View Full Version : What is "modest dress" to you?
rkymtnjesusfreak
3rd January 2006, 04:18 PM
Just curious. The other thread on this subject makes me wonder what peoples definition is. Mine is simply, make it modest. Not too short, not lowcut, not too much skin showing, etc.
What are your thoughts?
HumbleMan
3rd January 2006, 04:23 PM
In my personal opinion, modest is clean (doesn't have to be ironed), long pants for men or women, at least mid calf skirts/dresses for women, shoes to fit the season (ie, no open toed shoes in January), minimum jewelry, and traditional colors in clothing.
Febe
3rd January 2006, 04:30 PM
Just what is modest for the season and age...:cool:
It is hard to find a "rule", but is still obvious, when seen...
I am a temple of the Holy Spirit - what is fitting for His temple is fitting for me!
DawnLuvsTrolls
3rd January 2006, 04:42 PM
I wear what my hubby considers modest because he is a man and knows what causes other men to think impure thoughts. I will not wear a dress that is higher than my calf, I do not wear shorts, or low cut shirts. I do wear tank tops and sleeveless tops, but that's because it gets super hot here and I will pass out if I wear anything with longer sleeves. However, I do not wear them to church without another shirt over top.
lillybug0514
3rd January 2006, 08:03 PM
I usually tell my youth, that if you cant wear it to school, dont wear it at all.
I go by nothing too short or low cut, if it is something that I have to constantly pull up or down and re-arrange when I sit or stand then it is not appropriate :)
TwinCrier
3rd January 2006, 08:35 PM
In general, no undergarments showing no matter which way you move. But people shouldn't doubt that you're actually wearing any undergarments either.
growingupinhim
3rd January 2006, 09:20 PM
no hint of sexaul immorialty!
so no showing it off if you got it!..thats the world.
nothing that drasticly draws attention to you.
you dont have to be amish to be modest..as this actually would draw attention to you..in modern society!
Dmckay
3rd January 2006, 09:20 PM
To put it as simply as I possibly can, having once had to deal with this as a Pastor of a very large and diverse youth group. Modest dress would be dressing in such a manner as to not be shouting to the "world" as in "World system" or kosmos, "LOOK AT AND GIVE ATTENTION TO ME." Our desire should be that what draws people's attention to us is Jesus Christ living and working through us through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit doesn't say,"Hey look at me, and how great I am." He points the attention and Glory to Jesus, so too should we in everything that we do.
shinbits
3rd January 2006, 09:40 PM
Modest dress is when women dress in a way, that men will look at her and go "Wow. She's beautiful."
Immodest dress is when women dress in a way that makes men go ".....*drool*...."
HollyHobbie
3rd January 2006, 10:30 PM
Modesty is dressing in an apropriate way that won't cause a man to fall into sin. No low cut tops and mini skirts ect.
real tight fitting clothes that accent a womans body parts too much that it causes a man to stare and lust and the lack of undergarments are all immodest in my oppinion.
I sometimes where shorts sometimes but not often, they come to the knees and I usually have a long shirt that covers my duff.
I prefer dresses, though I am more likely to wear shorts at home because of comfort
shinbits
3rd January 2006, 10:42 PM
Modesty is dressing in an apropriate way that won't cause a man to fall into sin. No low cut tops and mini skirts ect.
real tight fitting clothes that accent a womans body parts too much that it causes a man to stare and lust and the lack of undergarments are all immodest in my oppinion.
I sometimes where shorts sometimes but not often, they come to the knees and I usually have a long shirt that covers my duff.
I prefer dresses, though I am more likely to wear shorts at home because of comfort
you are a good woman. :)
Joykins
4th January 2006, 12:04 AM
I dunno...the older and heavier I get, I figure if it's a part of me that people probably don't want to see it should be covered on everyone. ^_^
In all seriousness, skirts no shorter than the knee, 1-piece athletic style swimsuits, shorts to midthigh, no extreme cleavage, nothing too tight around the rear. Basically the church summer camp guidelines I was given in 1982.
