Proper attire for Sunday meetings

[eternalpromise516]

very interesting and thoughtful discussion going on.

i do my darn best to make sure i'm looking not just presentable to go to Church, but to look my best and to be modest, reverent, and to show respect. this involves wearing a pair of really nice dressy pants most weeks, my good pair of black heeled shoes, and a nice top, maybe earrings and some make-up if i'm in the mood for make up and earrings. this past sunday, i wore the new dress i got to wear to my brother's best friend's wedding that i got on sale for 20 bucks, marked down from 70, and wore a similar colored shirt underneath it to make it appropriate and modest for Church, and wore the shoes i had with it that happened to be turquoise flip-flops with glitter on the straps. i even got a compliment from a member of the bishopric and the missionary who baptized me on how modest, pretty, and summery i looked. i get complimented on my attire even when i wear pants.

here's how i view attire for sunday meetings in my mind. you need to make yourself be presentable and show respect. you should do your best and look your best using the means you have available, whether it be wearing a pair of dressy slacks, nice shoes, and a nice top(nice pants, good shoes and shirt for men)...or a dress/skirt (suit,etc for men). yes, there should be effort, but i'd be ashamed to see someone or a family turned away from a meetinghouse/chapel just because they all weren't in dresses and suits or something similar. i'd want to embrace them for making the effort (and who knows, the sacrifice) to even get there and want to be at Church. (now the Temple i could see that.) however, i will never judge someone just based on their choice of clothing to Church, nor judge period. that is the Lord's position to do so. all i can do is make them feel welcome and loved within the Church.

it's a little difficult for me to get what i mean to say out on a more physical medium from in my head. i know what i want to say, it just doesn't always make the connection! so excuse me for any gaps or stuff that doesn't make sense. i'll probably add to it or go back later and edit.

Edited August 17, 2009 by eternalpromise516

[Guest Believer_1829]

"but if you have been taught correct principles and then decide against it..., well, you make the call."

That was a lot of fancy footwork just to slide you answer in. You could have just said, "Yes."

[beefche]

People, don't make me close this thread.

There are those who believe white shirt/tie for men and dress/skirt for women are appropriate for Sunday church. There are those who believe dress nice applies to each.

It is not a judgment on either person's part of what you personally choose to wear. It is simply difference of opinion.

Stop calling each other out as judgemental for having a differing opinion.

[eternalpromise516]

well said, beefche.

[sixpacktr]

Have the Brethren ever stated things that go against what Christ taught in scripture? I'm not asking this to make waves, I'm asking because I believe that our highest Authority is God. So when there are hundreds of differing opinions on what we should wear to church (or other things not specifically laid out in scripture), we ought to obey God rather than man. When He says that He is concerned with our hearts and not the outward appearance, I believe He means it. The rest is left up to our relationship with Him to determine, "God, are you honored with this outfit?"

Well, let me put it this way to you (and this is not in a sarcastic tone, I'm just asking the question): should we 'pick and choose' to follow what the GA's teach us over the pulpit (I'm not speaking of one on one conversations, etc., but over the pulpit when they are speaking as Christ's representatives), kind of like a smorgasbord? I like this teaching, but that one doesn't fit with my world view so I'll reject that one as 'their opinion'.

I know that it is unpopular with 'thinking' Mormons, as there is kind of a 'wink wink, nudge nudge, know what I mean, know what I mean' kind of attitude towards the likes of me (kind of a faith simpleton, I guess), who does believe what the Brethren have taught, and don't try to parse their words to fit what I think they should. I believe they are called of God. I believe that they have a responsibility to teach truth. I believe I will be blessed for following their counsel. I also believe that I have to gain my own testimony of what they are teaching. IOW, they teach a principle, I study it out, pray for a testimony, and then go forward. I align my beliefs with their teachings, not with what I feel it should be for ME and then pick and choose what they teach.

Again, this isn't meant as mean spirited, just an honest question. Which teachings of theirs would YOU throw out? Would YOU think aren't as important as others?

Just curious...

[lattelady]

I know you're not being mean-spirited. Thankyou for not being. I was actually asking a genuine question of--have you ever come across something that the Brethren have said "This is a teaching that deserves acceptance" that when placed up against actual scripture, one takes issue with it because it doesn't jive. It contradicts. I'm not saying I have one--I'm asking if it has happened. If it's caused issues--I know that when MEN try to impose their laws on others it can cause disunity if they're not GOD'S words--does this make sense?

[sixpacktr]

That was a lot of fancy footwork just to slide you answer in. You could have just said, "Yes."

