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| Oh, what to wear, what to wear...? |
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Thank you, HonnieBunnie007, for inspiring this topic with your suggestion!
Once upon a time, in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve lived with shameless harmony in their birthday suits. And it was good. But when they ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they became shamefully aware and afraid of their nakedness, and they hid from God to cover themselves in fig leaves. And when Adam told God this, God asked him, "Who told you that you were naked?" God knew they disobeyed. But before the couple was driven out of the garden, He clothed them with garments of skin. (Read Genesis 3 for more details.)
And this was the beginning of humankind's history with the concept of wearing clothes.
In this day and age, what we wear and how we present ourselves becomes a topic of debate and controversy especially in the church, and views on this idea of what's acceptable to wear in public may even vary from culture to culture. Some find nothing wrong or seductive about bare shoulders, while others may consider it indecent when a woman exposes even a tiny amount of skin or even a bra strap.
Once upon a time, in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve lived with shameless harmony in their birthday suits. And it was good. But when they ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they became shamefully aware and afraid of their nakedness, and they hid from God to cover themselves in fig leaves. And when Adam told God this, God asked him, "Who told you that you were naked?" God knew they disobeyed. But before the couple was driven out of the garden, He clothed them with garments of skin. (Read Genesis 3 for more details.)
And this was the beginning of humankind's history with the concept of wearing clothes.
In this day and age, what we wear and how we present ourselves becomes a topic of debate and controversy especially in the church, and views on this idea of what's acceptable to wear in public may even vary from culture to culture. Some find nothing wrong or seductive about bare shoulders, while others may consider it indecent when a woman exposes even a tiny amount of skin or even a bra strap.
Women receive greater pressure than men when it comes to addressing this inconsistent standard of modesty or fashion "dress code", and in some ways the approach to this issue can lead to a double standard. For instance, when confronting a woman excuses a man's lust, and whether or not men entice lust in women by showing their bare chests in public.
Some cultures even have different views regarding nudity (partial or full), especially when it comes to art and media. There are those who deliberately use such exposure to entice lust (pornography), but this isn't always the case, as some works of art use nudity as a form of symbolism or artistic device. Take ancient Greece and Renaissance art and sculptures for example, like the statue of David and the ceiling painting in the Sistine Chapel, both being biblical works by Michelangelo.
Some cultures even have different views regarding nudity (partial or full), especially when it comes to art and media. There are those who deliberately use such exposure to entice lust (pornography), but this isn't always the case, as some works of art use nudity as a form of symbolism or artistic device. Take ancient Greece and Renaissance art and sculptures for example, like the statue of David and the ceiling painting in the Sistine Chapel, both being biblical works by Michelangelo.
Not everyone dresses with the intent to entice lust in others, and not everyone considers the same fashion statements to be immodest. Sometimes it's not so obvious what fashion choices would create a stumbling block for others, and to what extent should the person take responsibility for what they wear, vs the accountability of those who look upon others with lust in their hearts.
But modesty is more than just clothes—how we present ourselves outwardly; it's even moreso about our attitudes—how we present our hearts. And it doesn't just apply to women but also to men as well. Even the most well-dressed man with a proud and rotten attitude can still be immodest.
This is not, however, an excuse to disregard accountability on either side, but rather a means to think about and consider how we approach this not-so-straightforward topic.
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Curious Questions to Consider:
How do you define modesty? Is modesty subjective/cultural?
What do you think is considered immodest? Do certain fashion choices become a stumbling block for you? (Examples: Leggings/yoga pants is a common one, as well as the exposure of undergarments.)
Do you think women are treated unfairly when it comes to the topic of modesty?
Is all nudity immodest?
Should men expose their bare upper bodies in public?
To what extent does a person take responsibility for causing someone to stumble with lust when it comes to how they dress? When must others be held accountable for their own eyes and lustful feelings?
Does dress code matter in the church, or is it legalistic? Is there a point where dress code becomes too strict or unreasonable? (Example: Is it really necessary for everyone to dress in formal wear during church?)
How do you define modesty? Is modesty subjective/cultural?
What do you think is considered immodest? Do certain fashion choices become a stumbling block for you? (Examples: Leggings/yoga pants is a common one, as well as the exposure of undergarments.)
Do you think women are treated unfairly when it comes to the topic of modesty?
Is all nudity immodest?
Should men expose their bare upper bodies in public?
To what extent does a person take responsibility for causing someone to stumble with lust when it comes to how they dress? When must others be held accountable for their own eyes and lustful feelings?
Does dress code matter in the church, or is it legalistic? Is there a point where dress code becomes too strict or unreasonable? (Example: Is it really necessary for everyone to dress in formal wear during church?)
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to disregard accountability or bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding modesty, nudity, and clothing. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to disregard accountability or bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding modesty, nudity, and clothing. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Credit goes to HonnieBunnie007 for inspiring this topic with her suggestion.
Cover image courtesy of Artem Beliaikin.
(Written on September 08, 2019.)
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Any manner of dress meant to be provocative or enticing is immodesty, even if it is not necessarily revealing.
ReplyDeleteTo wear clothing that highlights physical attributes or reveal certain parts for the sake of attention can also be considered prideful.
In choosing clothing, neither sex is exempt from the snare of immodesty or attention seeking.
Toplessness in public, male or female, is something that will be confronting society head on in the coming years, as the culture blurs the lines of gender. It will be very difficult waters to navigate as society becomes more and more desensitized to public nudity.
Each one must take care to not cause others to stumble and honor God in style and dress.
Part of this is older believers taking the time to mentor and disciple younger believers in what is proper.
I think men and women should dress modestly as in the time of Christ on Earth. ie only head, arms, hands and feet exposed. Any more is going too far and any less leads to temptation. Robert.
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