Spinoff: Appropriate Church Attire

[GV-NA-GI-TLV-GE-I]

...isn't this......and I've certainly seen this worn various times...with midriff hanging out.



Another woman, was in a strapless...sitting next to her husband...3 rows ahead...seeing her from behind? She was a good 10-12 inches naked from behind...and you couldn't see any clothing while she was sitting down...



I'm not condemning...just noticing that this isn't at all appropriate...not in the house of G-d. There are rules man!

 

[♥Lamaravilla♥]

There are those of us who know better of course, but then there will always be the ones that wear whatever they want then when approached about it they espouse the 'come as you are' doctrine... I just don't see the point of being sexy in a house of worship, what is one's goal when doing this?

 

[Mrs.TheBronx]

I agree, the bible says that we are not to be a stumbling block to one another, as this may create one for a member of the church. Men and Women alike. But I will go even further.. not just in church should those "rules" apply... As Christians we should know how to dress nicely with out everything hanging out.. (things that make ya go hmmm..)

I was recently convicted about this topic and checked out my clothes from my "fun days" and wanted to burn most of it! LOL Thank God I am changed...

 

[La Colocha]

Some people take the phrase come as you are to a whole nother level. There was a young girl at a service and her cheeks and legs were out.(I don't mean to offend) You could see alot and no one said anything, jeans and a t-shirt would have been more appropriate, i was very disturbed. But these days you can't tell other peoples children what to wear without a blowout.

 

[Shimmie]

...isn't this......and I've certainly seen this worn various times...with midriff hanging out.



Another woman, was in a strapless...sitting next to her husband...3 rows ahead...seeing her from behind? She was a good 10-12 inches naked from behind...and you couldn't see any clothing while she was sitting down...



I'm not condemning...just noticing that this isn't at all appropriate...not in the house of G-d. There are rules man!

I agree. I wear 'cami's' under my sundresses with a jacket or coverlet to work and even when I''m out with my friends for dinner and such.

In Church I don't show cleavage or bare arms or thighs. It's not a picnic. I don't wish to be a distraction. And it doesn't even matter what size a woman is, when she bares her skin, it draws the wrong attention to her.

 

[Prudent1]

Yes, please come as you are but expect to learn and change. Who among us didn't understand the real definition of sexy and thought we had to show a little somethin' somethin'? At one point, even though I was not conscious of it, I thought I was in a competition of sorts w/ other women. Competing for attention etc. It was not until I began to see myself as God sees me then I realized it didn't take all of that. There will always be someone taller, prettier (to the beholder), smarter, richer, or whatever than me. Yet, I (we) was made in the image of a divine God. I was put together painstakingly by him. He put a lot of thought into me and made me unique. Once I saw that competiton was yet another trick of the devil to stir up strife, I was so done with it. So to some I am beautiful/ attractive. To some I am not. For some I'll not be the right complexion or too short etc. I am not worried about that at all. I don't mistake dressing provocatively w/ dressing attractively. I have a very diverse wardrobe and I look good too; but not whorish. I got that swagger whether in or out of the church. :2cool: Here is a confession I used to say daily when God was delivering me from comparing myself to others: I represent God; therefore, I dress appropriately because I am a Godly woman and I respect myself. I maintain a clean and attractive appearance. I Tim 2:9 (From The Successful Family- Creflo and Taffi Dollar).
1 Tim 2:9
9 I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety,...

 

[SND411]

You know people can be properly dressed, but have a disgusting heart.

 

[Prudent1]

You know people can be properly dressed, but have a disgusting heart.

Absolutely- true. In order to be properly dressed we need to examine internal and external factors.

 

[GV-NA-GI-TLV-GE-I]

Some people take the phrase come as you are to a whole nother level. There was a young girl at a service and her cheeks and legs were out.(I don't mean to offend) You could see alot and no one said anything, jeans and a t-shirt would have been more appropriate, i was very disturbed. But these days you can't tell other peoples children what to wear without a blowout.

Maybe she was trying to "sit on two chairs with one butt."

 

[SND411]

I agree, the bible says that we are not to be a stumbling block to one another, as this may create one for a member of the church. Men and Women alike. But I will go even further.. not just in church should those "rules" apply... As Christians we should know how to dress nicely with out everything hanging out.. (things that make ya go hmmm..)

I was recently convicted about this topic and checked out my clothes from my "fun days" and wanted to burn most of it! LOL Thank God I am changed...

I have heard many people state that it does not take a "sexy" outfit to be a stumbling block. Even hearing a woman's/man's voice is full of temptation. What do you do then?

