Do you dress up for church?

[subllibrm]

The come as you are crowd judging the Sunday best crowd!
Oh! The irony!

Where? Which way did they go? We can head them off at the pass!  ;D

 

[Castor Muscular]

The come as you are crowd judging the Sunday best crowd!
Oh! The irony!

Judging?  Where?

I'm asking the question of those who dress up, "Why do you dress up for Jesus/God as if the church building is where he lives, as if he looks at what you're wearing, and as if he cares what you're wearing?" 

The "reverence for God" answer, even if the person who says it believes it, makes no sense.  Does anyone actually think God pays attention to what you're wearing when you gather at a church for worship?  That would be sad, IMO.

The one answer I haven't seen, but would make perfect sense, is, "I don't dress up for God.  I dress up to impress/look good for the other people who attend church services."  At least that explains why they dress up for this particular occasion.  I'm surprised nobody has said that yet. 

 

[Castor Muscular]

The come as you are crowd judging the Sunday best crowd!
Oh! The irony!

Judging?  Where?

I'm asking the question of those who dress up, "Why do you dress up for Jesus/God as if the church building is where he lives, as if he looks at what you're wearing, and as if he cares what you're wearing?" 

The "reverence for God" answer, even if the person who says it believes it, makes no sense.  Does anyone actually think God pays attention to what you're wearing when you gather at a church for worship?  That would be sad, IMO.

The one answer I haven't seen, but would make perfect sense, is, "I don't dress up for God.  I dress up to impress/look good for the other people who attend church services."  At least that explains why they dress up for this particular occasion.  I'm surprised nobody has said that yet.

ok..... if it would make you feel better.... i really do dress up for church to look good and impress other people who attend the services....i admit that ... but i also dress up to feel better about myself... to be more comfortable and fit in better with the surroundings ....and because there are times i just enjoy looking nice wearing my nice dresses with something nice on my feet other than a pair of hawaiian rubber slippers or hunting boots......church is one of those times....  but if the truth were known.....  if i showed up for church in my udt style shorts and tank top... or walked into church straight from surfing still wearing my high endurance speedo swimsuit... (the one with the really narrow bottom)... and a wet suit top.... a certain demographic of the church might be impressed even more.....  ... .. just saying.....  :-\

I'm glad you're honest, and there's nothing wrong with your motivation, IMO. 

castor... you know i like you and you know i;m your friend.... but in this thread you equated dressing up for church with paganism... churlishness as if we are only doing it to make those with less money feel bad about themselves... and vanity... as if we are trying to please God by choosing more expensive attire to worship Him in........ is that not judging?..... ???[/font][/size][/color]

No, it's an attempt to get people to think about what they're doing.  I'm not keeping track of who does what because I don't really care. 

This would be "judging": If someone said he/she was dressing up out of reverence for God, but was really just dressing up to give everyone at the church the impression he/she is doing it out of reverence for God.  You know, for show.  That I might condemn, because it's hypocrisy.  But nobody has said that, and I'm not going to assume.  Indeed, I actually think that the "reverence for God" answer is sincere.  It just doesn't make sense.  If someone dresses up out of reverence for God, then I would expect them to put on their Sunday best when they kneel down to pray. 

the question i had... which has still not been answered.... was why were the priests who served in the early temple commanded to wear a certain type and cut of clothing........ was there a specific reason for it?.... i have always thought it was prevent them from over heating and defiling the temple with their own sweat....  but does anyone know another reason?
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I used to know more about this, but if you're talking about the Jewish priests, then the design of the clothing is symbolic.  I just don't remember what the symbols and meanings were. 

 

[ALAYMAN]

Meaningless straw man.

No, it's not.  The things of everyday life most certainly may be necessary, but at the same time can be very distracting for all intents and purposes of worship.

Yes it is.  I already pointed out that until the 19th century, people generally had two sets of clothes.  One set was used for working and getting dirty.  The other set was for everyday social use.  People only started dressing up for class differentiation when the middle class emerged and some people could afford it. 

