Why are people expected to dress nicely at church?

[Unveiled Artist]

John.15:14 Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Why do you think that the friends of Jesus were poor and slaves and dirty and ragged?

21st Christians should be in rags for Christ but when they decide to crucify people they call sinners, they're outdated? Sounds like a double standard. If that's the right term.

 

[OtherSheep]

I'm referring to the people Jesus spent the most time with on earth. The ones He traveled with, ate with, bunked down with, etc. He wasn't hobnobbing with the rich.

I believe/feel/think that Jesus wasn't traveling with slaves or dirty people, since He is seen washing the feet of His disciples. But one woman had very expensive oil to use for Him. And one man was the owner of an unused tomb. I believe/feel/think that Jesus not only didn't care about money and the things that it buys, but didn't exclude those who had it.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I believe/feel/think that Jesus wasn't traveling with slaves or dirty people, since He is seen washing the feet of His disciples. But one woman had very expensive oil to use for Him. And one man was the owner of an unused tomb. I believe/feel/think that Jesus not only didn't care about money and the things that it buys, but didn't exclude those who had it.

Yes, some of His followers had wealth, and some wealthy ones like Mary Magdalene took to living an ascetic life like Jesus and traveling with Him. I was just saying that most of His followers came from the lower classes and social outcasts (like lepers).

 

[OtherSheep]

21st Christians should be in rags for Christ but when they decide to crucify people they call sinners, they're outdated? Sounds like a double standard. If that's the right term.

Where are Christ-followers crucifying anyone? I don't believe/feel/think they are following Christ at all, if they do those things. Jesus says thou shalt not kill; turn the other cheek.

Jesus says the Father feeds the sparrows and clothes the flowers of the field, and asks How much more will the Father care for you? (you being those who love Jesus and keep His commandments).

 

[Stevicus]

I never understood this. It always struck me as a bit of vanity. I don't know where this started, either. I can't imagine God cares what you are wearing, and it shouldn't matter to people what you wear as long as it's reasonable. The first Christians were poor people and slaves so I can imagine that they were a dirty bunch wearing rags. But these were Jesus' best friends.

"1 My brothers and sisters, practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ by not favoring one person over another. 2 For example, two men come to your worship service. One man is wearing gold rings and fine clothes; the other man, who is poor, is wearing shabby clothes. 3 Suppose you give special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say to him, “Please have a seat.” But you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or “Sit on the floor at my feet.” 4 Aren’t you discriminating against people and using a corrupt standard to make judgments?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Didn’t God choose poor people in the world to become rich in faith and to receive the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? 6 Yet, you show no respect to poor people. Don’t rich people oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Don’t they curse the good name of Jesus, the name that was used to bless you?" - 2 James 2:1-7

I agree. I don't see much of a reason to dress up. If people are watching Mass for Shut Ins or some other religious service on TV, they're sitting at home wearing whatever - and God would theoretically be able to see them.

I guess people dress up to impress other people.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I agree. I don't see much of a reason to dress up. If people are watching Mass for Shut Ins or some other religious service on TV, they're sitting at home wearing whatever - and God would theoretically be able to see them.

I guess people dress up to impress other people.

Exactly. Even the reasons people are giving in this thread just amount to vanity.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Where are Christ-followers crucifying anyone? I don't believe/feel/think they are following Christ at all, if they do those things. Jesus says thou shalt not kill; turn the other cheek.

Jesus says the Father feeds the sparrows and clothes the flowers of the field, and asks How much more will the Father care for you? (you being those who love Jesus and keep His commandments).

Strong word for condeming and convicting who they call sinners and convict them of doing things they feel is contrary to scripture. Christians have a huge influence on people's lives. Some places more than others but the US we are indoctrinated in it.

 

[OtherSheep]

Yes, some of His followers had wealth, and some wealthy ones like Mary Magdalene took to living an ascetic life like Jesus and traveling with Him. I was just saying that most of His followers came from the lower classes and social outcasts (like lepers).

I don't believe/feel/think that we can know what sort of life the Magdalene lived from the Scriptures, can we? I also don't think lepers followed Jesus. The stories from the Bible don't make that claim at all... that I can find. The ones I know about that were with Jesus are the Discipled Apostles... the others came and went... some turning back at various times. Many are called but few are chosen, and even less, prove to be faithful.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I don't believe/feel/think that we can know what sort of life the Magdalene lived from the Scriptures, can we? I also don't think lepers followed Jesus. The stories from the Bible don't make that claim at all... that I can find. The ones I know about that were with Jesus are the Discipled Apostles... the others came and went... some turning back at various times. Many are called but few are chosen, and even less, prove to be faithful.

You're just nitpicking at this point.