Are you okay? No, really, I gotta know. I have been very light-hearted in the last couple of posts and yet you hang on like a dog with a juicy bone.

Let it go. Wear your robes. Go barefoot. Renounce the suit and tie as tools of Satan and representative of Babylon. In fact, here's a thought: Adam and Eve were naked and 'not ashamed'. How about that? We all go naked to church? I don't think that would be a pretty sight, and the poster that talked in another thread of being distracted by the 10 year old picking her feet would have to keep her head down to not be grossed out, I'm sure, but then we'd not be wearing those evil white shirts and ties.

Again, this is all said tongue in cheek. Do as you wish. Wear a pink tutu if the mood strikes you.

C, ca, can't we all just get along??

[john doe]

I think this thread is about what is the proper attire for men to wear to Church. Hopefully the link Wingers provided will help answer some of those questions.

I find it ironic when it's pointed out that someone is being judgemental they don't think they are also judging as well.

How about we leave the comments about being judgmental out and answer his question. The OP already pointed out when he made a comment that the conversation went down hill. That's what happens to these threads as well.

JMHO

Apparently some people didn't understand this post the first time around, I'm reposting it. If you guys can't pull this thread out of the gutter it will be closed.

[sixpacktr]

I know you're not being mean-spirited. Thankyou for not being. I was actually asking a genuine question of--have you ever come across something that the Brethren have said "This is a teaching that deserves acceptance" that when placed up against actual scripture, one takes issue with it because it doesn't jive. It contradicts. I'm not saying I have one--I'm asking if it has happened. If it's caused issues--I know that when MEN try to impose their laws on others it can cause disunity if they're not GOD'S words--does this make sense?

Yes, perfect sense. I believe (and there are others on this board much more well versed in this than I am) that there have been times when the teachings of some of the GAs has been 'redacted' because it entered into opinion and not church doctrine. I don't believe this has been the case so much from over the pulpit, but more in their own personal writings/books. That is why if you buy a book by a GA, it isn't copyrighted by the church, but Deseret book or some other company. I believe that other than the scriptures only Jesus the Christ is considered doctrinally pure (how about Marvelous Work and a Wonder, or Miracle of Forgiveness? I know we could read those on our mission) and thus without any error (on the par with scripture). I know that some point to Elder McConkie and some of his writings and state that he was out of the way (particularly some passages of Mormon Doctrine), but I don't think that that was the case with conference addresses. We are taught that conference addresses are 'scripture' for us for the next 6 months, and should be treated as such.

I know I didn't answer your question 100%, but only from what I know. If someone else has some insights, I'd love to hear them.

[Generally_Me]

Well, let me put it this way to you (and this is not in a sarcastic tone, I'm just asking the question): should we 'pick and choose' to follow what the GA's teach us over the pulpit (I'm not speaking of one on one conversations, etc., but over the pulpit when they are speaking as Christ's representatives), kind of like a smorgasbord? I like this teaching, but that one doesn't fit with my world view so I'll reject that one as 'their opinion'.

I know that it is unpopular with 'thinking' Mormons, as there is kind of a 'wink wink, nudge nudge, know what I mean, know what I mean' kind of attitude towards the likes of me (kind of a faith simpleton, I guess), who does believe what the Brethren have taught, and don't try to parse their words to fit what I think they should. I believe they are called of God. I believe that they have a responsibility to teach truth. I believe I will be blessed for following their counsel. I also believe that I have to gain my own testimony of what they are teaching. IOW, they teach a principle, I study it out, pray for a testimony, and then go forward. I align my beliefs with their teachings, not with what I feel it should be for ME and then pick and choose what they teach.

Again, this isn't meant as mean spirited, just an honest question. Which teachings of theirs would YOU throw out? Would YOU think aren't as important as others?

Just curious...

**butting in**

I think I read that lattelady is not LDS

Now, as I've made my feelings on appropriate Sunday dress available on other threads, and this appears to be very similar, I am...

**butting out**

[Guest Believer_1829]

Are you okay? No, really, I gotta know. I have been very light-hearted in the last couple of posts and yet you hang on like a dog with a juicy bone.

Let it go. Wear your robes. Go barefoot. Renounce the suit and tie as tools of Satan and representative of Babylon. In fact, here's a thought: Adam and Eve were naked and 'not ashamed'. How about that? We all go naked to church? I don't think that would be a pretty sight, and the poster that talked in another thread of being distracted by the 10 year old picking her feet would have to keep her head down to not be grossed out, I'm sure, but then we'd not be wearing those evil white shirts and ties.