So "dressing up" for church BEGAN as class differentiation.  Once pretty much everyone could dress up, then it lost its differentiating power, and people redefined it as "reverence".  But that still doesn't answer the question -- now that you dress up for reverence -- why?  What about that time slot on Sunday morning makes dressing up more reverent to God than the other 165 hours?  And do you really think God gives two whits what your clothes look like? 

Genesis 35:2  Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

Really?  You think this is meant to be instructions for how to dress when you go to a church?  The quote is even totally without context, and all he says is "Change your garments".  Maybe they were dirty.  He didn't tell them to put on their Sunday best.

Gill regarding Gen 35:2
and change your garments: which might be stained with blood, and therefore not fit to appear in before God, or were old and worn out, or sordid apparel: changing and washing of garments were also emblems of renewing of the mind, and cleansing of the soul, and of the change of heart and life, as well as of pleasure, delight, and cheerfulness in appearing before God.

I could cite others, and extend the argument but your mind is made up that there is not a verse that says "dress up in corporate worship" so I'll just leave the discussion with the idea that numerous people acknowledge that corporate worship is categorically different than other forms of worship for a variety of reasons, and it's not just fundys or puritanical types.

 

[ALAYMAN]

...The takeaway is that God loves and values every person in the congregation. He is not basing that value upon their wardrobe (posh or rough).

Sub, I love ya bro, but you're tilting at windmills, and erecting strawmen.  Where have I given ANY indication that God accepts or values us based on ANYTHING we do?

We are to have the mind of Christ. James is giving us an example of where our mind is liable to part ways with that of Christ. If we are there to meet with Him then we should not be focused on Harry and his bell bottoms.

Again, you're implying things that I've never suggested.  Where have I said that we ought to have an attitude of checking other people out to make sure they are wearing what we believe they should be wearing?


And FTR, the key to the James passage you are citing is verse 4....


Jas 2:4  Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Judgementalism coupled with partiality is what is in view, which I've already stated previously.  The passage is not about what people wear as much as it is a condemnation of factional Christianity.

FWIW wear what you want, I'm pretty sure I won't notice unless it's a tux or a gownless evening strap.

Bro, I'm afraid I've outgrown my manzier so you're safe.
Jas 2:4  Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

 

[freelance_christian]

The question is for both "clergy" and peons, er, the laity. 

Do you know, without looking it up or googling it, at what point in history people started dressing up for church, and why?

I am a member of our worship team, so I normally wear shorts and a polo or t-shirt. The last time I preached in our Sunday service, I wore nice khaki shorts and a polo. In fact, I'm sitting in my house wearing nice khaki shorts and a polo. I also wear that to work most days. That's my usual dress, so that's what I wear to church.

 

[JrChurch]

I'm definitely with Kaba on this one.  I dress up for church as do most of the people at our church.  My husband wears a suit to all services as do my sons. Our teen son wears jeans on Wed evening if they are meeting in the teen gym for Bible study and activities.  Most people at our church make a concerted effort to come in their best which does not necessarily mean a suit.  I've never seen one of the coal miners come with a speck of coal dust on them.  A few visiting ladies wear pants, but it is common in our area for the ladies at the more traditional churches to wear skirts/dresses.

I grew up in a large city and we were not allowed to wear pants to school.  In my junior year of high school, the dress code for the public schools changed and girls were allowed to wear pants, but I still couldn't because I was a cheerleader and they made PS cheerleaders wear dresses/skirts.  Apparently, legalists ruled our secular school. 

 

[PappaBear]

I've never seen one of the coal miners come with a speck of coal dust on them. 

That is pretty consistent for West Virginia.  Every coal miner I have known took great pains to clean up and dress well.  I have seen them come out of the mines so dark with coal dust from working the long wall, pinning top, or running a miner that it looked like they had taken a bath in black face paint.  They might skip a bite of hot food to make it to church, but they sure would never skip a good shower and fresh clothes.  Ya reckon that's why Obama is pushing his war on coal, because of the respect they have for the LORD?