 

[Revoltingest]

I believe/feel/think that you may be misunderstanding that of which you are not part. I would consider it a kindness if you would show some consideration for the people who do believe Christ... not attempt to subvert us from our faith.

I jest about how Christians have opposing "truths".
I've no intent or ability to convert anyone.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I do believe that it screams disrespect when one does not consider that the way they dress reflects their respect for God and his worship.

Jesus himself never said anything remotely related to "wear your best when you congregate to worship." Dressing nice is for us silly apes who are attracted to shiney things.
Jesus never said to look good. He said to love the poor and love your meoghbor. But adornments and looking flashy and gawdy and that sort is discouraged. Prohibited even.
You respect Jesus by respecting those around you and treat them decently as people ought to be. Judging by dress is highly superficial and vain. Expecting people dress up sets you up for expectations that others can't meet. And, because you are a human, it's actually fairly likely you'll make a judgement based on what you see and without scant resemblance of knowledge need to make an informed conclusion (actually, we all do it).

 

[Deidre]

God sees our hearts and that is what matters most.

 

[OtherSheep]

Strong word for condeming and convicting who they call sinners and convict them of doing things they feel is contrary to scripture. Christians have a huge influence on people's lives. Some places more than others but the US we are indoctrinated in it.

I believe that Christians have the right to talk to other Christians about what the Bible says, but what possible good can it do to try to apply Christian rules to non-believers? I think we either believe what Jesus says and do what He tells us to do, or we're not Christ-followers... end of story. I feel that the judgment comes from this and this alone, and that's not done by Christians, but by the Ancient of Days. Who else is fit to judge?

 

[SomeRandom]

So homeless people with no access to a shower or bath shouldn't worship the Lord?

If a homeless person showed up at a Church. I would expect Christ to welcome him/her in and wash him/her personally. For their heart is pure and they have accepted God into their lives.
Whether or not I expect such behaviour from his followers is a bit more.....”complicated.”

 

[Deeje]

So homeless people with no access to a shower or bath shouldn't worship the Lord?

In our experience, those who want to come to Christ as a worshipper of Jehovah put in the effort to bring themselves into a proper state to worship him. By a proper state, I mean to be as clean and presentable as their circumstances allow. Its about respect.

I will give you a first hand example of my own experience....
A man and his wife were hopelessly addicted to alcohol and tobacco, and all their money went to support their addictions. There was little left for food. They wore clothing that was dirty and stank of urine and their hair was seldom ever washed. Their accommodation was ramshackle, but it was a roof over their heads and all they could afford. When we called on them in our ministry, they showed interest in the Bible's message, but their addictions were too strong for them to make any changes in their lives. We continued to call and encourage them....but then the wife went into acute liver failure and died at the age of just 36.

The husband was devastated but had to admit that alcohol had taken his wife away from him. We helped him with the funeral which was conducted at a local Catholic church (his wife was Catholic) and catered to family members who attended the wake at his home. (which we cleaned) But grief was taking away his will to live.

I saw an article in a Watchtower magazine and went to his house to give it to him and to encourage him to read this one article on the wonderful future promised for mankind in a restored paradise on earth. He promised that he would read it. The next time I called he greeted me with a big smile and said that he read the article and that he felt like 'a penny dropped'.....from that day he decided to study the Bible, clean up his life, and with God's help he conquered his addictions and became a clean worshipper of Jehovah. He still is to this day.

People don't need a "hand out" because that simply makes them dependent and perpetuates their 'victimhood'....they need a "hand up" to become the useful human beings that God knows they can be. You don't need to be rich to dress in clean clothes.....thrift stores can provide clothing at low cost. And water to wash oneself is not out of reach, nor is a bar of soap....where there's a will, there's a way. Sometimes the will is all they need.....

Homeless people often lose the will, because society throws them away....God never does.

 

[Prim969]

I never understood this. It always struck me as a bit of vanity. I don't know where this started, either. I can't imagine God cares what you are wearing, and it shouldn't matter to people what you wear as long as it's reasonable. The first Christians were poor people and slaves so I can imagine that they were a dirty bunch wearing rags. But these were Jesus' best friends.

"1 My brothers and sisters, practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ by not favoring one person over another. 2 For example, two men come to your worship service. One man is wearing gold rings and fine clothes; the other man, who is poor, is wearing shabby clothes. 3 Suppose you give special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say to him, “Please have a seat.” But you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or “Sit on the floor at my feet.” 4 Aren’t you discriminating against people and using a corrupt standard to make judgments?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Didn’t God choose poor people in the world to become rich in faith and to receive the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? 6 Yet, you show no respect to poor people. Don’t rich people oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Don’t they curse the good name of Jesus, the name that was used to bless you?" - 2 James 2:1-7

I think most cultures have a standard of dress code when it comes to festivities and religious occasions. As to being poor it really does not cost so much for a nice dress or shirt and trousers to look respectable for those occasions or to which ever standard of cultural dress code you belong . As to the early Christians some were slaves others were free and some quite rich. As to James 1-7 it.must have been a problem and maybe with some today it may be . But generally with most be they rich, middle class or poor and from whatever cultural background one comes. All do equally sit side by side along the pews.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I never understood this. It always struck me as a bit of vanity. I don't know where this started, either. I can't imagine God cares what you are wearing, and it shouldn't matter to people what you wear as long as it's reasonable. The first Christians were poor people and slaves so I can imagine that they were a dirty bunch wearing rags. But these were Jesus' best friends.

