"William The Baptist"
Puritan Board Freshman
I have a question about a comment someone posted... and wonder what your responses would be, since many of you are pastors or elders, or wise older Christians who the Lord has blessed with much understanding!
I posted this on my FB status earlier today.
"Very serious question that has puzzled me for YEARS: Why is that professing believers, specifically females, seem to have no regard for modesty, and plaster pictures with their shirts/dresses so low, skirts so high (and I'm not talking knee-length, I'm talking SHORT-like mini), and skin tight clothes, and yet want to put in their "about me" that they live for Christ and love him-that He is their all in all? Is there no thought to being blameless and and lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation? About not letting your adornment be outward beauty, but inward which is pleasing to God?
I don't think everyone has to dress like me, or have similar tastes in fashion, but whatever you may choose to wear should not show off your body sensually.
Please, feedback and dialog is welcome. Go."
An old college friend posted her two cents on it. 2 years ago (before I was reformed) we had a similar conversation where she waved the "Christian Liberty" flag with incredible vigor. Anything I do or say concerning modesty is immediately touted as "homeschool mom" because of the fact that she KNOWS I was homeschooled for part of my schooling. Funny thing is, it wasn't until I went to Texas A&M I found I loved dresses and skirts for every day attire, not just Sundays (and I have a preference of closer to knee-length skirts, though I do wear some longer ones on occasion.). I have no problem with any lady wearing pants every day if they want to, because that can be more modest than a mini skirt!-in fact I happen to like basketball shorts. She chooses to ignore that. -_-
Here is her comment:
"a few things I would say to this.
A. your definition of "slutty" clothing is purely based on your own opinion. If I show my face in Saudi Arabia I'm a whore. If I go out to eat in a string bikini in California that is socially acceptable. It's arbitrary.
B. I agree with being above reproach and not conforming, but I also agree with keeping in mind the culture of which I live in and their best interests as far as relating to them. knee length skirts? really? an unbeliever in my mind would see that and go "why would I be interested in Christianity if I have to start dressing like a homeschool mom?" no offense, but that's what it looks like. If I were to go to a Middle Eastern country I would dress accordingly as not to offend or IMPRESS MY PERSONAL IDEAS on them.
C. you are never responsible for someone else's sin. The whole modesty argument is generally in regards to "not causing anyone stumble" which is both valid and biblical, but relates to other sins BESIDES modesty, and there is a problem with this extreme modesty mindset. it makes you: 1)exceedingly judgmental 2) it sends guys the message that their lust problem is our fault, and therefore some feel "attacked" by girls wearing what they feel is immodest clothing. That is their issue in reality, not the girls.
D. you come off as ridiculously judgmental and though I'm not personally offended, nor am I self conscious in my own clothing choices, it stresses me out to know that christian girls would read this and feel guilty and non christians would read this and be turned off.
E. the female body is BEAUTIFUL and God designed it that way. of course it is good to dress respectably honor God with your body, but do not subscribe to the thinking that your design is bad or wrong or a stumbling block simply because it exists!
F. I think if you want to lead or inspire girls to dress modestly you should ask them to look carefully at their own hearts and their reason behind dressing the way that they do. NOT so that you can say "if you wear this and this I wonder if you're even saved," but so you can encourage others toward good deeds and to examine their hearts."
Thoughts? I have not written a response to her comment yet because I am about to leave to run errands Just thought I would drop a line in the PB for some thoughts on the matter.
I posted this on my FB status earlier today.
"Very serious question that has puzzled me for YEARS: Why is that professing believers, specifically females, seem to have no regard for modesty, and plaster pictures with their shirts/dresses so low, skirts so high (and I'm not talking knee-length, I'm talking SHORT-like mini), and skin tight clothes, and yet want to put in their "about me" that they live for Christ and love him-that He is their all in all? Is there no thought to being blameless and and lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation? About not letting your adornment be outward beauty, but inward which is pleasing to God?
I don't think everyone has to dress like me, or have similar tastes in fashion, but whatever you may choose to wear should not show off your body sensually.
Please, feedback and dialog is welcome. Go."
An old college friend posted her two cents on it. 2 years ago (before I was reformed) we had a similar conversation where she waved the "Christian Liberty" flag with incredible vigor. Anything I do or say concerning modesty is immediately touted as "homeschool mom" because of the fact that she KNOWS I was homeschooled for part of my schooling. Funny thing is, it wasn't until I went to Texas A&M I found I loved dresses and skirts for every day attire, not just Sundays (and I have a preference of closer to knee-length skirts, though I do wear some longer ones on occasion.). I have no problem with any lady wearing pants every day if they want to, because that can be more modest than a mini skirt!-in fact I happen to like basketball shorts. She chooses to ignore that. -_-
Here is her comment:
"a few things I would say to this.
A. your definition of "slutty" clothing is purely based on your own opinion. If I show my face in Saudi Arabia I'm a whore. If I go out to eat in a string bikini in California that is socially acceptable. It's arbitrary.
B. I agree with being above reproach and not conforming, but I also agree with keeping in mind the culture of which I live in and their best interests as far as relating to them. knee length skirts? really? an unbeliever in my mind would see that and go "why would I be interested in Christianity if I have to start dressing like a homeschool mom?" no offense, but that's what it looks like. If I were to go to a Middle Eastern country I would dress accordingly as not to offend or IMPRESS MY PERSONAL IDEAS on them.
C. you are never responsible for someone else's sin. The whole modesty argument is generally in regards to "not causing anyone stumble" which is both valid and biblical, but relates to other sins BESIDES modesty, and there is a problem with this extreme modesty mindset. it makes you: 1)exceedingly judgmental 2) it sends guys the message that their lust problem is our fault, and therefore some feel "attacked" by girls wearing what they feel is immodest clothing. That is their issue in reality, not the girls.
D. you come off as ridiculously judgmental and though I'm not personally offended, nor am I self conscious in my own clothing choices, it stresses me out to know that christian girls would read this and feel guilty and non christians would read this and be turned off.
E. the female body is BEAUTIFUL and God designed it that way. of course it is good to dress respectably honor God with your body, but do not subscribe to the thinking that your design is bad or wrong or a stumbling block simply because it exists!
F. I think if you want to lead or inspire girls to dress modestly you should ask them to look carefully at their own hearts and their reason behind dressing the way that they do. NOT so that you can say "if you wear this and this I wonder if you're even saved," but so you can encourage others toward good deeds and to examine their hearts."
Thoughts? I have not written a response to her comment yet because I am about to leave to run errands Just thought I would drop a line in the PB for some thoughts on the matter.
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