I do actually wear hip huggers because it's too hard to find a decent pair of pants that aren't hip huggers these days, but I do not wear them with cropped shirts. They are fine with the longer shirts.
NotEnoughFaith2BeAtheist
4th January 2006, 02:30 AM
no hint of sexaul immorialty!
so no showing it off if you got it!..thats the world.
nothing that drasticly draws attention to you.
you dont have to be amish to be modest..as this actually would draw attention to you..in modern society!
:thumbsup:
rosemerry
4th January 2006, 03:07 AM
I wear ren clothes and making some clothes from the civil war, gay 90's, and turn of the century. They are modest and I like the style.
thepianist
4th January 2006, 03:28 AM
Just curious. The other thread on this subject makes me wonder what peoples definition is. Mine is simply, make it modest. Not too short, not lowcut, not too much skin showing, etc.
What are your thoughts?
:thumbsup: I would have to say that I agree with you dear. I do not go in for a strict dress code....to me it's just something that's natural - to show respect for God's house.
JamieGraham
4th January 2006, 03:36 AM
Modest to me is allowing your natural personality and spiritual beauty shine.
Much like the rule of thumb with graphic design- you dont want unwanted things distracting from the main focus or message - YOU. You want people to see your personality and your inner beauty and grace.
SO - I do not wear any look-e-loo items like low cut attire, high skirts, high heeled shoes that are inapproriate for the occasion, too much makeup (just enhance your natural look) and too much jewlery that appears to be making a statement. These items distract from you, your unspoken messages and your spirituality.
rkymtnjesusfreak
4th January 2006, 09:12 AM
Thanks for all of the great replies. It seems that sometimes people get way to wrapped up in what is "acceptable" by their standards (such as females should always wear dresses or skirts) and forget that there are others that are just as modest, just in a different sort of dress. I rarely wear a dress or skirt, but I am always modestly dressed. My girls (14 & 11) don't usually wear dresses either, but they also are always modestly dressed.
I think that people should dress however they feel comfortable, as long as it is showing respect to the temple that God is dwelling in.:)
MrJim
4th January 2006, 02:14 PM
Modest dress...
I shouldn't be able to see your body shape ladies. I shouldn't be able to see cleavage and nipples poking through your clothes. I say this not to be sensational--it's what I see at the church I go to (even the lady elder/deacon/lay pastor at church is guilty of this-I refer to her as Pastor Nipple-she gets up to the pulpit to make announcements and well I don't mean to look:blush: ). I shouldn't be able to see the shape of your tush when you are wearing pants that fit too snugly ("how'd she get those blue jeans on?"). AND it shouldn't just be at church time either. Modesty should be a full time thing, not just "church time". Wearing a modest dress to church only to change into short shorts and halter/tube top for the world to see is called hypocrisy.
Why do I keep going there:doh:
HumbleMan
4th January 2006, 03:16 PM
Why do I keep going there:doh:
Because it feels good?:scratch:
I agree with most of your post, though. Church is just a place of gathering to worship the Lord. Our attitude about clothing in there should be the same as when we're not in there. But I can also see wearing shorts (knee length) and short sleeve shirts, especially down he-uh in Dixie. Presenting yourself as an object of desire is not only in the clothes you wear, but in your actions and speech also. You can be modest in different ways, and be drooled over in a parka, as well.
MrJim
4th January 2006, 03:21 PM
Because it feels good?:scratch:
I agree with most of your post, though. Church is just a place of gathering to worship the Lord. Our attitude about clothing in there should be the same as when we're not in there. But I can also see wearing shorts (knee length) and short sleeve shirts, especially down he-uh in Dixie. Presenting yourself as an object of desire is not only in the clothes you wear, but in your actions and speech also. You can be modest in different ways, and be drooled over in a parka, as well.
Yeah I know, and I'm not much into the rules thing like my plain mennonite brothers, though I can see why they set up their own standards.
Oh, and I think I keep going because it's easy... (if there was a LOSER smilie I'd put it here for myself).
