Dress Codes in Church

Do you think having guidelines for what people can wear to church services is a good thing?

There are several biblical texts pertaining to this

I like this one;

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
John 6:37

Pretty much counting on that

Come as you are
Change will happen...be it heart.....soul.....or......(pfft)...... clothes

As far as those bogus 'what if' concerns.......like coming into a church naked
I'd like to think a member would hustle up a covering, and welcome them in

I don't mind a church building so much, but prefer worshiping outside

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Guess I just like natural light

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I'm sure he said, "No toga, no sandals, no service".




Most folks, especially religious ascetics, walked barefooted in biblical times. This is why foot washing was a part of many religious services. In the New Testament the church must treat everyone the same whether they are rich and dressed in fine garments or poor and dressed in rags:

James 2:2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, (knowing-jesus.com)


Treat everyone the same!
 

Most folks, especially religious ascetics, walked barefooted in biblical times. This is why foot washing was a part of many religious services. In the New Testament the church must treat everyone the same whether they are rich and dressed in fine garments or poor and dressed in rags:

James 2:2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, (knowing-jesus.com)


Treat everyone the same!
Good in theory.
 
Do you think having guidelines for what people can wear to church services is a good thing?

I think that as long as it's tasteful and covers up the appropriate areas it's fine. I've seen some pretty high-hemmed skirts and low-cut blouses that I though were a little over-the-top. Also guys in torn jeans and dirty tank tops is disrespectful. A nice sports shirt and slacks would go okay there. Casual - okay, Grunge - not.

On the other hand, it's difficult enough to get people in church without dictating what people can wear.
Gosh I remember 'way back when' we always 'dressed up' for church. Of course, I have not attended regularly for years but when I last went the dress was extremely casual. I felt kind of sad about that because Church was supposed to be a very special event.
On the other hand debodun, you have a great point saying it is difficult enough to get people to church ...:unsure:
 
Didn't Jewish women always cover their heads back then? Jesus was a Jew, so that part makes sense.

Some customs last a long time.

Back in the 50's many people dressed up for commonplace reasons. My mother and her friends dressed up like fashion models for their weekly shopping in town on Thurs. nights.
Not only Jewish..I remember as Catholics we had to cover our heads going into church. I attended Catholic school and if someone did not have a head covering, a Nun would bobby-pin a Kleenex tissue in their hair...lol :cautious:
 
In reading over this thread, I must come to the conclusion that God doesn't care what we wear. If we dress up to go to church, we do it not to offend other members of the congregation.
There is a lot of truth in what you say. Still, some would think some dressing up is one of their ways to show respect for/to God.
 
I attended a church for a few services until someone took me aside and told me that women were expected to wear a dress or at least a skirt and blouse and also dress shoes. I was wearing what I thought were tasteful slacks (at least they didn't have tears and holes in them) and a top that covered everything with flats. I stopped going there - if you're uncomfortable in clothes, you aren't paying attention to the service.
 
I attended a church for a few services until someone took me aside and told me that women were expected to wear a dress or at least a skirt and blouse and also dress shoes. I was wearing what I thought were tasteful slacks (at least they didn't have tears and holes in them) and a top that covered everything with flats. I stopped going there - if you're uncomfortable in clothes, you aren't paying attention to the service.
What do those places have to do with religion?
 
How are we to know that? We haven't seen it yet.
I have, but I don't wear blinkers as a rule. Nor do I always think in binary mode.

This photo is from the Loaves and Fishes Restaurant in Sydney. It takes place in a converted church hall and serves the down and out, alcoholics, the homeless, including those with addiction and mental health issues. They come as they are and receive a free meal served by volunteers. It started in a small way and now, through the help of other congregations and some wealthy non church going patrons, has grown to include free dental services and literacy classes for adults and school children. The people who come to the Uniting Church in Ashfield can access showers and wash their clothes.

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These men are Sikhs. They are neither Christian, Muslim nor Buddhist, yet they live out their faith as equals. In the worship hall of the Gurdwara everyone is barefoot with a small scarf covering the hair. All but the elderly and infirm sit on the floor. There are no places of honour.

After the service they assemble for a shared vegetarian meal, again sitting on the floor. Men and women are equal and sit together. Each Sunday one or more families are rostered on to provide and prepare the meal and serve it to the assembled people. I have twice participated in this meal. Anyone may attend, whether or not you attend the worship rituals.



Look around and you will see similar examples for yourself.
 


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