Should Church attire be criticized?

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HealthAndHappiness

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Jul 7, 2022
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Almost Heaven West Virginia
#22
Does dressing in your Sunday best discourage those that don't have a Sunday best, or the homeless, or someone who is not appropriately dressed at the time of service? Does God even care how a person is dressed? The answer I hear most often is "We do it out of respect". It seems to me that just showing up shows respect and honor. I'm talking about normal conservative attire, not crazy, revealing ones.
Pastor Bucky Tucker of the Bucky Baptist Church in Buckeye Kentucky preached at the youth conference one year. He was told to wear proper a tire, so he went with Michelin Radials with White walls.
 
Jul 23, 2024
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#23
Hasn't everyone ever saved been saved by grace?
Wasn't the thief the first to enter paradise just because he believes that Jesus was the son of God???
We have all been saved by grace through faith and not by works. I clearly said the thief was the first...
 

Cameron143

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Mar 1, 2022
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#24
Wasn't the thief the first to enter paradise just because he believes that Jesus was the son of God??? We are all saved by grace through faith and not by works. I clearly said the thief was the first...
Weren't Adam and Eve saved by grace?
 
Jul 23, 2024
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#26
Weren't Adam and Eve saved by grace?
I'm not going to waste my time arguing with people who are only looking for the slightest thing to ask silly questions. When I said that the thief was the first to enter paradise by grace, it is clear what I meant. That the simple act of having believed that Jesus was the son of God and that he died for the forgiveness of our sins earned him entry to paradise and salvation, regardless of what he had done previously in his life AND THAT HE WAS NAKED.
 

Cameron143

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Mar 1, 2022
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#27
I'm not going to waste my time arguing with people who are only looking for the slightest thing to ask silly questions. When I said that the thief was the first to enter paradise by grace, it is clear what I meant. That the simple act of having believed that Jesus was the son of God and that he died for the forgiveness of our sins earned him entry to paradise and salvation, regardless of what he had done previously in his life AND THAT HE WAS NAKED.
I'm not trying to argue with you. I didn't know if you thought salvation was other than by grace.
If you want to be technical, Calvary wasn't a church service, so what the thief wore is immaterial.
 
Jul 23, 2024
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#28
I'm not trying to argue with you. I didn't know if you thought salvation was other than by grace.
If you want to be technical, Calvary wasn't a church service, so what the thief wore is immaterial.
Well, if you are one of those who wants to think that what you wear on Sundays in the church is more important than what you have in your heart, you have the rights to do it.

I have given the reference to the naked thief because Nehemiah6 said that I am suggesting that we can go walking naked over there and clearly that was not the case. I clearly said in my comment that I don't think God gives much importance to that, but that doesn't mean that's you can go dressed like a junky or like a prosti... It was clear what I wanted to say, not that we can walk naked or go to the church naked or something like that.
 

Cameron143

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Mar 1, 2022
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#29
Well, if you are one of those who wants to think that what you wear on Sundays in the church is more important than what you have in your heart, you have the rights to do it.

I have given the reference to the naked thief because Nehemiah6 said that I am suggesting that we can go walking naked over there and clearly that was not the case. I clearly said in my comment that I don't think God gives much importance to that, but that doesn't mean that's you can go dressed like a junky or like a prosti... It was clear what I wanted to say, not that we can walk naked or go to the church naked or something like that.
Why isn't what you wear a reflection of what's in your heart?
 
Mar 2, 2023
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#30
First let's address the idea that dressing in a classic style (suits or jackets and ties) is appropriate for church.
I think it is, but not because of a religious reason or "church rule". It simply communicates "responsible, leadership, serious," and of course it looks better.

Dress styles are not a salvific issue or an indication that one is more devoted to Christ than another; However, there are dress styles that look better than others. Or should I say, make you look better.

Why dress like an 8 year old boy when dressing like a responsible adult cost less?

I like how I look in a quality suit or sports coat. The kind I like cost thousands of dollars off the rack, such as Hart Schaffner and Marx, or Hickey Freeman. However, I have never bought them retail. I buy them from thrift stores for $8 - $25 and they are usually brand new. That is cheaper than the frumpy, sloppy sports clothes most people are buying who are supposedly "dressing down" and yet spending their whole paycheck on clothes that they feel peer pressure to wear.

And why should I feel like dressing like a clown (the sports clothe fashions) just because everyone else says they think it is cool. I still like the classic styles and i guess that is why they are classic. Styles come and go but I doubt that I will see any clothing style come around that looks better than the $2 Joseph A Banks Sport coat I found the other day. It was probably $300 new. It looks brand new and I paid $2.