JPPT1974
4th January 2006, 10:54 PM
Church is a place to worship and fellowship.
But also it is about our chosing our clothes the way the Lord wants us to.
To take our worship seriously and to make sure that we are there.
Bright and early.
jochanaan
4th January 2006, 11:48 PM
Modest dress...
I shouldn't be able to see your body shape ladies.
Uhh, have you ever considered just how difficult it is to conceal a body shape, men's or women's? It's extremely difficult without the extreme measures some Middle Eastern cultures impose.
As for lust, I say with the Bible's authority that it is primarily up to us men not to allow ourselves to be drawn into it. Or why didn't Jesus set up a dress code when He said, "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart"? (Matthew 5:28) If we aren't drawn to lust by certain clothes, probably women will cease to wear them since they're uncomfortable.
(Full disclosure: I have posted extensively on the "Christian Naturist" threads. The views I have on that subject color my views on clothes considerably.:D )
Snow Angel
5th January 2006, 02:06 AM
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_3_34.gif MODEST Dress:Not to Show to much Skin:,But I don't think it really matters what
a person wears.People still Lust:
rosemerry
5th January 2006, 05:22 AM
I don't wear anything too tight, low cut in the shirt, or too short in the dress/skirt department. But you are going to see my body shape. I'm just not going to flaunt it. If someone has a problem still then it is theirs and not mine.
Christian women should not be a stumbling block but when we already did everything short of wearing a burka I don't think it is our fault anymore. It's called personal responsibility and not blaming your faults on other people.
I'm not saying people here do that but I'm just tired of the argument that if a man lusts after a woman it's her fault when it might not be. It might be that the guy has no self-control or what have you.
Happy to be His
5th January 2006, 09:52 AM
I don't wear anything too tight, low cut in the shirt, or too short in the dress/skirt department. But you are going to see my body shape. I'm just not going to flaunt it. If someone has a problem still then it is theirs and not mine.
Christian women should not be a stumbling block but when we already did everything short of wearing a burka I don't think it is our fault anymore. It's called personal responsibility and not blaming your faults on other people.
I'm not saying people here do that but I'm just tired of the argument that if a man lusts after a woman it's her fault when it might not be. It might be that the guy has no self-control or what have you.
I feel the same way, nothing that will cause anyone to go down the lust road. You want people to see you but not because of to much skin hang out or other parts hanging out. :)
cheesebunny
5th January 2006, 09:54 AM
Just curious. The other thread on this subject makes me wonder what peoples definition is. Mine is simply, make it modest. Not too short, not lowcut, not too much skin showing, etc.
What are your thoughts?
easy long t-shirt and jeans
Sweet Pea
5th January 2006, 01:39 PM
Why does most people thing modesty dress=women? Doesn't MEN realize they have to be modest in how THEY dress too? Women can be drawn to guys being immodestly dressed.
Dmckay
5th January 2006, 02:58 PM
Why does most people thing modesty dress=women? Doesn't MEN realize they have to be modest in how THEY dress too? Women can be drawn to guys being immodestly dressed.
You have asked a great question. There does often seem to be a double standard in the church regarding dress code. When we first moved to Colorado we were attending church at a Baptist Church in our neighborhood. In an attempt to get to know as many of the members as possible in a short time, we attended an All-Church camping trip into the mountains. Despite what most peoples impression of Colorado is, Denver is actually considered a high desert. Because of the altitude, this air and low humidity, it can be uncomfortably warm during the summer months.
The second day of the camping trip I was approached by the pastor of the church, and admonished for allowing my wife to wear immodest dress to a church function. She was wearing knee-length, loose fitting shorts and a loose cotton blouse with half length sleeves. The Pastor was wearing a bathing suit and a T-shirt, the youth pastor was wearing just a bathing suit. They were concerned that my wife's dress was setting a poor example for the members of the youth group. She was covered more than were the Pastor and Youth Pastor. They thought that appropriate dress for my wife on a camping trip was a full-length dress.
