Yahweh's Dress Code
Christians are not agreed as to what the biblical dress code is for believers. Many believe they should adapt to the culture around them and "blend in" so as to be able to more effectively witness. Others believe that the condition of your heart is what matters the most so that outward dress forms are either of secondary importance or no importance at all. But what does the Bible teach on this subject? What is the witness of Christian history? And what actually is Yahweh's will for you in the culture in which you live? The clothes we wear send very powerful non-verbal signals to those around us even if we are not aware that we are sending them. What is modesty? Webster's Dictionary defines modesty as "decent, pure, not displaying ones body". Biblically there is improper attire (Mt.22:11) and we are told to "keep our garments" (watch how we dress) (Rev.16:15).
Some food for thought before you plunge into the materials offered on this site:
"Dannah Gresh, in an article in Christian Parenting Today, Winter 2002, says she helps girls understand how the male mind works by teaching them about the Gestalt Theory. She relates how graphic designers employ this theory to control the length of time a person looks at an image by using an incomplete image to draw the viewer's attention. Completing the incomplete intrigues the human brain, so a person will always pause to finish the unfinished picture.
"When a male sees a girl walking down the street (or at a church function?) wearing tight fitting or suggestive clothing, his mind will want to "complete the picture." A low-cut blouse, a tight T-shirt, a long slit in a long skirt or other suggestive or scanty attire are just enough of a peek at the body to cause a guy to "finish the picture."
"As people reflecting purity and godliness, we do not want members of the opposite sex to have to "finish a picture" we have helped create. Christian men will train themselves to "bounce" their eyes elsewhere, but they should not be tempted and have to do so. Of course, many in society blithely welcome such invitations and entertain a host of assumptions about anyone dressing in a sensual way, whether male or female. It is wrong for us to don clothing that brings our morals and discretion into question and invites others to treat us with less respect. A maturing young lady soon learns that God has granted her a certain power with her body. Her feminine allure must always be used in a dignified manner" (http://www.ucg.org/un/un0305/modesty2.htm)
Read the articles below for a clear answer to these and other questions:
- 1. How should men and women dress according to Torah?
- 2. Biblical dress standards for men and women:
- 3. Is the male headcovering in Judaism biblical?
- 4. Women and headcoverings:
- 5. What are tzitzit and who should wear them?
- 6. Should we wear the Jewish kippa?
- 7. Body piercing - a return to paganism:
- 8. Majoring in minor things?
- 9. To tattoo or not to tattoo?
This African family has pretty much got it right in most areas when it comes to the biblical dress code and within its own tradition (it's partly Western too). Can you see why?
and a Western family that knows how to honour Yahweh with Sabbath-like attire:
"...proper hair lengths and clothing do not produce holiness automatically, but holiness will result in suitable clothing and appearance if coupled with proper education and wisdom" (http://www.ucg.org/un/un0305/modesty2.htm)
Lots of links here: http://www.stanosheck.com/Modesty.html
