Backroads Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 Inspired in part by an article on beliefnet.The only time Mormons are mentioned is once, but it was interesting we were used as an example of a dress code for religious buildings.Do you think we are more strict than other religions? Less so? HOw important is a dress code?
Dravin Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 Do you think we are more strict than other religions?Depends how you look at it, by and large you won't be kicked out of the building unless you are egregiously immodest or offensive in your dress, and the same is true of Christian religions I'm familiar with. I suspect we are more conservative then a fair amount of mainstream Christians in our idea of the ideal, and on par with others. That is to say, I doubt we're more liberal than any mainstream (American) Christian religion when it comes to what we consider ideal Sunday dress. HOw important is a dress code?The concept or the particular code? I think the idea of dressing up, or wearing your best, is an important one, what the ideal/standard is, beyond modest, isn't particularly important. It ties into the idea that the effort and care we put into our appearance when presenting ourselves to someone is a reflection of the importance we place on the occasion and person we are meeting. At it's heart it's about showing respect, and it has less to do with clothing than it does with attitude.Obviously my post is steeped in some cultural premises, if I sincerely believed the way you showed respect to someone was by wearing your rattiest clothes I'd be arguing for a dress code but in the opposite direction, and if I don't tie the effort put into dress into respect at all, well then I sit there scratching my head at either idea.
annewandering Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 (edited) Do we have a dress code other than for in the chapel and at byu? Oh and so our garments dont show. Edited October 25, 2011 by annewandering
NeuroTypical Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 Aren't the number of Christian faiths that still believe in the concept of "Sunday Best" shrinking?
annewandering Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 Aren't the number of Christian faiths that still believe in the concept of "Sunday Best" shrinking?Many go with the idea that whatever it takes to get them there and comfortable with coming. That does have merit.
sister_in_faith Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 I remember when I first started going to this church, one Sunday I was running late, and I hadn't pressed my skirt the night before, so I put on my pair of dress jeans (very dark blue, and long, so they were cute with heels) and wore heels and a very dressy shirt. This woman leaned over during sacrament meeting and asked me why I was mad at God? It was a little wierd, but I NEVER wore pants again. If I don't have a skirt, I just don't go to church. I think that God would prefer that we go to church in jeans if we have to, rather than not go.
annewandering Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 I absolutely agree. Remember it was Adam and Eve who hid their nakedness from God not God giving them clothes to cover themselves. I think God just wants us to come to church.
RMGuy Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 I think we tend to be a bit more pharisaical within the church than we would like to believe. Not saying that Sunday best isn't a good idea or that we should be appropriate. But when it comes to us leaning over and asking why we are mad at God, as indicated above, or if we even find ourselves looking at someone in jeans, or a sun dress and thinking that they aren't dressed appropriately for church, then perhaps, just perhaps we have a bigger issue ourselves that needs cleared up. -RM
Guest gopecon Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 I think that our appearance is important. We should dress ourselves up to go to church when possible. I've done this even when going to other denominations that are more casual. I think it shows respect to God. Yes, it is better to go in jeans than not at all, but that's not much of a standard. Many of the people who go casual to Sunday services would not be caught dead going to a wedding or funeral dressed like that. So they are showing more respect for the bride and groom (or the deceased) than for God. Sister_in_faith - While I do feel fairly strongly about dressing up, I think that people who say something to those who are not dressed up "enough" are bone heads. They don't know the person's situation that they are criticizing. For the most part, people are smart enough to figure out that to fit in better on Sunday they will need a dress (or a white shirt and tie).
Vort Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 I think we tend to be a bit more pharisaical within the church than we would like to believe. Not saying that Sunday best isn't a good idea or that we should be appropriate. But when it comes to us leaning over and asking why we are mad at God, as indicated above, or if we even find ourselves looking at someone in jeans, or a sun dress and thinking that they aren't dressed appropriately for church, then perhaps, just perhaps we have a bigger issue ourselves that needs cleared up.Perhaps, but I find it significant that our leaders have tried, subtly and sometimes overtly, to get us to take our dress at Church more seriously. They seem to think it is worthwhile to remind people to dress nicely for Church. That fact suggests to me that it is a point of concern. With rare exception, I have not allowed my children to go to Church in jeans or tennis shoes. My sons have worn button-down shirts and ties from at least Primary age, and white shirts with ties from Priesthood age. Hasn't been a burden for us at all.