This is the reason why I defined modesty the way I did earlier. I had a professor in Bible College who ALWAYS wore a long-sleeved shirt (in Phoenix, during the summer) and a tie and sport coat. I asked him once why he did this. His explanation was that he understood that the 6 inches of a man's forearm from the wrist upward, was sensually stimulating to women. Not want to be a cause for someone to stumble, he wore long sleeves and coat even in 115° degree weather. The point is, what is or isn't sexually stimulating changes in the mind from person to person. But dressing with the idea that you are not trying to say to the world, "Hey, look at me!" is a much easier way of setting a standard.
rkymtnjesusfreak
5th January 2006, 03:33 PM
You have asked a great question. There does often seem to be a double standard in the church regarding dress code. When we first moved to Colorado we were attending church at a Baptist Church in our neighborhood. In an attempt to get to know as many of the members as possible in a short time, we attended an All-Church camping trip into the mountains. Despite what most peoples impression of Colorado is, Denver is actually considered a high desert. Because of the altitude, this air and low humidity, it can be uncomfortably warm during the summer months.
The second day of the camping trip I was approached by the pastor of the church, and admonished for allowing my wife to wear immodest dress to a church function. She was wearing knee-length, loose fitting shorts and a loose cotton blouse with half length sleeves. The Pastor was wearing a bathing suit and a T-shirt, the youth pastor was wearing just a bathing suit. They were concerned that my wife's dress was setting a poor example for the members of the youth group. She was covered more than were the Pastor and Youth Pastor. They thought that appropriate dress for my wife on a camping trip was a full-length dress.
This is the reason why I defined modesty the way I did earlier. I had a professor in Bible College who ALWAYS wore a long-sleeved shirt (in Phoenix, during the summer) and a tie and sport coat. I asked him once why he did this. His explanation was that he understood that the 6 inches of a man's forearm from the wrist upward, was sensually stimulating to women. Not want to be a cause for someone to stumble, he wore long sleeves and coat even in 115° degree weather. The point is, what is or isn't sexually stimulating changes in the mind from person to person. But dressing with the idea that you are not trying to say to the world, "Hey, look at me!" is a much easier way of setting a standard.
Great post! And on a side note, we just moved "home" to KS after 8 years in CO. We attended Riverside Baptist down by Mile High (oops Invesco Stadium) for those 8 years and were very sad to leave that awesome church! And boy do we miss CO!! Have a great Colorado day!!:wave:
jochanaan
5th January 2006, 04:29 PM
...I'm not saying people here do that but I'm just tired of the argument that if a man lusts after a woman it's her fault when it might not be. It might be that the guy has no self-control or what have you.
AMEN, sister! Here's one man who won't blame you for any potential lust he may experience no matter what you are or aren't wearing.:wave:
rosemerry
6th January 2006, 04:06 AM
In victorian age women weren't allowed to play croquet because when they went to hit the ball their dresses lifted just so and their ankles showed. The Victorian age has been romanticized beyond belief and although I love the clothing styles wouldn't want to live in that time period for anything.
jochanaan
6th January 2006, 01:21 PM
In victorian age women weren't allowed to play croquet because when they went to hit the ball their dresses lifted just so and their ankles showed. The Victorian age has been romanticized beyond belief and although I love the clothing styles wouldn't want to live in that time period for anything.
And from various things I've read, there was a massive underground sex and pornography industry in London, the heart of the Victorian Empire, during those times. Shows how much clothing interferes with lust!:doh:
rural_preacher
6th January 2006, 05:41 PM
The word "modesty" in the Bible is related to the word "moderate" or "moderation". We are to practice moderation in all things, including how we dress. A person can be covered from neck to toe and be very immodest.
Modesty is, foremost, a matter of behavior and attitude. Clothing is secondary.
Consider the vast differences in clothing standards found in African and South American churches versus U.S. churches. And yet, modest behavior is expected in all.
I Peter 3:3-4
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
the Colonel
6th January 2006, 05:54 PM
Modesty is, foremost, a matter of behavior and attitude. Clothing is secondary.