 

[GV-NA-GI-TLV-GE-I]

Last time I attended synagogue, an orthodox shul at Chabad, I had on tight jeans with heels. I was traveling and we just stopped in. It was during holidays. Two gentlemen who were married and would never speak to me in person walked by, got my attention, with their hands clasped behind their backs, they bent, looked at my legs and stood erect and moved on. It was a sign to not wear that anymore over there. I was embarassed and apologetic...yet, I was a traveler who had not planned on attending services. I understood...I now make sure I'm properly attired for when I do go, no matter where or when. Plan ahead.

There sure is a difference, though, between attempting to seduce someone, particular family men, in a religious environment and those who are in spiritual need, showing up not quite modestly attired. It's the intent. Anybody can be a white sepulchre full of rot. Thing is, we are required to be clean inside and immodesty begins in the heart.

 

[SND411]

Last time I attended synagogue, an orthodox shul at Chabad, I had on tight jeans with heels. I was traveling and we just stopped in. It was during holidays. Two gentlemen who were married and would never speak to me in person walked by, got my attention, with their hands clasped behind their backs, they bent, looked at my legs and stood erect and moved on. It was a sign to not wear that anymore over there. I was embarassed and apologetic...yet, I was a traveler who had not planned on attending services. I understood...I make sure I'm properly attired for when I do go, no matter where. Plan ahead.

There sure is a difference between attempting to seduce someone, particular family men in a religious environment and those who are in spiritual need, showing up not quite modestly attired. It's the intent. Anybody can be a white sepulchre full of rot.

Why wouldn't they?

 

[GV-NA-GI-TLV-GE-I]

I have heard many people state that it does not take a "sexy" outfit to be a stumbling block. Even hearing a woman's/man's voice is full of temptation. What do you do then?

Or perfume or just being in the room with a man so easily attracted. It's hard at times. I have experienced, on quite a few occasions, men who are attracted...including my good friend here. At a school event, my friend and I spoke (we're very tight actually) and went onto greet teachers and whatnot. Over tea and cookies...lo and behold, her husband who I know through her has dabbled on the side, staring at me with that intent. I was like ...huh? Oh oh. Avert eyes, turn, go the other way. Sometimes when you catch a nasty fish, just run lol. We can't help every single occasion that someone is tempted...there are men turned on by old crusty nuns. Go figure. We just need to make sure we aren't applying the sexuality too thick. Be yourself but when that happens....run.

 

[GV-NA-GI-TLV-GE-I]

Why wouldn't they?

They are married men in an orthodox lifestyle. They don't shake your hands...they didn't know me. Now my friends who invite us for shabbat dinner....we speak. But I'd never tough them...like shaking hands. No friendly hugs. It's part of the religion. Things were this way in christianity up until quite recently in human history.

 

[momi]

momi was here with nothing substantial to add...

 

[SND411]

They are married men in an orthodox lifestyle. They don't shake your hands...they didn't know me. Now my friends who invite us for shabbat dinner....we speak. But I'd never tough them...like shaking hands. No friendly hugs. It's part of the religion. Things were this way in christianity up until quite recently in human history.[/quote]

I strongly disagree. I do not believe men and women wouldn't speak to each other.

 

[SND411]

Or perfume or just being in the room with a man so easily attracted. It's hard at times. I have experienced, on quite a few occasions, men who are attracted...including my good friend here. At a school event, my friend and I spoke (we're very tight actually) and went onto greet teachers and whatnot. Over tea and cookies...lo and behold, her husband who I know through her has dabbled on the side, staring at me with that intent. I was like ...huh? Oh oh. Avert eyes, turn, go the other way. Sometimes when you catch a nasty fish, just run lol. We can't help every single occasion that someone is tempted...there are men turned on by old crusty nuns. Go figure. We just need to make sure we aren't applying the sexuality too thick. Be yourself but when that happens....run.

But this is very subjective.

 

[GV-NA-GI-TLV-GE-I]

They are married men in an orthodox lifestyle. They don't shake your hands...they didn't know me. Now my friends who invite us for shabbat dinner....we speak. But I'd never tough them...like shaking hands. No friendly hugs. It's part of the religion. Things were this way in christianity up until quite recently in human history.[/quote]

I strongly disagree. I do not believe men and women wouldn't speak to each other.

Middle-eastern culture. You speak to your close relatives. I'm not saying no one wouldn't say "hi" or something...but respectable women did not keep any kind of company with those of the opposite sex they weren't married to. The scriptures are all middle-eastern culture...context. Notice orthodox behavior today...and fundamental Islamic...one can clearly see the roots. Things are more relaxed today than they were then. You still find some churches where men sit on one side and women on the other.

 

[GV-NA-GI-TLV-GE-I]

But this is very subjective.

