takes on an outward expression.
Sister Lucia, who was one of the children who witnessed our Blessed Lady at Fatima, wrote this of modest Christian clothing:

“Those who appear indecently dressed are an incentive to sin, and so are responsible not only for their sins, but also for those that others may commit because of them. Reflect that fashion, if it is indecent – and we see that the world unfortunately follows it as if it were the law – is a trick of the devil, a clever trap in which the devil catches souls.”
​

Modest women’s clothing, Sister Lucia writes, is about Christian witness:

“Modest clothing with which we must cover ourselves is a distinguishing mark setting us us apart in the stream of immorality and enabling us to be, for the world, true witnesses to Christ.”
​

Bishop John Yanta of Amarillo, Texas, published a pastoral letter on modest women’s clothing for Catholics three years ago. He wrote:

“Yes, we can help the devil in many ways including the way we dress. In the Act of Contrition we promise ‘to avoid the near occasion of sin’. St. Paul writes about ‘provoking another’ (Gal. 5:26).”
​

The Catechism of the Catholic Church on modesty in life, and modesty in dress:

2522 “Modesty protects the mystery of persons and their love. It encourages patience and moderation in loving relationships; it requires that the conditions for the definitive giving and commitment of man and woman to one another be fulfilled. Modesty is decency. It inspires one’s choice of clothing. It keeps silence or reserve where there is evident risk of unhealthy curiosity. It is discreet.”
​

Just to make sure I'm understood for MY SIDE/MY CHURCH, my issue is not determining the salvation of another. I am catholic, we don't do that. But my main concern is respect for G-d's house while one is visiting inside of it. There's a decorum and people are sorely disrespecting it and many of them, on purpose.

The lady in question had a good 2 inches of exposed flesh at her waist, all around, front to back. You could see her hip meat. No one would wear that at work in a corporate environment because they'd have a tank underneath. It's like low-waisted jeans and a mid-drift tank top and all the flesh exposed in-between. Last holyday? Several girls with tight Abercrombie tees (kinda see-through) and short mini skirts with big slits in them...and heels. Seriously, is that appropriate in a religious environment? Again, I don't judge whether someone is going to heaven, I'm commenting on the disrespect of dress in G-d's house. It's ridiculous. We are responsible for how we tempt another and if that person sins, we share in his guilt. That's what scripture says.

 

[Guitarhero]

Yes that is an issue at some workplaces. My job just had a forum on how to dress professionally. It is a different generation and alot of the finer points on how to dress is lost. We are a society of jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. Many women/men are not aware of see through materials or may not think that someone may be offended if their shirt rolls up when they move. Besides, at church I am focused on God. What someone has on is the last thing on my mind and if it becomes a problem (nice looking man in a dress shirt w/o an undershirt) I avert my eyes and pray for focus.

Our priest made a good point to remind people in a gentle fashion that they must respect people when they dress for Church. He's the priest... When you have on booty shorts and there are several other folks with halter tops and shorts, stomachs out, very naked legs up the top thighs...it's annoying for everybody. What about a tube dress for church? It's not appropriate. We're not even supposed to wear tee-shirts with sports insignia (except for the Stillers ) nor other tees with jokes, inappropriate sayings etc. I don't know about your church but in mine, there is a general rule. People are losing the sacredness of the mass. We don't just sit and only listen, we all participate with the set prayers and Creed as well as the singing prayers of worship, etc. There is supposed to be unity. I think that what happens on my end is diff. than what happens on yours. If you could witness it, you would be disturbed as much as many of us are.

For example, no woman under the Latin rite and Pre-Vatican II would have a bare head. You'd wear a mantilla, even little girls. You don't have to now. We never had girls as altar servers but do now. You'd never see a person in flipflops and shorts, hootchy-esque mini skirts etc. at a catholic church...but now, yes. People are losing the sense of the sacred. This is the problem I see and make sure my children do not imitate to that level. Casual, sure, but not distracting. Again, it's the sacred of concern, not who's going to heaven and can take the eucharist as in good standing.

 

[crwnandglory]

In our catechism and by modeling the respectful dress of others in the congregation. They know what is right and what is wrong. Sometimes, indecency is borderline and is a mistake. Other times, it's intentional. This is what we have to say about our own congregations (I cannot speak for yours). We have everything we need and instruction for all in our Church for a good catholic family:

Great point and I do think that we have great examples of appropriate dress for women and men just by looking at the leaders. However, I do not think that it should be expected for that to be the standard for every Christian.