Though, I would say behavior and clothing go hand and hand: dress a certain way to garner attention --whether it be to make people think you're cool (latest trends) or sexy. Like Dr. Laura says, If clothes don't matter then why are you dressing the way you do? The thing is, clothes do matter, and the manner in which you dress makes a statement about you, your attitude, and your views.
And, NO DUH! It's different for different cultures! :doh:
rural_preacher
6th January 2006, 06:01 PM
Though, I would say behavior and clothing go hand and hand: dress a certain way to garner attention --whether it be to make people think you're cool (latest trends) or sexy. Like Dr. Laura says, If clothes don't matter then why are you dressing the way you do? The thing is, clothes do matter, and the manner in which you dress makes a statement about you, your attitude, and your views.
And, NO DUH! It's different for different cultures! :doh:
I agree that they go hand-in-hand. However, the attitude and behavior come first. You can force a "modest" standard of dress on someone but they will still be immodest in their attitude/behavior. If you start with the inner person, the outer person will properly reflect that inner person. If you start with the outer, you will make no change to the inner.
--
jochanaan
7th January 2006, 12:07 AM
If you start with the inner person, the outer person will properly reflect that inner person. If you start with the outer, you will make no change to the inner.
Listen to this man. He is wise.:thumbsup:
JPPT1974
7th January 2006, 01:49 AM
I am indeed listening to this man
He is indeed wise!
the Colonel
7th January 2006, 10:53 AM
If you start with the inner person, the outer person will properly reflect that inner person. If you start with the outer, you will make no change to the inner.
--
Some people just don't know any different, though. If we do not teach our children (esp. young ladies) how to dress modestly (i.e. how the opposite sex views them!), they simply will not know and understand, despite them having a heart for God.
I'm not an old codger, but I've certainly learned a few things in life now about how women think and simply don't know about how men think! The . . just . . don't . . know! The young ladies may think they're dressing innocently because they simply do not understand (this usually comes from continuing to dress similarly to the way the did when they were 9, 10, and 11). They need to be taught modest dress in addition to things of the heart. :cool:
jochanaan
7th January 2006, 07:24 PM
...I've certainly learned a few things in life now about how women think and simply don't know about how men think! The . . just . . don't . . know!...
Hmmm...then maybe we ought to teach our young men how to think towards women!:)
Dmckay
7th January 2006, 07:52 PM
Hmmm...then maybe we ought to teach our young men how to think towards women!:)
I whole-heartedly agree. Perhaps you have some curriculum ideas?
Lilit
8th January 2006, 11:06 AM
PVC catsuits
jochanaan
8th January 2006, 02:21 PM
I whole-heartedly agree. Perhaps you have some curriculum ideas?
Well, the Sermon on the Mount is a good place to start, followed by the first nine chapters of Proverbs and the Song of Solomon.:preach:
Dmckay
8th January 2006, 05:15 PM
Well, the Sermon on the Mount is a good place to start, followed by the first nine chapters of Proverbs and the Song of Solomon.:preach:
Some good suggestions, but for one thing, they all require a change of attitude which is the reason for immodest dress in the first place. The Sermon on the Mount is trying to teach proper godly attitudes. Proverbs is stressing Biblical wisdom which is seeing things from G-d's point of view. Again if the one being taught is of a nature to look at things from G-d's point of view the problem probably won't exist to begin with.
And Song of Solomon has caused so much contention in Christian circles, imagine the trouble that a face-value reading would do for someone who already has a modesty problem.
Flynmonkie
8th January 2006, 06:15 PM
A good whack of humility for starters...and then a healthy view of how we should really concern ourselves with others.
I guess once you have a healthy supply of this, people are really not too concerned about what others are wearing. IMHO
RiverSalado
9th January 2006, 05:04 AM
Listen to this man. He is wise.:thumbsup:
So you are in effect saying that it is OK for a woman to dress in absolutely nothing as long as she is humble, and if a man lusts after her it is his fault?
the Colonel
9th January 2006, 11:46 AM
I saw something in church that made me smile. A 40ish woman sitting in front of me had a sleeveless blouse on. Her black bra strap decided to be unruly and seek the open air. Her 12 year old (or so) daughter surreptitiously tucked the strap back undo the blouse.