If anyone thinks I am being insensitive to the homeless by wearing high end suits, just send them my way and I will tell them where they can get a suit for less than the Tee Shirt they are wearing. It's not insenstive to the homeless for a preacher to wear a nice suit if he bought it for $20 from Good Will.

People should not judge the man in a Tee Shirt and the man in the Tee Shirt should not judge the preacher in a suit.

Why dress like an 8 year old boy when dressing like an adult costs less?

It has nothing to do with Church or Christian tradition, it is about looking your best and having good taste. And I don't care who thinks that one style looks as good as the other, it just isn't true. People are looking silly not because it looks good but because they believe other people think it looks good and pleasing other people is the motive behind why they are dressing like clowns. It's sad. If the fashion industry tells them that wearing a sheepskin coat with short shorts is cool they will do it. The need to be accepted overrides their common sense and they can't think for themselves.
 
Jul 23, 2024
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#31
Why isn't what you wear a reflection of what's in your heart?
Only God can know what you have in your heart no matter what you are wearing. You can wear purple and fine linen like the Pharisees and have nothing in your heart, how equally you can have nothing to wear on top and have a lot in your heart.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
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#32
Only God can know what you have in your heart no matter what you are wearing. You can wear purple and fine linen like the Pharisees and have nothing in your heart, how equally you can have nothing to wear on top and have a lot in your heart.
Whether you eat or drink (or dress), do all to the glory of God.
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,530
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#33
I have a lot to say about this, since the Churches that i have been visiting for my whole life sort of require an unspoken dress code and that's all the people need to turn it into a Gucci and Versace show.
But, as you've said it here, trying to be a normal conservative attire, is what the Church priests say too, but due to different cultures and countries, people sometimes go overboard and think it's a place to promote their latest styles.
Personally i wear a suit and tie when i'm at work, but when i go to the church i don't wear a suit and tie. That would be too much. I dress like i didn't roll from bed or i'm not the best man in the wedding either with a $2000 tuxedo.

So, like you said, try to be as normal and conservative as possible and for the people who don't have the money to wear nice clothes, there's nothing wrong either because it's not a 5 star restaurant. It's a Church.
To me, it is amazing God sees the inside as man only sees the outside. I want in, to see from Father's view, anyone else?
Father sees the heart of all people, and knows truth of us each person here on earth. I see no use in hiding or faking or even acting, when God knows all truth as in Matthew 18:24-35 tells me about this truth given us today in risen Son.
I am forgiven by God through Son who is risen for us all to take heart and ask for the new heart to see truth and not condemn anyone again, since God chose by Son not to condemn.
Romans 2:1-4
seeing new is seeing from God's view through Son to everyone, to me, that does not mean I become a doormat ever. It means God makes us aware, wise as serpents, as we remain harmless as doves to me at least. Once aware it is not easy to remain harmless, only God I see is the only one that can do that in Faith for God's lead only at least for me.
Seeing the heart of people is from God for awareness to us to not be deceived as in Proverbs 23:1-7 tells me and Matt 10:16-20 Luke 21:14-15
Love all God's way and it is this love that overcame evil and overcomes evil always, in the long run. thanks
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
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#34
To me, it is amazing God sees the inside as man only sees the outside. I want in, to see from Father's view, anyone else?
Father sees the heart of all people, and knows truth of us each person here on earth. I see no use in hiding or faking or even acting, when God knows all truth as in Matthew 18:24-35 tells me about this truth given us today in risen Son.
I am forgiven by God through Son who is risen for us all to take heart and ask for the new heart to see truth and not condemn anyone again, since God chose by Son not to condemn.
Romans 2:1-4
seeing new is seeing from God's view through Son to everyone, to me, that does not mean I become a doormat ever. It means God makes us aware, wise as serpents, as we remain harmless as doves to me at least. Once aware it is not easy to remain harmless, only God I see is the only one that can do that in Faith for God's lead only at least for me.
Seeing the heart of people is from God for awareness to us to not be deceived as in Proverbs 23:1-7 tells me and Matt 10:16-20 Luke 21:14-15
Love all God's way and it is this love that overcame evil and overcomes evil always, in the long run. thanks
Adding to what @Nicolas and @Nehemiah6 said in regards to OT and some of the traditions that our church (Orthodox) follows from Jewish customs, 1 Timothy 2 and 3 is basically the standard that our priests go for but since the churches in the Mediterranean area are full of artwork and paintings, people sort of feel compelled to dress their best and overdo it.
I've seen this since i was a teenager when i went to the church for the first time.
The priests do dress very nicely and the crowd follows suit. But people overdo it from time to time, especially if you go in churches nears the big cities where i grew up.
It's in the cities where you will see people coming to church like they're going to a show.
I've seen a lot of cases on this topic basically for over 30 years and it's the reason why i try to stay moderate with my clothes in church.