"1 My brothers and sisters, practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ by not favoring one person over another. 2 For example, two men come to your worship service. One man is wearing gold rings and fine clothes; the other man, who is poor, is wearing shabby clothes. 3 Suppose you give special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say to him, “Please have a seat.” But you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or “Sit on the floor at my feet.” 4 Aren’t you discriminating against people and using a corrupt standard to make judgments?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Didn’t God choose poor people in the world to become rich in faith and to receive the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? 6 Yet, you show no respect to poor people. Don’t rich people oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Don’t they curse the good name of Jesus, the name that was used to bless you?" - 2 James 2:1-7

I think its vanity more than anything else.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I believe that Christians have the right to talk to other Christians about what the Bible says, but what possible good can it do to try to apply Christian rules to non-believers? I think we either believe what Jesus says and do what He tells us to do, or we're not Christ-followers... end of story. I feel that the judgment comes from this and this alone, and that's not done by Christians, but by the Ancient of Days. Who else is fit to judge?

A lot of people aren't looking a Christian theology but christian behavior and verbal condeming based on their theology. Many Christians don't know they are doing it and some know but say "tough love" even though it can be an abusive situation. Some Christians blame their peers as if convicting their peers relieves them of their actions.

I get what you're saying but it goes beyond that.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

In our experience, those who want to come to Christ as a worshipper of Jehovah put in the effort to bring themselves into a proper state to worship him. By a proper state, I mean to be as clean and presentable as their circumstances allow. Its about respect.

I will give you a first hand example of my own experience....
A man and his wife were hopelessly addicted to alcohol and tobacco, and all their money went to support their addictions. There was little left for food. They wore clothing that was dirty and stank of urine and their hair was seldom ever washed. Their accommodation was ramshackle, but it was a roof over their heads and all they could afford. When we called on them in our ministry, they showed interest in the Bible's message, but their addictions were too strong for them to make any changes in their lives. We continued to call and encourage them....but then the wife went into acute liver failure and died at the age of just 36.

The husband was devastated but had to admit that alcohol had taken his wife away from him. We helped him with the funeral which was conducted at a local Catholic church (his wife was Catholic) and catered to family members who attended the wake at his home. (which we cleaned) But grief was taking away his will to live.

I saw an article in a Watchtower magazine and went to his house to give it to him and to encourage him to read this one article on the wonderful future promised for mankind in a restored paradise on earth. He promised that he would read it. The next time I called he greeted me with a big smile and said that he read the article and that he felt like 'a penny dropped'.....from that day he decided to study the Bible, clean up his life, and with God's help he conquered his addictions and became a clean worshipper of Jehovah. He still is to this day.

People don't need a "hand out" because that simply makes them dependent and perpetuates their 'victimhood'....they need a "hand up" to become the useful human beings that God knows they can be. You don't need to be rich to dress in clean clothes.....thrift stores can provide clothing at low cost. And water to wash oneself is not out of reach, nor is a bar of soap....where there's a will, there's a way. Sometimes the will is all they need.....

Homeless people often lose the will, because society throws them away....God never does.

I don't know how your Kingdom Halls work but many Catholic and Episcopal parishes are open all day for people to come and pray in the sanctuary or try to speak with clergy. They usually have signs out front saying "all are welcome" or something similar, not "all are welcome unless you don't fit our standards of dress". At the Episcopal parish I attend, there might be a couple homeless people sitting or sleeping in the pews during and around the liturgy. No one cares and they don't bother anyone. Yes, they are dressed in shabby clothing, too. But they are still God's children and it's better they be in a church then on the street, even if it's just for a few hours.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I think most cultures have a standard of dress code when it comes to festivities and religious occasions. As to being poor it really does not cost so much for a nice dress or shirt and trousers to look respectable for those occasions or to which ever standard of cultural dress code you belong . As to the early Christians some were slaves others were free and some quite rich. As to James 1-7 it.must have been a problem and maybe with some today it may be . But generally with most be they rich, middle class or poor and from whatever cultural background one comes. All do equally sit side by side along the pews.

Christians are supposed to be above petty cultural standards. Christianity is countercultural.