I had to smile. I was very pleased to see that, if not her mother, this daughter had some sense of modesty!
rosemerry
9th January 2006, 02:13 PM
So you are in effect saying that it is OK for a woman to dress in absolutely nothing as long as she is humble, and if a man lusts after her it is his fault?
I don't think he meant that at all. I believe he is saying that modesty goes beyond what you just wear and is also an attitude. Which is why in other cultures where they wear less clothing it's not a big deal. It's the culture they were raised in. You wear this type of clothes and act this way and people will respect you as a person and woman. Barring exceptions to every rule of course.
jochanaan
9th January 2006, 04:13 PM
So you are in effect saying that it is OK for a woman to dress in absolutely nothing as long as she is humble, and if a man lusts after her it is his fault?
Look at my comments under the Christian Naturist thread for the answer:
http://www.christianforums.com/t2113154-the-christian-naturist-movement.html
rosemerry, I did mean what you thought I meant, and more, as my comments under that thread should make clear. Blessings!
Flynmonkie
9th January 2006, 04:28 PM
^_^ You are seriously killing me over here :doh: Some peoples kids!
jochanaan
9th January 2006, 04:31 PM
I'd make a comment, Flynmonkie, but I've already dug myself into a deep hole.:doh:
Flynmonkie
9th January 2006, 04:35 PM
I'd make a comment, Flynmonkie, but I've already dug myself into a deep hole.:doh:
I might wanna take the "high ground" on this one too! :thumbsup:
It is just that I have never heard of such a thing... what's next? I am not so sure that there are Biblical grounds "against" this per se, however I can see there would definitely be cultural issues. Count me out of that march!
jochanaan
9th January 2006, 05:13 PM
No problem, Flynmonkie. However, my experiences have definitely given me a different perspective on the issue at hand in this thread. :)
Flynmonkie
9th January 2006, 05:23 PM
Oh, please don't take me the wrong way! :hug: - I have just never heard of it. :thumbsup:
I guess there is some value to the thought if this be a perfect Christian world - it might work. But I think that is the basis - it is not. We do have some concern not to cause a brother/sister to stumble. I think it all boils down to hearts intent. As stated above, with the inner change, the Holy Spirit does wonders for our "outer" change. I am going to leave it at that -- before I start offending everyone involved! :eek:
(I knew I should have stayed away from this thread :doh:)
novcncy
9th January 2006, 06:32 PM
Oh, please don't take the wrong way! :hug: - I have just never heard of it. :thumbsup:
I guess there is some value to the thought if this be a perfect Christian world - it might work. But I think that is the basis - it is not. We do have some concern not to cause a brother/sister to stumble. I think it all boils down to hearts intent. As stated above, with the inner change, the Holy Spirit does wonders for our "outer" change. I am going to leave it at that -- before I start offending everyone involved! :eek:
(I knew I should have stayed away from this thread :doh:)
Hi Flynn,
Long time, no talky. How are ya?
I do have to take a bit of exception with you, but not too much, because I think I understand what you're trying to say, and if so, I totally agree with you.
The exception comes from the "hearts intent" statement. Now if by that, you mean an intention of not causing your brother to stumble, then I disagree with you. I disagree, because man is corrupt, and Christians are carnal, even the best of us, from time to time. No matter what a woman does, there is some part of man's heart that will lust after her. Some guys will lust after your ears or your toes, or your nose, or some other innocuous part of you, because in the end, a woman is a sex object to them, and nothing more. uys like that don't care if you're a Christian. Even if you dressed in an abaya, they would either fantasize their perversion onto you, or they would just go to the mall or the internet to get their fix. No matter what you do, you cannot keep someone of this mindset from lusting.
If by intent you mean a whole hearted submission to the leading of the Spirit, then I do agree with you.