I sort of joked around about this topic of appearances here: https://christianchat.com/christian-news-forum/the-hatred-of-jews.214439/page-65#post-5342263 where some people seem very shy to know what Jesus looked and dressed like.
As with everything in life, try not to overdo anything that's my goal anyway.
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
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#35
When the theme looks like this, then people tend to follow suit. But in the West, this sort of gives Catholic vibes which some people may not enjoy very much.
This is why i try to tone down coming in with my tuxedo.

1.jpg 2.jpg
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,530
491
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#36
Adding to what @Nicolas and @Nehemiah6 said in regards to OT and some of the traditions that our church (Orthodox) follows from Jewish customs, 1 Timothy 2 and 3 is basically the standard that our priests go for but since the churches in the Mediterranean area are full of artwork and paintings, people sort of feel compelled to dress their best and overdo it.
I've seen this since i was a teenager when i went to the church for the first time.
The priests do dress very nicely and the crowd follows suit. But people overdo it from time to time, especially if you go in churches nears the big cities where i grew up.
It's in the cities where you will see people coming to church like they're going to a show.
I've seen a lot of cases on this topic basically for over 30 years and it's the reason why i try to stay moderate with my clothes in church.

I sort of joked around about this topic of appearances here: https://christianchat.com/christian-news-forum/the-hatred-of-jews.214439/page-65#post-5342263 where some people seem very shy to know what Jesus looked and dressed like.
As with everything in life, try not to overdo anything that's my goal anyway.
thanks for the reality over the show of look at me attitudes of flesh and blood nature, wanting to be noticed and accepted by people.
We are accepted by God in Eph 1. Amazing to me to see the verses 6, 7,13
Accepted, forgiven and sealed by God, wow, woe is me as in Isaiah 6:1-7
 
Jul 23, 2024
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#37
Whether you eat or drink (or dress), do all to the glory of God.
Colossians 2: 8-23 (NKJV)

8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, (OR DRESS CODES),
17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—
21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Look, I didn't say that you should start dressing like a junky now. If for you, dressing elegantly to go to church makes you feel good or makes you feel that you are glorifying God in this way, do it, if you want to wear a tuxedo, do it. I'm not againt of that. I just don't think that's of great importance to God, not more than what you have in your heart. There is not a single verse apart from 1 Timothy 2 and 3 that talks about dress code in churches.
Now, I understand that there are dress codes for everything and that tells me that I cannot go to a wedding or a gala dinner dressed like a junky. This is how I see it, and this is how I expressed it in my initial comment.
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,530
491
83
#38
Colossians 2: 8-23 (NKJV)

8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, (OR DRESS CODES),
17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—
21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Look, I didn't say that you should start dressing like a junky now. If for you, dressing elegantly to go to church makes you feel good or makes you feel that you are glorifying God in this way, do it, if you want to wear a tuxedo, do it. I'm not againt of that. I just don't think that's of great importance to God, not more than what you have in your heart. There is not a single verse apart from 1 Timothy 2 and 3 that talks about dress code in churches.
Now, I understand that there are dress codes for everything and that tells me that I cannot go to a wedding or a gala dinner dressed like a junky. This is how I see it, and this is how I expressed it in my initial comment.
thank you for the reminder of Col 2, thank you
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,218
6,610
113
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#40
Colossians 2: 8-23 (NKJV)

8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, (OR DRESS CODES),
17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—
21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Look, I didn't say that you should start dressing like a junky now. If for you, dressing elegantly to go to church makes you feel good or makes you feel that you are glorifying God in this way, do it, if you want to wear a tuxedo, do it. I'm not againt of that. I just don't think that's of great importance to God, not more than what you have in your heart. There is not a single verse apart from 1 Timothy 2 and 3 that talks about dress code in churches.
Now, I understand that there are dress codes for everything and that tells me that I cannot go to a wedding or a gala dinner dressed like a junky. This is how I see it, and this is how I expressed it in my initial comment.
So if someone chooses their manner of attire based on the glory of God and God doesn't care?
My only point in all of this is to attempt to share with you a wider perspective.