 

[JrChurch]

That is pretty consistent for West Virginia.  Every coal miner I have known took great pains to clean up and dress well.  I have seen them come out of the mines so dark with coal dust from working the long wall, pinning top, or running a miner that it looked like they had taken a bath in black face paint.  They might skip a bite of hot food to make it to church, but they sure would never skip a good shower and fresh clothes.  Ya reckon that's why Obama is pushing his war on coal, because of the respect they have for the LORD?

It is possible!  The war on coal is going to hurt a lot of good workers and their families.  Won't do our utility bill any good, either. 

 

[freelance_christian]

I've never seen one of the coal miners come with a speck of coal dust on them. 

That is pretty consistent for West Virginia.  Every coal miner I have known took great pains to clean up and dress well.  I have seen them come out of the mines so dark with coal dust from working the long wall, pinning top, or running a miner that it looked like they had taken a bath in black face paint.  They might skip a bite of hot food to make it to church, but they sure would never skip a good shower and fresh clothes.  Ya reckon that's why Obama is pushing his war on coal, because of the respect they have for the LORD?

Your association with miners is pretty limited if this is your view of miners. I am a life-long WV resident, and I deal with miners on a daily basis. There are good ones and bad ones, like every other profession.

 

[subllibrm]

...The takeaway is that God loves and values every person in the congregation. He is not basing that value upon their wardrobe (posh or rough).

Sub, I love ya bro, but you're tilting at windmills, and erecting strawmen.  Where have I given ANY indication that God accepts or values us based on ANYTHING we do?

We are to have the mind of Christ. James is giving us an example of where our mind is liable to part ways with that of Christ. If we are there to meet with Him then we should not be focused on Harry and his bell bottoms.

Again, you're implying things that I've never suggested.  Where have I said that we ought to have an attitude of checking other people out to make sure they are wearing what we believe they should be wearing?


And FTR, the key to the James passage you are citing is verse 4....


Jas 2:4  Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Judgementalism coupled with partiality is what is in view, which I've already stated previously.  The passage is not about what people wear as much as it is a condemnation of factional Christianity.

FWIW wear what you want, I'm pretty sure I won't notice unless it's a tux or a gownless evening strap.

Bro, I'm afraid I've outgrown my manzier so you're safe.
Jas 2:4  Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

I believe that are misreading my thoughts or I am not doing a very good job of conveying them. Well, you did a good job with the manzier application.  ;D

 

[JrChurch]

Your association with miners is pretty limited if this is your view of miners. I am a life-long WV resident, and I deal with miners on a daily basis. There are good ones and bad ones, like every other profession.

I definitely have a limited view of miners overall.  The ones I know well are faithful men at our church, fellow parents at our Christian school, or preachers.  I have never had a rude incident with a miner in town, but I'm sure I look like a "church lady" to them.

What general area of WV?  Or more important....how far do y'all live from a Wal-Martz?

 

[kaba]

Why is it so hard to give our best and to look our best for our Lord? He deserves so much more than I can do or say.

Going to church is special. I dont ignore the Lord through out the week, but I take this one special day to sing to him and to learn more about him. I dont want it to be a ho hum time.

 

[Izdaari]

This answer might not be accepted by all, but oh well, it is what I believe and I am happy with it. I do it to show respect  to the Lord.

You are in the presence of the Lord 24/7, and have access to God all that time.  There's nothing special about the church building.  God doesn't live there and wait for you to show up and see what you wear for 3 hours.  Aren't you inclined to show respect to the Lord the other 165 hours of the week? 

I'm not trying to be a smart-butt or mean -- just trying to get the point across that we have a mistaken idea of what "church" is.

You are not being mean.  I am in the presence of the Lord 24/7 and do have access to him at all times-I agree. And I dont worship the church building, while I appreciate having a building to meet in. There is a time and a place for everything. I believe when I attend church, I show my respect to the Lord by dressing up.
If I were to meet the teachers at my childrens school, I would wear clean clothes, smell good, comb my hair. Why would I not want to "clean up" for my Lord and Savior?
But your real argument isnt about what someone wears to church though, is it?

Except that not one of us "come as you are folks" has even hinted that wearing dirty clothes, being unkempt and smelling bad to church would be a good idea. And that makes this a straw man argument.

 

[ALAYMAN]

I believe that are misreading my thoughts or I am not doing a very good job of conveying them. Well, you did a good job with the manzier application.  ;D

In my best Strother Martin voice....


"what we have here, is a failure, to communicate."

Except that not one of us "come as you are folks" has even hinted that wearing dirty clothes, being unkempt and smelling bad to church would be a good idea. And that makes this a straw man argument

.

And if the "come as you are folks" are correct in their claim that God only cares about the heart, not what you have on, then why would it be inappropriate to assemble in dirty stinky unkempt clothes?

 

[Recovering IFB]

I believe that are misreading my thoughts or I am not doing a very good job of conveying them. Well, you did a good job with the manzier application.  ;D

In my best Strother Martin voice....


"what we have here, is a failure, to communicate."

Except that not one of us "come as you are folks" has even hinted that wearing dirty clothes, being unkempt and smelling bad to church would be a good idea. And that makes this a straw man argument

.

And if the "come as you are folks" are correct in their claim that God only cares about the heart, not what you have on, then why would it be inappropriate to assemble in dirty stinky unkempt clothes?

Do you think God favors those who come dressed in suits and looks down on those who come in jeans? Does God look at outward appearances? I think the center of worship is Jesus and if we only focus on praise and worship of Him, then everything else is a dog and pony show.

 

[Tarheel Baptist]

This answer might not be accepted by all, but oh well, it is what I believe and I am happy with it. I do it to show respect  to the Lord.

You are in the presence of the Lord 24/7, and have access to God all that time.  There's nothing special about the church building.  God doesn't live there and wait for you to show up and see what you wear for 3 hours.  Aren't you inclined to show respect to the Lord the other 165 hours of the week? 

I'm not trying to be a smart-butt or mean -- just trying to get the point across that we have a mistaken idea of what "church" is.

You are not being mean.  I am in the presence of the Lord 24/7 and do have access to him at all times-I agree. And I dont worship the church building, while I appreciate having a building to meet in. There is a time and a place for everything. I believe when I attend church, I show my respect to the Lord by dressing up.
If I were to meet the teachers at my childrens school, I would wear clean clothes, smell good, comb my hair. Why would I not want to "clean up" for my Lord and Savior?
But your real argument isnt about what someone wears to church though, is it?

Except that not one of us "come as you are folks" has even hinted that wearing dirty clothes, being unkempt and smelling bad to church would be a good idea. And that makes this a straw man argument.

If anyone argued that, it is a straw man argument.
I believe what you wear to church, assuming your motives are right, is moot.

 

[ALAYMAN]

Do you think God favors those who come dressed in suits and looks down on those who come in jeans? Does God look at outward appearances? I think the center of worship is Jesus and if we only focus on praise and worship of Him, then everything else is a dog and pony show.

You avoided answering the question.

 

[Tarheel Baptist]

Recovering IFB:
Do you think God favors those who come dressed in suits and looks down on those who come in jeans? Does God look at outward appearances? I think the center of worship is Jesus and if we only focus on praise and worship of Him, then everything else is a dog and pony show.

Speaking of a straw man argument....

 

[ALAYMAN]

Recovering IFB:
Do you think God favors those who come dressed in suits and looks down on those who come in jeans? Does God look at outward appearances? I think the center of worship is Jesus and if we only focus on praise and worship of Him, then everything else is a dog and pony show.

Speaking of a straw man argument....

No, he's nailed it,  I believe God only favors those who wear 3-piece suits with cuff-links,  and that the only ting that matters is our finely arrayed garments.  When we come together it ought to be a pagent to show off our duds, and Jesus should take a back stage.  That's what I've said from the beginning, if you've paid any attention at all.