Again, this is all said tongue in cheek. Do as you wish. Wear a pink tutu if the mood strikes you.

C, ca, can't we all just get along??

Take a breath...

I am seeking to understand your mindset. You seem very determined that wearing and white shirt/business suit is a gospel principle and adherence to the dress code is an indicator of spiritual maturity and a proper relationship with God. I just want to be absolutely clear I am understanding you correctly and to give you a chance to make sure you are coming across as you intend.

[sixpacktr]

Generally...

Thank you for clarifying that. It changes my perception of the question from Lattelady, as she is coming from a POV that is different from a member's.

So Latte, I probably was speaking from an understanding that you have the same cultural 'base' and lingo that I do. My apologies if I seemed a little harsh. In this light, I see what you are questioning, and I hope that my latest answer will give you something to go on.

On a secondary note: I'm going to beat Beefche, Pam, and John Doe to the punch--

You guys argue too much.

Thread closed.

[john doe]

As for what to wear to church, I think the missionary dress rules make for a good guideline for the members whenever possible. I believe this would apply to both men and women. While it is understandable and completely acceptable for people without the financial means to wear other clothing, I thing that as a general guide it makes for a good goal. That does not mean I would condemn a person for wearing something different from that goal. You may choose to wear other clothing, and that would be completely acceptable as long as it is fairly modest and not distracting in color and design.

[beefche]

On a secondary note: I'm going to beat Beefche, Pam, and John Doe to the punch--

Don't beat me and hurt me!

Actually, the last few posts have been very respectful. I appreciate people trying to clarify and understand each other rather than just picking up on a phrase or 2 and assuming judgement based on the abbreviated quote.

[Guest Believer_1829]

Thread closed.

[sixpacktr]

Relax, I don't have the authority to close a thread.

I was just joking around...

[Guest Believer_1829]

Relax, I don't have the authority to close a thread.

Thus.

** You have no idea how relaxed I am...

[MarginOfError]

All I have to say on this matter I've said before here and here.

Also, searches for "uniform of the priesthood" and "priesthood uniform" on lds.org turned up zero results. The combination of the words "priesthood" and "uniform" turned up 235 hits, none of which I could find tying any uniform to the priesthood. I'm pretty familiar with the literature, and the most common explanation given for a preference for white shirts and ties is that the color white alludes to purity. But it is a preference and not a requirement.

[sixpacktr]

thus.

** you have no idea how relaxed i am...

lol!

[skippy740]

I'm not going to read the whole thread, but here's something to consider:

My father (being a "rules" man) actually asked another Elder who wanted to help pass the sacrament NOT TO because he wasn't wearing a white shirt.

Needless to say, that person never came back to church.

We should really reflect on our own interpretation of "style over substance". Our personal attitudes on the subject can be offensive for our pettiness on such a topic.

We would hope that others wouldn't take such ideas seriously and not be offended... but none of us is perfect - in our hearts or in our outward appearances.

We're not back in junior high. Let's not act like it, nor have these thoughts and attitudes in our church life.

[Avrham]

I believe whatever you personally believe is your "best" attire I think the Lord is more concerned about your heart than your appearance

[Justice]

Judging someone and offering an opinion or perceived truth about what is right are 2 ENTIRELY different things. The world we live in is getting way over-sensitive and politically correct IMO.

I think the best examples set today for us to follow are by our General Authorities.

Now, does that imply I think those who wear white shirts and ties have cleaner hands and a more pure heart than those that wear jeans?

Rubbish.

What that means is that I think it's considered appropriate to wear a white shirt and a tie. Anything else and you're reading into my words.

[Moksha]

Why a white shirt? What is wrong with a nice pastel color?

Or tartan plaid. I have always liked tartan plaid. This is Celtic reverential.

http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_943598_renderset_01?$main-Large$

[Avrham]

I Once was told that i don't look like the EQ President because I didn't wear a suit(derided) every sunday but are Quoroum HT was at 90percent attendence was 60percent we had a very active EQ group and we managed to help 3inactive members to the temple when I was EQ Pesident I give this thanks to God for that calling and action's matter not looks

I'd personally rather look like a hobbo and have a strong testimony than dressing up to look like i have testimony

[Guest Believer_1829]

Or tartan plaid. I have always liked tartan plaid. This is Celtic reverential.

http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_943598_renderset_01?$main-Large$

I have pondered the idea of finding the family tartan and obtaining a kilt which I could proudly wear as I wander about.