I agree essentially - but where I talked myself into a corner is I think we can
go to far with this. Do I want to go to a church that excludes the "hatted" -
no. Conversely, do I want to go to a church where everyone wears a hat and
thinks this is ok - also no. I personally think it is disrespectful to wear a
hat in church but I do understand the thought process that we are reaching out
to the hatted community. This goes to the heart of the post-modernism
movement. How much should the church change to reach out to people? If Paul
writes that one shouldn't cover one's head while praying or prophesying then
shouldn't we listen. Again, I have more thoughts... just trying to elicit some
conversation.
Also again - I'm not making a huge deal about hats per se. The hats can
represent whatever. Just to really stir the pot: I think we are all aware that
there is tremendous societal pressure to accept homosexuality. I certainly
think that the church should reach out to the homosexual community but I don't
think the church should say homosexuality is ok.
I'm curious if you read the article and if you have any thoughts on the
Pastor's dilemma...
Rob
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:37:55 -0500From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL
PROTECTED]: [crosspointe-discuss] Re: The Baseball Cap Wars...
If we should be "all things to all people," shouldn't we try to find a very
neutral way of dressing? Or should we have a very diverse wardrobe we can
choose from on various occasions? Is there a distinctively Christian way of
dress? Should we wear Chrisitian t-shirts? Do they communicate the right
things to non-believers? Did Jesus advertise His message on his robe? If our
dress puts off some people, shouldn't we try to dress differently -- just in
case it may make a difference in impacting someone for the Lord?
Bob
On Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 10:31 AM, Robert Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Here's the comment I would try to make. It sounds like others made it well.
Sometimes the way you choose to dress is an expression of who you are -- and
who you are can be used powerfully for the Lord. A more rugged, skater,
snowboarder type ("X-person" for short) will be more effective in building
friendships with others with other X-people. And friendships are an effective
way to influence people for the Lord. Obviously non-Christians don't love
Jesus, so we can't build friendships with them based on that commonality. So
we need to have more surface things in common with them if we are to get into
their lives and influence them. Sometimes our dress communicates "I'm like
you." In Jim's case, as an X-person who dresses like one, naturally, he'd be a
perfect fit for building friendship with kids interested in skating. I think
his dress could only help him in that endeavor, and those of us who might be
inclined to think he looks trashy to the point we would criticize him, may have
our priorities in the wrong order. If that's who he is, and his do-rag and
skater garb is an expression of who he is, God can use his self-expression for
His glory, which is much more important than "good taste."
With that said, those of us who are not X-people can reach others who have
things in common with us. For example, I have an easy time talking to students
who care a great deal about their grades and athletes who have their minds set
on excelling on the baseball field and basketball court. I dress like nerd at
times, and like an athlete at times. That's who I am. And those are the sorts
of people who gravitate towards me. For all I know, people may have a problem
with my dress. And if they do, all I can say is it is an expression of who I
am -- and God can use me "Just as I am."
At least that's my take.
Bobby
On Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 10:04 AM, Rob L. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
In discussing James 4:12 last week I was trying to make a point thatif we don't
obey a law because we think it is silly we are judgingthat law. I initially
used some driving laws to make my point (aspeed limit set to low e.g.) but
turned to biblical laws. First letme say that I don't think any of God's laws
are silly and believe Hehas a reason for whatever directives He has set - I was
trying to stirup some conversation about why we dismiss some scripture and
obeyother parts - i.e. are we guilty of judging the law.... I threw out
acomment about a friend of all of ours wearing a "do-rag" in church andhow as
an old-school type church person I didn't particularly care forit; but I
acknowledged it seemed like a silly thing to make an issueof even though I know
there is some scriptural support for myopinion. WELL!! let me tell you, this
opened a can of worms aboutreaching out to people, and not judging, and freedom
in Christ, andall manner of objection and I ended up talking myself into a
corner.If you don't know I'm referring to Jim Joyce, and I have related toJim
that he was the object of our discussion and it was as a learningpoint rather
than a protest or complaint. I don't want to come acrossas gossiping behind
Jim's back or anything. The objections werespecifically that Jim is reaching
out to skaters in the community aspart as his ministry to youth and if dressing
like them helps themfeel more comfortable in a church environment and
ultimately bringsyoung people to Christ then who am I to get all "pharisee" on
him.It troubled me enough to come back to the issue yesterday and actuallywe
spent the whole class discussing this linked article
-http://www.ctlibrary.com/le/1998/spring/8l2054.htmlIt kind of reminded me of
the whole "dancing" issue so I thought youguys might find it interesting. In
reading it I would encourage youto see the baseball caps as a metaphor for
whatever postmodernbehavior you think is relevant. Some scripture we
referenced included1 Corinthians 8 and 1 Corinthians 11. I have more to add
regarding myown opinions but as always I'd like to see you'alls thoughts before
Iinject my own bias (anymore than I already
have...)Rob_________________________________________________________________
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