Of course it's subjective..hence, personal responsibility. Only we know ourselves and if we're intentional. Something that is truly out of our hands...we're not guilty of.

 

[SND411]

Middle-eastern culture. You speak to your close relatives. I'm not saying no one wouldn't say "hi" or something...but respectable women did not keep any kind of company with those of the opposite sex they weren't married to. The scriptures are all middle-eastern culture...context. Notice orthodox behavior today...and fundamental Islamic...one can clearly see the roots. Things are more relaxed today than they were then. You still find some churches where men sit on one side and women on the other.

If you research the history of early Christianity, you will notice such barriers were taken down. Master/slave, rich/poor, men/women ALL ate communion together. Christianity turned MAN MADE traditions upside down.

 

[runwaydream]

the way i was brought up:
for a woman, a dress or skirt, a respectable length, if its above the knees it shouldn't be but an inch or two. Also under arms should be covered and so should the back. if you're going to wear something strapless or a spagetti strap you have to have something over it.

for a man:
dress shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes
or a suit
the tie is optional

i would never go to church in jeans or pants. not bashing anyone who does but i wouldn't. i find it disrespectful. dress pants on women i can understand more, but jeans?

 

[runwaydream]

But this is very subjective.

how do you dress in church? how do you interact w. married men?

 

[SND411]

how do you dress in church? how do you interact w. married men?

Im 19 years old and I interact with married men as people made in the image of God; like anyone else. I dont know, I do not see being with someone from the opposite sex alone is anything of a sexual nature.

 

[Prudent1]

I have heard many people state that it does not take a "sexy" outfit to be a stumbling block. Even hearing a woman's/man's voice is full of temptation. What do you do then?

I once heard Pastor Mark Driskoll preach on this topic in one of his sermons. For men/ women like that.... you just have to pray for them and know that you aren't doing anything to encourage their behavior. Like he said if you are turned on by elbows...

 

[SND411]

I once heard Pastor Mark Driskoll preach on this topic in one of his sermons. For men/ women like that.... you just have to pray for them and know that you aren't doing anything to encourage their behavior. Like he said if you are turned on by elbows...

But still, the world is so sex-crazed, money-crazed, etc...Yet now, when I enter a house of God, somewhere to escape the crazy world, I have to deal with it again?!

 

[Prudent1]

But still, the world is so sex-crazed, money-crazed, etc...Yet now, when I enter a house of God, somewhere to escape the crazy world, I have to deal with it again?!

Unfortunately in some senses...yes. The bible teaches us that the wheat grows with the tares until the designated time. (Matt 13:30 30"Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds[tares] and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' ") You can only control you. I have a daughter your age- pretty girl- not just b/c she's is mine. I tell her the same thing I am telling you. You have to make sure you are not perpetuating any of the foolishness of the world by being dressed inappropriately. God will not hold you accountable for their mess. It's not that we ignore these things but as we grow in Christ we learn to lock on to him with such intense single-mindedness we are able to deal with it in a way that is pleasing to him.(John 16:33 "But take heart! I have overcome the world.") We are to speak the truth in love to one another(Ephe 4:15 "...speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ"). Always seeking God first and then sometimes he opens a door for us to lovingly approach individuals who are mis-behaving with God inspired corrections.

 

[SND411]

Unfortunately in some senses...yes. The bible teaches us that the wheat grows with the tares until the designated time. (Matt 13:30 30"Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds[tares] and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' ") You can only control you. I have a daughter your age- pretty girl- not just b/c she's is mine. I tell her the same thing I am telling you. You have to make sure you are not perpetuating any of the foolishness of the world by being dressed inappropriately. God will not hold you accountable for their mess. It's not that we ignore these things but as we grow in Christ we learn to lock on to him with such intense single-mindedness we are able to deal with it in a way that is pleasing to him.(John 16:33 "But take heart! I have overcome the world.") We are to speak the truth in love to one another(Ephe 4:15 "...speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ"). Always seeking God first and then sometimes he opens a door for us to lovingly approach individuals who are mis-behaving with God inspired corrections.

I hear you.

 

[GV-NA-GI-TLV-GE-I]

If you research the history of early Christianity, you will notice such barriers were taken down. Master/slave, rich/poor, men/women ALL ate communion together. Christianity turned MAN MADE traditions upside down.

Um, if you research the middle-eastern origins of christianity...you will see much of the same social constructs still in place. We live in this modern age where men and women mingle freely. Of course they worshipped in the same temple..as in ancient days...but like I said before, there are still traditions that are done today from the past....men on one side, women on the other. They communed together...doesn't mean they touched other women's husband in a friendly handshake nor spoke to them as they pleased. The mechitza's been around since Moses lol It's difficult when we apply modern eyes to ancient history. Many of those same traditions I see in synagogue, in church...and I'm talking about middle-eastern churches that I personally attend...not speculation.