Can I be honest for like 2 seconds?

My church is located in one of the poorest and most dangerous areas of DC. Most of the congregation are products of the crack epidemic, prostitution, projects/welfare, all of the major issues you find in an urban city. It would be fair to say that the majority of our congregation (it is a large church) is unemployed or underemployed, many of them are struggling to put food on the table...many of them do not have professional attire (skirts, dresses, blouses) they may only have jeans and sneakers and can not afford to expand their wardrobe. This is the reality of the area that our church reaches out to. We want the drug dealers, drug addicts, prostitutes, gang members, etc to come to our church because we KNOW that if they do they will hear a life changing word. I know that there are many who would find the attire of some of the people that attend our church to be disrespectful but it has to start somewhere. A woman may dress inappropriately today because she is just getting to know Christ, but tomorrow she could be a church leader and a great example to other women.

We all have to start somewhere.

I view this differently because every week when I walk into my "come as you are" church I see young men with very shady pasts get saved. I see women that were once broken and in poverty go to school and become great providers to their family and the church. I see the members of society that no one wants to deal with praise God freely. I have seen lives changed and it reminds me that God is with the woman in a mini-skirt as much as He is in the woman wearing a Tahari suit. I can't speak for other congregations but what I have noticed is that as the men and women mature in Christ so does their attire...I've never seen it go any other way in my church.

Again, it has to start somewhere. So, I say we just continue to pray for those that have not reached that point and bear with each other.

 

[crwnandglory]

Our priest made a good point to remind people in a gentle fashion that they must respect people when they dress for Church. He's the priest... When you have on booty shorts and there are several other folks with halter tops and shorts, stomachs out, very naked legs up the top thighs...it's annoying for everybody. What about a tube dress for church? It's not appropriate. We're not even supposed to wear tee-shirts with sports insignia (except for the Stillers ) nor other tees with jokes, inappropriate sayings etc. I don't know about your church but in mine, there is a general rule. People are losing the sacredness of the mass. We don't just sit and only listen, we all participate with the set prayers and Creed as well as the singing prayers of worship, etc. There is supposed to be unity. I think that what happens on my end is diff. than what happens on yours. If you could witness it, you would be disturbed as much as many of us are.

I can relate...as the weather warms up I joke to myself about the outfits that I know will be worn in church. I'm talking skin tight, short dresses with fishnet tights. Halter tops, tube tops, flip flops, t-shirts, jeans hanging off the butt, etc... I do not like to see my people dress in that manner but I would not attend a church that had a rule concerning the dress code.

Again, maybe I am different but I did not grow up in the church and when I got saved I was in college. I did not know what was considered appropriate and although I had work experience I was a young college child and dressed in that manner. Had I went to a church that made me feel uncomfortable or condemned because I did not adhere to the rules they created vs. the expectations in the bible I probably would not have gotten saved when I did. Even after I was saved I missed many church services because I feared I would be shunned if I was not dressed in a way they thought was appropriate. It wasn't until I moved and attended a different church that I found that I had no reason NOT to go to church because I would be received lovingly in a t-shirt and flip flops or in suit. As I grew financially and spiritually so did my wardrobe so now I can afford to dress appropriately but I remember when I was not able to do so and that keep me humble. I love the fact that I can invite someone off the street who is wearing casual/urban clothing to my church and they would not feel condemned.

We have to keep in mind that the church has grown to become somewhat elitist. We turn our backs and shun the very people that we need to welcome.

While I agree that we should have reverence for God even in the way we dress I still believe we ought to be careful of enforcing rules. My grandmother attended a church wear the woman could not wear pants, open toe shoes, earrings, makeup, or dye their hair. What does any of that have to do with God? If me wearing make up and earrings will cause another man to lust after me then he needs to have a long talk with Jesus, my attire should be controlled by another sinner because of their opinions on what is appropriate when the word of God does not condemn such things.