annewandering Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 It is important to fit in. Which it wouldnt be if we all lived a more Christ like life. People who are new to the church have to go out and get new clothes just to go to church. My soninlaw has agreed to a baptism date. Now I know he has no suit or even slacks and white shirt, let alone a tie. He also has a very long ponytail and he is a stay at home dad. Now what is going to happen to him? Is his clean shirt with clean pants not good enough for God? I say it is. Is it good enough for his ward? I guess we will see.
annewandering Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 I have not allowed my children to go to Church in jeans or tennis shoes. My sons have worn button-down shirts and ties from at least Primary age, and white shirts with ties from Priesthood age. Hasn't been a burden for us at all.It might not be a problem to you but does that mean its not for others?
Backroads Posted October 25, 2011 Author Report Posted October 25, 2011 I think I instinctively respect churchgoers who make an effort to look nice, but then again I kind of envy sometimes the more casual church goers. It's not that they are comfortable, it's almost as if they have a more casual and constant relationship with God. Mind you, I"m big on Sunday best.
Guest gopecon Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 I sincerely hope that your son-in-law is warmly welcomed at his new ward, however he is groomed. I think that in the vast majority of wards he would be. I would be surprised if at some point in his journey he doesn't feel the inclination to get some more "churchy" clothes to fit in better with the crowd. If he can't afford them, hopefully a caring bishop or elders quorum president will make a discreet offer to help him out. I will say that at some point not dressing up goes from doing the best with what you've got to a rebellious take me as I am or don't take me at all attitude. I won't say there's a set time when that line is crossed, but - especially for brethren who want to hold and participate in the priesthood - there comes a time when they have to choose. Most of the time the Spirit does all of the nudging that is needed for this to happen. The rest of us (except for priesthood leaders) should just shut up. :)
john doe Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 Do we have a dress code other than for in the chapel and at byu? Oh and so our garments dont show.In my area they have requested that shorts not be worn in the building on activity nights unless you are going to be engaging in sports-type activities. Males are not allowed to be shirtless outside of dressing/changing areas either.
pam Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 I've wondered a lot lately the number of members who spout "shouldn't matter what we wear just get there" attitude. Are we starting to follow the ways of the world instead of honoring our Heavenly Father with the way we dress in His house?
prisonchaplain Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 Aren't the number of Christian faiths that still believe in the concept of "Sunday Best" shrinking? So much so that our district officers are known to tell pastors to lose the suit and tie, so they can be "more relational." We've actually come to the place where a suit is perceived as a barrier. Of course, they can say that all they want...in our congregation, those that minister from the pulpit wear suit and tie...except the youth guy...he's gets away with a button down dress shirt.
RescueMom Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 I think dressing appro. is important, especially if we are members and have been taught what it means to be reverent. However, if the guy covered in tatooes and piercings wants to come to church and has nothing but torn jeans and an old t-shirt, I'd be more than happy to have him sit next to me during sacrament. Yes I believe he needs to be there regardless of his dress. A persons outside dress tells tons about how much they need Christ in their lives, or how much the already have him in their lives. We should see people as missionary opportunities, not as those who don't know how to dress.
RMGuy Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 Perhaps, but I find it significant that our leaders have tried, subtly and sometimes overtly, to get us to take our dress at Church more seriously. They seem to think it is worthwhile to remind people to dress nicely for Church. That fact suggests to me that it is a point of concern. With rare exception, I have not allowed my children to go to Church in jeans or tennis shoes. My sons have worn button-down shirts and ties from at least Primary age, and white shirts with ties from Priesthood age. Hasn't been a burden for us at all.I hope I haven't given the wrong impression here Vort. I do believe that it is important for us to look be at our presentable best, as well as teach our children correct principles. I do think we need to be careful about how we interact with others. I believe Christ would welcome the individual that comes to church in shorts and a tank top, perhaps as that individual becomes more in tune they will choose to dress differently to reflect their reverence of the Saviour. Perhaps not. We don't need to allow that to affect our standards, nor do we need to act as a wedge to drive them away either. -RM
MarginOfError Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 I've wondered a lot lately the number of members who spout "shouldn't matter what we wear just get there" attitude. Are we starting to follow the ways of the world instead of honoring our Heavenly Father with the way we dress in His house?But is appropriate dress for church a cultural standard (that will shift over time) or an eternal standard?