No one here is advocating that men and women totally separate from each other in worship. We are advocating personal and respectful responsibility toward the opposite sex. We are created as sexual beings...this is how G-d made us. We can't deny that we are attracted to each other...sometimes opposite sex, sometimes same sex. The appropriate thing to do is to put up fences. BTW, fence laws originated in judaism, so people wouldn't transgress G-d's laws. The harder it is to approximate sinning, the more time we have to think about it and possible consequences of getting so close. I don't really know what's so hard about dressing modestly or making sure pastors are accounted for and protected in that environment.

So, sure, go get counseling, but if that pastor had a female pastor helping him in that counseling session, it'd be better. Men in power have a hard time pastoring and the last thing they need is some needy female who's putting on the charms to win him over and validate her during difficult emotional times. It's kind of a built-in father kind of figuring. That's what I'm saying. I'm speaking for myself. I'd rather that people actually look at the bigger picture rather than being so concerned with what pleases them and only them. The scriptures I provided speak for themselves. I'm not making this up.

 

[SND411]

Um, if you research the middle-eastern origins of christianity...you will see much of the same social constructs still in place. We live in this modern age where men and women mingle freely. Of course they worshipped in the same temple..as in ancient days...but like I said before, there are still traditions that are done today from the past....men on one side, women on the other. They communed together...doesn't mean they touched other women's husband in a friendly handshake nor spoke to them as they pleased. The mechitza's been around since Moses lol It's difficult when we apply modern eyes to ancient history. Many of those same traditions I see in synagogue, in church...and I'm talking about middle-eastern churches that I personally attend...not speculation.

No one here is advocating that men and women totally separate from each other in worship. We are advocating personal and respectful responsibility toward the opposite sex. We are created as sexual beings...this is how G-d made us. We can't deny that we are attracted to each other...sometimes opposite sex, sometimes same sex. The appropriate thing to do is to put up fences. BTW, fence laws originated in judaism, so people wouldn't transgress G-d's laws. The harder it is to approximate sinning, the more time we have to think about it and possible consequences of getting so close. I don't really know what's so hard about dressing modestly or making sure pastors are accounted for and protected in that environment.

So, sure, go get counseling, but if that pastor had a female pastor helping him in that counseling session, it'd be better. Men in power have a hard time pastoring and the last thing they need is some needy female who's putting on the charms to win him over and validate her during difficult emotional times. It's kind of a built-in father kind of figuring. That's what I'm saying. I'm speaking for myself. I'd rather that people actually look at the bigger picture rather than being so concerned with what pleases them and only them. The scriptures I provided speak for themselves. I'm not making this up.

I think if we truly respect one another and see each other as "Brothers and Sisters" in Christ, men and women should be able to mingle freely.

 

[SND411]

Um, if you research the middle-eastern origins of christianity...you will see much of the same social constructs still in place. We live in this modern age where men and women mingle freely. Of course they worshipped in the same temple..as in ancient days...but like I said before, there are still traditions that are done today from the past....men on one side, women on the other. They communed together...doesn't mean they touched other women's husband in a friendly handshake nor spoke to them as they pleased. The mechitza's been around since Moses lol It's difficult when we apply modern eyes to ancient history. Many of those same traditions I see in synagogue, in church...and I'm talking about middle-eastern churches that I personally attend...not speculation.

No one here is advocating that men and women totally separate from each other in worship. We are advocating personal and respectful responsibility toward the opposite sex. We are created as sexual beings...this is how G-d made us. We can't deny that we are attracted to each other...sometimes opposite sex, sometimes same sex. The appropriate thing to do is to put up fences. BTW, fence laws originated in judaism, so people wouldn't transgress G-d's laws. The harder it is to approximate sinning, the more time we have to think about it and possible consequences of getting so close. I don't really know what's so hard about dressing modestly or making sure pastors are accounted for and protected in that environment.

So, sure, go get counseling, but if that pastor had a female pastor helping him in that counseling session, it'd be better. Men in power have a hard time pastoring and the last thing they need is some needy female who's putting on the charms to win him over and validate her during difficult emotional times. It's kind of a built-in father kind of figuring. That's what I'm saying. I'm speaking for myself. I'd rather that people actually look at the bigger picture rather than being so concerned with what pleases them and only them. The scriptures I provided speak for themselves. I'm not making this up.

Plus, Jesus DIRECTLY defied a lot of things in Middle Eastern culture.