Modestly is all about personal responsibility and accountability to God. If you are truly serving God by yielding to the leading of the Holy Spirit, you will not dress immodestly. Any other motivation will result in sin, whether immodesty or something else. The personal aspect is just as relevant to men. No amount of sexuality or hedonism directed our way gives us an excuse. Joseph is a good example. I'm sure that Potipher's wife was a hottie, and she was throwing herself at him, and I'm sure he was sorely tempted, but in the end he did not sin. (Thank God for that example, btw!) And just to demonstrate that it will always be an issue, look at David, the man after God's own heart! Even though Bathsheba should have kept her naked butt inside, God held David accountable for his own sin, but not for hers. Also notice that David didn't try to make any excuses, he knew he was responsible for his own actions.
I think too many people jump on the "keeping your brother" bandwagon. Not that there's no merit in that, but the real reason for being modest is that you will answer to God for obeying Him, or not.
jochanaan
9th January 2006, 06:40 PM
...man is corrupt, and Christians are carnal, even the best of us, from time to time. No matter what a woman does, there is some part of man's heart that will lust after her. Some guys will lust after your ears or your toes, or your nose, or some other innocuous part of you, because in the end, a woman is a sex object to them, and nothing more. uys like that don't care if you're a Christian. Even if you dressed in an abaya, they would either fantasize their perversion onto you, or they would just go to the mall or the internet to get their fix. No matter what you do, you cannot keep someone of this mindset from lusting.
So true!:sigh:
...And just to demonstrate that it will always be an issue, look at David, the man after God's own heart! Even though Bathsheba should have kept her naked butt inside...
Actually, from some of the things I've read, it was common for people to bathe on rooftops in those days. If so, probably the king and his watchmen would have been accustomed to seeing people in various states of undress, as medical professionals are. (Or used to be; apparently the medical profession is becoming more uptight about nudity.) David just happened to see Bathsheba during a weak moment for him.
novcncy
9th January 2006, 07:02 PM
So true!:sigh:
Actually, from some of the things I've read, it was common for people to bathe on rooftops in those days. If so, probably the king and his watchmen would have been accustomed to seeing people in various states of undress, as medical professionals are. (Or used to be; apparently the medical profession is becoming more uptight about nudity.) David just happened to see Bathsheba during a weak moment for him.
I see what you're saying....and nothing categorically opposes it. The onus during the whole thing lies on David, and your comment supports that conclusion.
Custom doesn't cause an activity to become acceptable, though. I've noticed the modern day custom of shacking up, for instance. The "everybody is doing it" argument will never hold water, and doesn't make Bathsheba any less culpable for her own actions that day.
Flynmonkie
9th January 2006, 07:25 PM
Hi Flynn,
Long time, no talky. How are ya?
Oh it is just so wonderful to see you around again! :wave: Doing well if I can keep both feet out of my mouth! ;) Hoping all is well with you!
I do have to take a bit of exception with you, but not too much, because I think I understand what you're trying to say, and if so, I totally agree with you.
If by intent you mean a whole hearted submission to the leading of the Spirit, then I do agree with you.
Yes, sir - :thumbsup:
I think too many people jump on the "keeping your brother" bandwagon. Not that there's no merit in that, but the real reason for being modest is that you will answer to God for obeying Him, or not.
My thoughts exactly your just better at stating it (I think I was still reeling from the whole Christian nudist colony deal!)
MrJim
9th January 2006, 07:28 PM
Christian nudists...is there any doubt the end is near
(and not your uncovered one either)
Hackett
9th January 2006, 07:33 PM
The dress I see these days is very immodest: Bare midrifts, exposed belly buttons, low cut blouses, tank tops that are too tight and too short, Jeans that are skin tight, Short skirts and short shorts.
RiverSalado
10th January 2006, 04:34 AM
Look at my comments under the Christian Naturist thread for the answer:
http://www.christianforums.com/t2113154-the-christian-naturist-movement.html
rosemerry, I did mean what you thought I meant, and more, as my comments under that thread should make clear. Blessings!
