Why are people expected to dress nicely at church?

[Saint Frankenstein]

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

 

[sun rise]

There's a sufi teaching story I quite like that uses humor to make this point Story 1 Mullah Nasruddin Feeds His Coat

To speak to the OP, yes I'm sure vanity is involved for many if not most.

But I do think there's something else for a perhaps a few. If I'm going to meet a dear friend, would I not want to wear something relatively nice rather than dirty moth-eaten clothing if I had a choice?

 

[The Hammer]

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

Dressing well makes one feel well. And dressing up isn't something the average working person does very often, so it's a special feel good treat. And one should feel Good when they are participating in their religion.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

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

Like going to an interview, for a interesting comparison. Of course you can technically get a job wearing t-shirt and shorts. The general respect for the company and interviewer as well as professionalism (culture as well) determines what's appropriate and what's not.

So, if that's the case for getting a job (a boss/authority for a position), why wouldn't one want to dress up for their god?

I actually support dressing up for church and was a bit shocked in the Church (compared to southern baptist) people wear shorts etc. I find it disrespectful not specific to scripture but how you present yourself to someone you ideally love.

Some denominations put a lot of emphasis on looks but in general, it's respect not a replacement an act of humility as in scripture.

 

[Revoltingest]

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.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Dressing well makes one feel well. And dressing up isn't something the average working person does very often, so it's a special feel good treat. And one should feel Good when they are participating in their religion.

Its basically expected. What you say is true, but "wearing your Sunday Best" is the antithesis of what Christ taught about humility. If you aren't dressed well, you may be treated as lesser.

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.

Yup. And then it became organized, became politicized, and became a den of hypocrites.
Probably the most tragic and infuriating story of the poor hating that goes on, an Episcopal priest had a bench with a statue of a homeless Jesus sleeping on it. It was hated, it was complained about, it was thought of as trashy and looking bad.
Or the one of a new pastor who dressed like a homeless man, was treated like **** by his new flock, revealed who he is and canceled services for the day.
Its rather ironic and tragic the religion of a man who deeply loved amd championed the poor is itself deeply anti-poor.

 

[Father Heathen]

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

 

[Shadow Wolf]

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.

Because it's awesome. Especially when you make faux pas look good.
And I enjoy the fact I went typically worst dressed in the room to often times best dressed in the room (unless Im in Beaverly Hills then Im not the worst by anymeans but I lack the funds and fashion knowledge to be among the best dressed there). And I am ok with requirements so long as pajama pants get forced back into the house where they belong. But not much more than that.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

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

Very sad.

I was also wondering where this idea started and if it's more of an American thing.

 

[Revoltingest]

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

That Christ guy can't make up his mind.
Wear your Sunday best!
Dress like the poor!
If I weren't already a godless reprobate, this would drive me to it.

 

[Father Heathen]

Very sad.

I was also wondering where this idea started and if it's more of an American thing.

It probably started with Paul.

 

[SomeRandom]

Very sad.

I was also wondering where this idea started and if it's more of an American thing.

Well it’s certainly an idea solidly held in the Indian community with regards to Temple. In saying that though, “Indian mums” stereotypically love shiny jewellery so it could also be a coincidence. I recall my mother always making a big fuss over presentation in temple, as she would often say to me, “we are going to honour god, you should look well presentable as a show of respect.“ Referring to the idea that one should dress to impress one’s parents. That was the usual context.
It could also be from an era of “respectable outgoing clothing.” Like my father was an atheist but came from a generation where it was expected that men dress up in suits with neatly combed hair out in public. He basically did that on all our outings, even though he was a staunch “singlet and shorts” guy at home.

 

[stvdv]

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.

We even had to dress nice all sunday.

Age 10 I told my mother "I only dress nice, if I can jump in the mud"

This proves that children know what is important, parents easily get attached to form and formalities

 

[Mindmaster]

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.

For most of the people who go to church, it's about the only social event they attend regularly. Probably has more to do with it than anything.

 

[OtherSheep]

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.

John.15:14 Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Why do you think that the friends of Jesus were poor and slaves and dirty and ragged?

 

[OtherSheep]

That Christ guy can't make up his mind.
Wear your Sunday best!
Dress like the poor!
If I weren't already a godless reprobate, this would drive me to it.

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.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

John.15:14 Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Why do you think that the friends of Jesus were poor and slaves and dirty and ragged?

I'm referring to the people Jesus spent the most time with on earth. The ones He traveled with, ate with, bunked down with, etc. He wasn't hobnobbing with the rich.

 

[Deeje]

Very sad.

I was also wondering where this idea started and if it's more of an American thing.

I do believe that it screams disrespect when one does not consider that the way they dress reflects their respect for God and his worship.

Those who gathered for worship in Israel had to be clean because God demanded physical, moral and spiritual cleanness. It doesn't take much to be clean and modest in your dress....nor does your attire does have to be expensive.....after all if a person was to go before royalty dressed inappropriately, it would be considered an act of gross disrespect.....not for the person so much, as their position as sovereign of their nation.

Even the Israelites showed respect for the monarchs of other nations. How much more important to show respect for the Sovereign of the Universe....?

 

[Unveiled Artist]

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

Church is what you make it. The good people are out numbered and judged because of the numbered.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I do believe that it screams disrespect when one does not consider that the way they dress reflects their respect for God and his worship.

Those who gathered for worship in Israel had to be clean because God demanded physical, moral and spiritual cleanness. It doesn't take much to be clean and modest in your dress....nor does your attire does have to be expensive.....after all if a person was to go before royalty dressed inappropriately, it would be considered an act of gross disrespect.....not for the person so much, as their position as sovereign of their nation.

Even the Israelites showed respect for the monarchs of other nations. How much more important to show respect for the Sovereign of the Universe....?

So homeless people with no access to a shower or bath shouldn't worship the Lord?