Why are people expected to dress nicely at church?

[Twilight Hue]

Jesus himself never said anything remotely related to "wear your best when you congregate to worship." Dressing nice is for us silly apes who are attracted to shiney things.
Jesus never said to look good. He said to love the poor and love your meoghbor. But adornments and looking flashy and gawdy and that sort is discouraged. Prohibited even.
You respect Jesus by respecting those around you and treat them decently as people ought to be. Judging by dress is highly superficial and vain. Expecting people dress up sets you up for expectations that others can't meet. And, because you are a human, it's actually fairly likely you'll make a judgement based on what you see and without scant resemblance of knowledge need to make an informed conclusion (actually, we all do it).

I think dress requirements began with Pauline Christianity. Woman had to cover their heads etc.

 

[Prim969]

Christians are supposed to be above petty cultural standards. Christianity is countercultural.

Above Petty cultural standards you say . Maybe in your imagination. But generally people who don’t have any cultural standards usually have no standards at all.

 

[Mitty]

Above Petty cultural standards you say . Maybe in your imagination. But generally people who don’t have any cultural standards usually have no standards at all.

Does that mean that people with no standards shouldn't go to churches, and why Trump doesn't go to church?

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Above Petty cultural standards you say . Maybe in your imagination. But generally people who don’t have any cultural standards usually have no standards at all.

I meant that Christians aren't to be shallow and petty like society encourages people to be (especially materialistic and superficial American consumer capitalist culture).

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Above Petty cultural standards you say . Maybe in your imagination. But generally people who don’t have any cultural standards usually have no standards at all.

A good example are these Christians around here I chuckle who broadcast how of this world they are by plastering graohic designs of highly stylized "NOTW" (Not Of This World- the t looks like a cross even) stickers on their car. It's not "no standards," they are supposed to forego being caught up in the trends of this world so they etter focus on serving god.

 

[Prim969]

I meant that Christians aren't to be shallow and petty like society encourages people to be (especially materialistic and superficial American consumer capitalist culture).

Saint Frankenstein most Christians I know are not shallow and petty but rather generous and loving in most things. As to your gripe with Capitalism what system would you replace it with ? The reason I do ask is because it’s capitalist countries like America, Australia and Europe that most do seek to find refuge and yearn to make their home as many of us have done. As to being materialistic. Is owning your own home having a good job, owning a nice car wearing nice clothes is that such a crime? Just exactly what do you class as materialism?

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Since when have churches gave a crap about Christ's example?

Bazinga.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

I never understood this. It always struck me as a bit of vanity. I don't know where this started, either. I can't imagine God cares what you are wearing, and it shouldn't matter to people what you wear as long as it's reasonable. The first Christians were poor people and slaves so I can imagine that they were a dirty bunch wearing rags. But these were Jesus' best friends.

"1 My brothers and sisters, practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ by not favoring one person over another. 2 For example, two men come to your worship service. One man is wearing gold rings and fine clothes; the other man, who is poor, is wearing shabby clothes. 3 Suppose you give special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say to him, “Please have a seat.” But you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or “Sit on the floor at my feet.” 4 Aren’t you discriminating against people and using a corrupt standard to make judgments?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Didn’t God choose poor people in the world to become rich in faith and to receive the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? 6 Yet, you show no respect to poor people. Don’t rich people oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Don’t they curse the good name of Jesus, the name that was used to bless you?" - 2 James 2:1-7

I'm suspecting that tradition comes much later than other church traditions.
But I wonder how many churches don't comment either way, and it's the congregation who determine dress-conventions?
Because churches have traditionally played a substantial role as a social hub for communities.

Apart from prayer, worshippers are meeting friends, potentially finding mates, attending dances and bake sales.

I could see the 'dressing up' thing happening organically, and then just being brought forward via 'tradition'.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Saint Frankenstein most Christians I know are not shallow and petty but rather generous and loving in most things. As to your gripe with Capitalism what system would you replace it with ? The reason I do ask is because it’s capitalist countries like America, Australia and Europe that most do seek to find refuge and yearn to make their home as many of us have done. As to being materialistic. Is owning your own home having a good job, owning a nice car wearing nice clothes is that such a crime? Just exactly what do you class as materialism?

How much do you know about Christianity? It's a fairly ascetic religion.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I think most cultures have a standard of dress code when it comes to festivities and religious occasions. As to being poor it really does not cost so much for a nice dress or shirt and trousers to look respectable for those occasions or to which ever standard of cultural dress code you belong . As to the early Christians some were slaves others were free and some quite rich. As to James 1-7 it.must have been a problem and maybe with some today it may be . But generally with most be they rich, middle class or poor and from whatever cultural background one comes. All do equally sit side by side along the pews.

The point being dressed nice is expected (because it is) despite this being something Jesus shows no indication of giving one crap about it. He'd probably approach the family wearing blue jeans and t shirts because they arent dressing to impress like every body else is in their suits and dresses. That is because Christians are to not be of this world. So getting caught up in worldly standards of dressing up I don't see Jesus supporting. If a simple robe was good enough for him, it is likely je expects it to be good enough for his followers who are called to humility, not seeking Earthly rewards and treasures, and - as he commanded numerous times - poverty.

 

[Howard Is]

I believe/feel/think that you may be misunderstanding that of which you are not part. I would consider it a kindness if you would show some consideration for the people who do believe Christ... not attempt to subvert us from our faith.

Surely you must be subverting your own faith, or you wouldn’t need to be saved ?
Isn’t that the actual passion play ?
It is not unusual for people to externalise an issue like that, as you are doing with Revoltingest, IMO. It’s understandable.

But we all have to get along. We don’t want to see a Charlie Hebdo situation with Jesus, Buddha, Krishna .. etc.

So to avoid that, I suggest you turn the other cheek.

 

[Prim969]

Does that mean that people with no standards shouldn't go to churches, and why Trump doesn't go to church?

Mitty I’m not sure wether your President goes to church or not. But if you say President Trump doesn't’.Than why would he have no standards for not going to church you think? In many walks of life you have many dress codes. if I were to rock up to my office at work in my bikini I may not have a job. As to church and if that church has requirements on dress code than one should respect. If you not like than best to move on and find another that accommodates ones mindset.

 

[Prim969]

How much do you know about Christianity? It's a fairly ascetic religion.

Saint Frankenstein the history of the Christianity be very long and with many branches. Do you know them all ? I certainly don’t.

 

[Mitty]

Mitty I’m not sure wether your President goes to church or not. But if you say President Trump doesn't’.Than why would he have no standards for not going to church you think? In many walks of life you have many dress codes. if I were to rock up to my office at work in my bikini I may not have a job. As to church and if that church has requirements on dress code than one should respect. If you not like than best to move on and find another that accommodates ones mindset.

He's not my president, but he doesn't go to church because he's not a Christian's boot-lace and has absolutely no moral standards, and the only thing he worships is what he sees in the mirror.
As for real Christians, the only standard should be that they dress modestly as described for Moslems.

 

[Prim969]

The point being dressed nice is expected (because it is) despite this being something Jesus shows no indication of giving one crap about it. He'd probably approach the family wearing blue jeans and t shirts because they arent dressing to impress like every body else is in their suits and dresses. That is because Christians are to not be of this world. So getting caught up in worldly standards of dressing up I don't see Jesus supporting. If a simple robe was good enough for him, it is likely je expects it to be good enough for his followers who are called to humility, not seeking Earthly rewards and treasures, and - as he commanded numerous times - poverty.

Shadow Wolf if you think you can just rock up anyway dressed as you like. You know you can’t. I’m sure there are many churches who don’t have a problem with what you say and desire to wear. But with many others there is a dress code whether that be secular or religious.

 

[sun rise]

Why do people dress nicely anywhere, eh.
They want to, usually. But if enuf think that
way about some occasions, then it becomes
a requirement. I loathe that.

Naga sadhus in India don't believe in wearing clothes. I'm glad there's no requirement that they do so because then they'd have to overcome loathing.

 

[Eyes to See]

I don't know how your Kingdom Halls work but many Catholic and Episcopal parishes are open all day for people to come and pray in the sanctuary or try to speak with clergy. They usually have signs out front saying "all are welcome" or something similar, not "all are welcome unless you don't fit our standards of dress". At the Episcopal parish I attend, there might be a couple homeless people sitting or sleeping in the pews during and around the liturgy. No one cares and they don't bother anyone. Yes, they are dressed in shabby clothing, too. But they are still God's children and it's better they be in a church then on the street, even if it's just for a few hours.

