Church attire: What would Jesus wear?

1858 Bathing Suit (Public Domain)

In modern-day Western societies, the amount of clothing is inversely proportional to the outside temperature.  In other words, as the heat scales up, the clothing scales down.

Although this might (greatly) please bikini fans, it might not bode as well for church attendees.  That is why some churches have taken to posting signs like this one from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bethesda, Maryland:  Dignity & Decorum: Please try not to wear beach shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  Thank you.

Michelle Boorstein of The Washington Post points out that casual 

is superceding formal on airplanes, in offices, and pretty much everywhere.  One of the last outposts of formal wear has (somewhat)

been churches.

There has even been a movement called "Modest is Hottest" among evangelical Christian women.  However, younger women have been challenging this slogan, announcing that a woman's heretofore private parts "all proclaim the glory of the Lord."  Some women also interpret "Modest" to refer only to "the depth of one's spirit, not their neckline."  In other words, modesty is "an orientation of the heart" which "begins with putting God first."

Judging people is certainly something that Jesus was very clear about - and very clearly against.  Therefore, is judging people by what they wear (or don't wear) to church holy – or is it merely holier than thou?   

Resources

http://wwrn.org/articles/40267/?place=united-states

Copyright July 23, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved