The Clerical Collar (Jesus, priests, ritual, churches, LDS)

Katzpur · #1 03-22-2008, 10:33 PM

Since LDS bishops wear business suits to church, I really don't know anything at all about the clerical collar that Protestant and Catholic (I think) ministers, pastors, priests, etc. wear -- except for what it looks like. Would someone who understands the origin and history of this item of clothing please explain it to me? Thanks.

sojourner · #2 03-25-2008, 10:01 AM

It actually originated fairly late (I believe in the 18th century).

It places a band of white around the throat of the ordained minister. White symbolizes purity. It is a sign that the one who speaks to the Church on Christ's behalf speaks purely. It also symbolizes being yoked to Christ, to do his work, and yoked to the Church, as well. It is neither a sign of superiority, or special spiritual privilege. It is a sign of humility and servitude.

There are two types of collars, both of which are acceptable to most churches in which they are worn: the tab collar, which is a white tab, about 6 inches in length, that slips into the shirt collar on either side of the neck button. The other type is a band collar, which sits on the outside of a collarless shirt, going completely around the neck and fastening at the back with a stud.

Katzpur · #3 03-25-2008, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sojourner

It actually originated fairly late (I believe in the 18th century).

No kidding? Could you elaborate?

Quote:

It places a band of white around the throat of the ordained minister. White symbolizes purity. It is a sign that the one who speaks to the Church on Christ's behalf speaks purely. It also symbolizes being yoked to Christ, to do his work, and yoked to the Church, as well. It is neither a sign of superiority, or special spiritual privilege. It is a sign of humility and servitude.

Thanks for the info!

Do you know when the clerical collar started to be used?

sojourner · #4 03-26-2008, 08:10 AM

You're welcome. As I said, it began to emerge in the 1700's. I don't think it could be pinned down to a particular year, month, day, hour, etc. I don't know where it began.

Green Kepi · #5 03-30-2008, 08:08 PM

Ever wondered why Jesus warned the "religious leaders" (Matthew 23:5-7) not to wear their clothing differently to announce that they were "religious leaders"? Think about it...He did this for a reason...then...as Sojourner stated, "It began to emerge in the 1700's". Jesus is saying to not do such a thing and nearly 1800 years later...men began to do it. Go figure....

Starfish · #6 03-30-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Kepi

Ever wondered why Jesus warned the "religious leaders" (Matthew 23:5-7) not to wear their clothing differently to announce that they were "religious leaders"? Think about it...He did this for a reason...then...as Sojourner stated, "It began to emerge in the 1700's". Jesus is saying to not do such a thing and nearly 1800 years later...men began to do it. Go figure....

You just inspired a quick dash to my Bible. Interesting.

Katzpur · #7 03-30-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Kepi

Ever wondered why Jesus warned the "religious leaders" (Matthew 23:5-7) not to wear their clothing differently to announce that they were "religious leaders"? Think about it...He did this for a reason...then...as Sojourner stated, "It began to emerge in the 1700's". Jesus is saying to not do such a thing and nearly 1800 years later...men began to do it. Go figure....

That's really interesting. I didn't realize that, and I've never given it much thought since my religious leaders just dress the same as everybody else. But you're a Christian. How do your religious leaders dress? I thought almost all Christian ministers wore the clerical collar.

Green Kepi · #8 03-31-2008, 06:04 AM

"My religious leaders" (?). Just like everyone else in the congregation. They are no more important to God than the average member (if there is such a thing to God). They just may be judged by a different standard due to their positions. However, they for the main part are just privileged to spend more time in study and if they can do so...not have to work outside jobs to support themselves and families (by the way, I am a Christian minister and my wife says I need to "dress much better than I do... :0)...I also work another job).

angellous_evangellous · #9 03-31-2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Kepi

Ever wondered why Jesus warned the "religious leaders" (Matthew 23:5-7) not to wear their clothing differently to announce that they were "religious leaders"? Think about it...He did this for a reason...then...as Sojourner stated, "It began to emerge in the 1700's". Jesus is saying to not do such a thing and nearly 1800 years later...men began to do it. Go figure....

Bishops started wearing vestments long before that - it comes from (IMHO) the bishop being a ward of the Roman state. Soj was referring to the clerical collar specifically - which developed long after that.

The Reformers taught that vestments were adiophora - not contrary to Scripture but should be avoided if they are abused. The radicals, of course, wanted to do away with everything but Scripture, so they did away with everything.