Vort Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 It might not be a problem to you but does that mean its not for others?No. Rather, it means that it need not be a burden to anyone. It's all in the attitude.I have a great deal of sympathy for those who simply cannot afford "Sunday" clothes -- and in most such cases, I am confident that the bishop and/or ward members are only too happy to rally and help out such good folks with their wardrobe. Similarly, I have sympathy for those who have never worn "nice" clothes (not even fancy or formal, just "Sunday" dress) and who find it artificial and uncomfortable to do so, though I am confident that such people will very quickly find it natural to do so, probably within a few weeks.I have much less sympathy for those who insist on wearing flip-flops and jeans just to make some sort of statement about how proud they are of their non-conformity. Rebellion for the sake of being rebellious is childish at best. I expect more of anyone who calls himself a Saint.
RMGuy Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 But is appropriate dress for church a cultural standard (that will shift over time) or an eternal standard?MarginofError pitches a nice easy one right over the center of the plate.Appropriate dress for church is a cultural standard that will shift over time for $1000 Alex. No one in the old testament wore a white shirt and tie to church. Nor did anyone in the new testament, or the Book of Mormon. There are many people that didn't wear a white shirt and tie to church in the Doctrine and Covenants either and a good portion of those individuals were righteous Priesthood bearers. -RM
LeilaDawn Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 For a while I refused to wear a skirt or a dress in my life because I just didn't feel comfy in it. So in that time I'd just pick whatever was available. I also was inactive from church (not gospel just didn't want to go to church in my teen years but I did live the same as I did always and didn't do anything wrong...). You could say was just my teen stubborn way... When I was getting back to going to church I just didn't have any skirts or dresses anymore because the last time I had worn one was when I was 12 or 13. So I'd always just pick my best jeans and t-shirt to wear. Then I had 1 skirt ... and overtime I got a bit more. Still don't have sooo much skirts and dresses so sometimes I still go to church in my best darkblue jeans. Same counts for when I have to go by bike or when I walk in the winter sometimes if I have the time I have a skirt with me in my bag to change in the wheelchair toilet room. I don't own a car so only have a ride if my father is going (in case you're wondering why I walk or go by bike sometimes). It's more important to me to be in church than the: skirt/dress or jeans question ... since I sometimes have no choice but to wear jeans (don't have other kinds of pants). I do always pick the best available. Besides: clean neat jeans > (dirty) skirt that looks horrible (because then you're also picking sundays best).
Vort Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 But is appropriate dress for church a cultural standard (that will shift over time) or an eternal standard?What difference does it make? Were we living in the time that the Savior walked the earth, we would look outrageous attending a synagogue in slacks, a tie, and a sports coat. People would stare and point, and probably mock us. Our dress would be a tremendous distraction from the worship service. The best thing we could do is try to procure a robe from somewhere, so we could "fit in" and not distract from the worship. The same would apply to someone from that era visiting us.In a similar vein, if my wife and I were ever to visit a Muslim country, she would be expected to keep her hair and all skin covered and wear a burqa or other form-hiding covering. It does not matter that we personally think such things unnecessary, or even ridiculous. That is the expectation, and it is our duty to meet it.The idea that since some given social custom is temporal and not everlasting, it is therefore unimportant or can be ignored at will, is false. From what I can see in scripture, God does not operate in such a manner and never has. So thinking that we can justify ourselves by saying, "Hey, it's only cultural! No problem!" is a cop out.
Dravin Posted October 25, 2011 Report Posted October 25, 2011 But is appropriate dress for church a cultural standard (that will shift over time) or an eternal standard?It can be both. The particulars for what is appropriate can be cultural while the principles behind dressing appropriately can be eternal. The fundamental principle behind dressing appropriately is in showing respect. Thus why my personal position is it is fundamentally about the attitude of the dressee.
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