No one is turned away from a Kingdom Hall. Everyone is welcome to enter. Many people who have come for the first time come dressed the way they are used to dressing in the world. It could be as a biker, as a bum, as a warlock or witch. Friends and relatives of Jehovah's Witnesses come to meetings all the time dressed in play or casual attire, jeans, t-shirts, everything you can imagine.

When one is serious about worship then they realize that their appearance affects not only onlookers, but also their relationship with God. So a Jehovah's Witness dresses modestly, but neatly out of respect of their neighbors, and of course out of respect for the worship they give Jehovah God.

Here is a simple video from a member of the governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses explaining why a worshiper of the true God should use proper dress and grooming. The points basically are:

1. The wrong type of grooming can give the wrong impression on a Christian's morals and principles. - 1 Timothy 2:9.
2. Whatever we wear should in no way be a cause of stumbling for another person, believer or unbeliever. - 2 Corinthians 6:3.
3. When selecting what you wear have in mind what God wants. Will this raise eye-brows? Will it lower the standards I have? Does it fit? Is it appropriate for my age? Number 15:39.
4. Is the clothing upbuilding, does it represent Jehovah God in a fine manner? Would someone be shocked to know one is a Jehovah's Witness if they saw the way they dressed. - 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24.
5. It is good to look to mature Christians and their standards for dress and grooming if we are perplexed as to how to dress. -Philippians 3:17.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not dress to impress or to be ostentatious. They don't have a separate clergy class that wears special garb either. They dress neat and groom well because they believe the way they dress and groom reflects their God, and their standards. And anyone is welcome to worship with them in the dress they are comfortable with.

So as to your question about whether can a bum who stinks and wears rags come to a meeting? Yes, we won't turn them away. If they are serious about serving Jehovah they will clean up though. And they no doubt will be helped. I myself have given away clothes, suits, ties, shirts, dress shoes to people wanting to dress more appropriate that are coming to the meetings, as have my wife, and I expect most other Jehovah's Witnesses that are out there.

 

[Prim969]

He's not my president, but he doesn't go to church because he's not a Christian's boot-lace and has absolutely no moral standards, and the only thing he worships is what he sees in the mirror.
As for real Christians, the only standard should be that they dress modestly as described for Moslems.

Mitty I not know what to say. You say President Trump not be your President . In many cultures that would be called treason. In Australia we do give all visiting foreign leaders and dignitaries the prestige and respect they deserve including President Trump. You may not like. But President Trump is still your President. As to morals even when President Bill did find Moniker under his table we still much respect as the headship of your nation

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Shadow Wolf if you think you can just rock up anyway dressed as you like. You know you can’t. I’m sure there are many churches who don’t have a problem with what you say and desire to wear. But with many others there is a dress code whether that be secular or religious.

Yes. The OP exists to question why. I am too am adding my thoughts on the subject. That's called a "debate."
And, BTW, the time I went to church at my moms request, I did rock what I want with black pants and blouse, a Black Mass amulet with Lucifer's sigil on it, piercings (including facial) not taken out (all black clothes and black nails too). Nobody noticed the sigil, which I didn't think they would. But it's the thought that counts.
And that's basically my normal day-to-day look. I do wear tennis shoes with jt, but that has a lot to do with having thicker and softer soles for my feet that are lopsided and crooked. But I select a pair to stand out, and they are white and black, and own the fact I mix trainers with business casual and don't try to hide it.

 

[Mitty]

Mitty I not know what to say. You say President Trump not be your President . In many cultures that would be called treason. In Australia we do give all visiting foreign leaders and dignitaries the prestige and respect they deserve including President Trump. You may not like. But President Trump is still your President. As to morals even when President Bill did find Moniker under his table we still much respect as the headship of your nation

As far as I know he ain't my president yet, even though he wants to sell Puerto Rico so that he can buy Greenland, which is why the only thing he worships is himself, and I haven't heard that he wants to do a deal with Scomo instead of Denmark so far.