 

[crlsweetie912]

Whoo...awesome discussion. I have been an usher in my church for several years. Someone got in trouble once for asking a young lady to cover up with a blanket (that we provided). She had on hot pants...no stockings, tights, leggings or anything. This same lady also wears see through tops, with leggings on as pants and she isn't a "new" Christian. Born and raised in the church. This past Sunday a young lady had on what looked like "liquid leather" leggings. Skin tight and her top was see through and it didn't cover her backside. Again, born and raised.
I agree that lots of people don't have much to wear and sometimes those things are all they have. I would rather see a woman in jeans and a t-shirt, than in some sheer dress with no slip.

I once had on a sheath type dress one Sunday. The dress was lined, and it was a silky like material. I always get to church early (help set up and my family works in various ministries)
AS SOON as I walked in the door, I felt in my spirit "this dress is too tight". I asked my mom and she said it was fine (now I'm plus sized 16-18 and curvy with a butt). But I wasn't in the church for a good 15 minutes before I KNEW I had to go home and change. And I did. It's just me. And I never wore that dress again (even outside of church service)
I think the Holy Spirit should be your guide in this an ALL things.
My question is, How do people know these things if they haven't been raised in the church all their lives? I always thought that there should be some sort of training on this? But don't know how to go about it. Any thoughts?

 

[Prudent1]

crwnandglory said,"Again, maybe I am different..."
Uh, uh. You're not different. That's exactly what we are saying too. Come as you are. Allow God to change you. Then do better. As God is allowed to pour into your life, the changes come supernaturally. That includes provision for all of your needs(ie he supplies you w/ suitable clothing). Learning to dress in a godly manner (like everything else) is a part of this journey. I think we all agree with you too about the propensity to form an elite club and forget that we are supposed to be actively loving the unlovely. The bottom line (as someone up post put it) that has to be answered by any person trying to serve God, "Does this glorify God?" Our attire is not and never will be a salvation issue. We cannot control the wanderings of another person's mind but we do have a personal responsibilty to not let it all 'hang out' once we know better. Excellent points.

 

[hair_rehab]

I think Titus Chapter 2 is a great example of how churches, particularly pastors and spiritual leaders, should handle this situation. We shouldn't judge or embarrass people about what they wear, but we should encourage them and train them by example:


1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

 

[Shimmie]

Whoo...awesome discussion.

I have been an usher in my church for several years. Someone got in trouble once for asking a young lady to cover up with a blanket (that we provided). She had on hot pants...no stockings, tights, leggings or anything. This same lady also wears see through tops, with leggings on as pants and she isn't a "new" Christian. Born and raised in the church.

This past Sunday a young lady had on what looked like "liquid leather" leggings. Skin tight and her top was see through and it didn't cover her backside. Again, born and raised.

I agree that lots of people don't have much to wear and sometimes those things are all they have. I would rather see a woman in jeans and a t-shirt, than in some sheer dress with no slip.

I once had on a sheath type dress one Sunday. The dress was lined, and it was a silky like material.

I always get to church early (help set up and my family works in various ministries)
AS SOON as I walked in the door, I felt in my spirit "this dress is too tight". I asked my mom and she said it was fine (now I'm plus sized 16-18 and curvy with a butt). But I wasn't in the church for a good 15 minutes before I KNEW I had to go home and change. And I did. It's just me. And I never wore that dress again (even outside of church service)

I think the Holy Spirit should be your guide in this an ALL things.

My question is, How do people know these things if they haven't been raised in the church all their lives? I always thought that there should be some sort of training on this? But don't know how to go about it.

Any thoughts?

'Crlsweetie" I can attest to what you've shared

With all of the women's fellowships that we have, coordinate and attend, you'd think the problem would be addressed and solved right then and there.

In my former Church Pastor would just speak out about it from the pulpit. He'd address the dress code and would come right out with it, addressing the issues with both the men and the women.

He made a point of emphasizing that no one was in bondage, to wearing a suit, jacket, tie (for men) or a suit, a large hat (he'd joke about this one), closed toe shoes, skirts past the ankles, etc. , but to come descently dressed. He specified that he did not want to see the dark areas of a woman's behind (his very words). , but to keep her dresses and skirts at a decent length and not have it so tight that it looked 'painted on'. The same appled to wearing pants, meaning no low rider jeans, no shorts, cut-offs.

He made it clear that this was the House of God and it was to be treated and respected as such.