Well I am opposed to nudity, no if's, no but's. My interpretation of to wear modestly is quite broad, otherwise everybody can just shuck their clothes outside of Siberia, sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh.
rosemerry
10th January 2006, 04:38 AM
What do you mean by quite broad? Girls/Guys can wear whatever they want whenever they want? Just curious.
MrJim
10th January 2006, 05:42 PM
As far as scripture goes I guess God "covered" it in Genesis 3:21.
rural_preacher
10th January 2006, 07:23 PM
The exception comes from the "hearts intent" statement. Now if by that, you mean an intention of not causing your brother to stumble, then I disagree with you. I disagree, because man is corrupt, and Christians are carnal, even the best of us, from time to time. No matter what a woman does, there is some part of man's heart that will lust after her. Some guys will lust after your ears or your toes, or your nose, or some other innocuous part of you, because in the end, a woman is a sex object to them, and nothing more. uys like that don't care if you're a Christian. Even if you dressed in an abaya, they would either fantasize their perversion onto you, or they would just go to the mall or the internet to get their fix. No matter what you do, you cannot keep someone of this mindset from lusting.
If by intent you mean a whole hearted submission to the leading of the Spirit, then I do agree with you.
Modestly is all about personal responsibility and accountability to God. If you are truly serving God by yielding to the leading of the Holy Spirit, you will not dress immodestly. Any other motivation will result in sin, whether immodesty or something else. The personal aspect is just as relevant to men. No amount of sexuality or hedonism directed our way gives us an excuse. Joseph is a good example. I'm sure that Potipher's wife was a hottie, and she was throwing herself at him, and I'm sure he was sorely tempted, but in the end he did not sin. (Thank God for that example, btw!) And just to demonstrate that it will always be an issue, look at David, the man after God's own heart! Even though Bathsheba should have kept her naked butt inside, God held David accountable for his own sin, but not for hers. Also notice that David didn't try to make any excuses, he knew he was responsible for his own actions.
I think too many people jump on the "keeping your brother" bandwagon. Not that there's no merit in that, but the real reason for being modest is that you will answer to God for obeying Him, or not.
WOW!! Excellent Post!! AMEN! This was very well stated indeed!
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rkymtnjesusfreak
11th January 2006, 11:59 AM
WOW!! Excellent Post!! AMEN! This was very well stated indeed!
--
I have to echo this! You did a great job at stating this novcncy.:thumbsup: :amen:
Sweet Pea
11th January 2006, 11:36 PM
http://www.patriarchspath.org/Articles/Docs/Modesty_and_the_Christian_Woman.htm
http://www.ucg.org/teenstudy/modesty.htm
http://www.gotquestions.org/women-wear-pants.html
http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-bikini.html
http://briomag.com/briomagazine/healthandbeauty/a0005126.html
http://www.christianwomentoday.com/parenting/modesty2.html
http://www.lastdaysministries.org/articles/uncoveringthetruthaboutmodesty.html
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703,A%253D155020%2526M%253D50017,00.html
the Colonel
12th January 2006, 01:38 PM
Thanks for the great links, Sweet Pea.
collegekid4christ
17th January 2006, 07:55 PM
nothing too short or low cut
Stinker
17th January 2006, 10:34 PM
Just curious. The other thread on this subject makes me wonder what peoples definition is. Mine is simply, make it modest. Not too short, not lowcut, not too much skin showing, etc.
What are your thoughts?
There is such a thing as Absolute truth, but there is no such thing as Absolute modest dress fashion.
Modest dress fashion is very relative. Like some other posters have mentioned in this thread, it used to be that women even showing their ankles was immodest.
Since there is no absolute standard of dress modesty, it logically follows that we should not be judging each other in this way and that we should instead help each other mature in Christ. This way, the Spirit will gradually take care of how we will dress when we go out in public.
Palomino
17th January 2006, 11:53 PM
to me,it's what the school dress code is. that's what comes to mind. no major skin showing.
JPPT1974
18th January 2006, 09:10 PM
to me,it's what the school dress code is. that's what comes to mind. no major skin showing.
Yeah just as long as it's no like Janet Jackson
LOL!!
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