Some would argue that we shouldn't come to church wearing anything
other than our "sunday best". This is a point of contention for me.
Do I really think that God is impressed by my attire? God hears me
cuss my wife all week long for not keeping the house clean or making
me dinner every night, only to get dressed up for him on Sunday
Morning. He is not impressed. In the same manner, I don't think that
God takes lightly our flippant attitude toward the influence we hold
over others. If we are simply dressing down because we are
comfortable, that may speak more to our attitude as it relates to God
as well. (and vice versa). I am not confident that the passages
cited speak toward wearing a "do rag" to church. The objective of 1
corinthians 11 is orderly worship. More than that, only the men
"prophesying and praying" were required to go with their heads
uncovered. And since the person spoken of is doing neither, it doesn't
apply. In addition to that, women who had similar roles, were called
to have their heads covered. It would seem that less emphasis has
been placed on the overall context of the passage. Lastly, I am
reticent to use examples from Corinthians as sources for how a
"typical" church should operate. Mainly this is due to the fact that
Corinth was not a typical church. One last thought: The operation of
the Church from the 1st century is in stark contrast to the operation
of the Church in 21st century. Cultural variations such as educated
women and churches held in buildings rather than homes speak of only a
few differences that the Church must respond to positively.
On Oct 20, 2008, at 10:37 AM, Robert Johnson wrote:
> 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 that
> if we don't obey a law because we think it is silly we are judging
> that law. I initially used some driving laws to make my point (a
> speed limit set to low e.g.) but turned to biblical laws. First let
> me say that I don't think any of God's laws are silly and believe He
> has a reason for whatever directives He has set - I was trying to stir
> up some conversation about why we dismiss some scripture and obey
> other parts - i.e. are we guilty of judging the law.... I threw out a
> comment about a friend of all of ours wearing a "do-rag" in church and
> how as an old-school type church person I didn't particularly care for
> it; but I acknowledged it seemed like a silly thing to make an issue
> of even though I know there is some scriptural support for my
> opinion. WELL!! let me tell you, this opened a can of worms about
> reaching out to people, and not judging, and freedom in Christ, and
> all 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 to
> Jim that he was the object of our discussion and it was as a learning
> point rather than a protest or complaint. I don't want to come across
> as gossiping behind Jim's back or anything. The objections were
> specifically that Jim is reaching out to skaters in the community as
> part as his ministry to youth and if dressing like them helps them
> feel more comfortable in a church environment and ultimately brings
> young 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 actually
> we spent the whole class discussing this linked article -
> http://www.ctlibrary.com/le/1998/spring/8l2054.html
> It kind of reminded me of the whole "dancing" issue so I thought you
> guys might find it interesting. In reading it I would encourage you
> to see the baseball caps as a metaphor for whatever postmodern
> behavior you think is relevant. Some scripture we referenced included
> 1 Corinthians 8 and 1 Corinthians 11. I have more to add regarding my
> own opinions but as always I'd like to see you'alls thoughts before I
> inject my own bias (anymore than I already have...)
>
> Rob
>
> >
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