A question about Church and Dress Code

[Elwood]

My wife and I got into a discussion this evening about why people feel you have to dress up tp go to church and look down upon people who don't do it.  It started because of my new "little project" I'm debating on undertaking.  I've always had the urge to cover one of my guitars in stickers.  I'm considering do this with my upright bass.  Her problem is that I play this instrument in our church services every 2 or 3 months and she thinks it would be unappropiate to take it in there covered in stickers, like the ones I'm going to use.

(EXAMPLES:  "PUNK ROCK IS NOT A CRIME", "got mule?", a turtle, blues brothers/house of blues, Ben Harper, "My cat sucked the breath out of your kid", John Coltrane, "Honk if you love Hanson then drive into a tree", Nirvana, etc., etc.)

 

Anyway this went from why should I act any different or present myself any different in church than out of church.  Which led to the "dress code" issue.  My feeling about it is that I don't think God is worried about whether I'm in a T-shirt or a 3 piece suit as long as I'm there for the right reasons.

 

I've had this argument with members of my church before when I was younger and would opfen wear sandals to church.  Which I was always quick to point out that Jesus wore sandals so why shouldn't I be able to.  My wife's parents are some of the people who are very particular about what should and shouldn't be worn to church.  So therefore she feels that way too, although she said my arguement makes sense.

 

How do you guys feel about this?  Should there be a dress code for church or should we just be glad that people are coming and quit worying about what they're wearing?

[lrymal]

Basically, you are on their turf, you dress for that turf.  If a local church dresses up or down, as per that church's tradition, then it certainly would be appropriate to accomodate and abide by their tradition.  Their buildings, their roof over your head when you go in their sanctuary, their funds that built it.

 

I personally don't see the reasoning, in a church, for an instrument of music to draw attention to itself due to labels on it, rather than the music it is playing.  The purpose of the instrument would be for its song, and how it fits in the blending with the church's music.  

 

I would certainly ask the Minister of Music if it is appropriate in HIS church for your guitar to be "decorated" that way.  You are sharing your talent in that church, but again---you are in that's church's turf.

 

Regarding some churches that dress up... it is a tradition.  Honor that tradition.  If that church looks down on others who do not, or can NOT, that certainly isn't right, but I wonder (without know you) if you are concentrating too much on the human nature of the members of that church, rather than the church's message and savior that it represents.  

 

If the members of a church were perfect, then there might be little need for a church.  Personally, for ME, I need the church.  And, our church generally dresses down as compared to the some of the others in town.  But, this is just a percularity of my church.

[varmint2506]

"Honk if you love Hanson then drive into a tree"

 

How do you guys feel about this?  Should there be a dress code for church or should we just be glad that people are coming and quit worying about what they're wearing?

 

Out where we live in the sticks, they are just glad to see people there. The grandpas and grandmas generally put on their "Sunday best" but other than that it's very casual. I think you should wear what you want, within reason of course.

[RyanbabZ71]

oh man the church debate.

 

I need to get liquored up and then I can go off about certain things which have changed in our church i wont get into it.

 

Also this past sunday we had a procession (alter servers, priest, and 3 of us with a cross, statue, and a candle).  Well i know something was probably said about me being in dress pants and a shirt and tie.  Why you ask?  The other 2 guys had on suits.  Who cares I looked good.  

 

I know alot of people probably dont care for me because I do not attend church like i probably should but the one 2 days i work right now are sat and sunday.  Kinda hard to attend mass when you are working at 8am sunday mornings

[99silveradoz71]

It's tradition based as indicated above, and you have to kind of live with the tradition.  I think a lot of places are more relaxed than they used to be.  As for the stickers, outside the church, no problem, but inside, depending on your level of visibility, it could serve as a distraction.

 

Hmm, don't make me start reciting Hanson song lyrics.

[t31rout]

Our Pasteur likes to say our church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.    All are welcome.   Of course that doesn't mean you won't get a few jabs if you do something to your appearance to stick out like a sore thumb.  We could also think of it this way.  Who among us wouldn't get a hoot out of some dope crawling under his truck in a tuxedo?   Norms are norms.  Either blend in, or expect the jabbing.

 

By the way.   New to this forum.  It is great but boy it sure is takin' me a long time to catch-up reading all the past posts.  

[k1500chevy97]

Geez i just dress casual (dockers, polo shirt) for church each sunday I dont have any problem with anyone there .

 

I can see a problem if i came in in my jeans t-shirt and john deere cap    

[MountaineerTom]

There should be no dress code.  I'm sure God has no problems with that, so no one else should.  

 

All I own are jeans and my work uniform (BDU's or Service Dress), if I can't wear that, I won't be there.   Except for the rented tux for Elwood and Becky's wedding.  :thumb:  

[Shaners]

It's the heart and soul of the person that matters and not how the person looks.

 

If the people in the church have a problem with that then maybe they should re-examine themselves, because they may be attending services for the wrong reasons...

[rrsob]

My wife and I usually attend Sat. eve. mass. The dress is pretty casual at our Church. I'll wear jeans and a nice polo shirt. I agree that the important thing is that you take the time to attend Church. If I see someone in jeans and a T-shirt, usually a teen, I think it's great that they are there. Too

many people as well as many teens don't take the time to attend Church. I could care less what there are wearing.

 As far as the stickers, yes they may be a bit distracting, and

that's not really a good thing, but again, it would'nt bother me, or  would I think less of them for it. I just think it's great you've taken the time to use some of your talent and give it to the Church.

 As far as a "dress code" when in "their" building. I as well as many other patrons make a substantial "pledge" and weekly offering. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to blow my own horn, but I like to think of it as "our" church.

As long as you attend Church for the "right" and heartfelt reasons ( blind faith really bugs me). Wear what you want.

:thumb:  :thumb:

[MarkD]

My opinion can be summed up in a couple of statements...

 

Church is a place to worship, praise, and show reverence to God.

 

A persons relationship with God is internal.  Dress how YOU'RE convictions lead you.

 

A person that acts as a stumbling block is an abomination to the Lord.

 

Although these statements may seem to conflict, I think they can all be applied to come up with a reasonable answer.

[silverado man]

It's tradition based as indicated above, and you have to kind of live with the tradition.  I think a lot of places are more relaxed than they used to be.  As for the stickers, outside the church, no problem, but inside, depending on your level of visibility, it could serve as a distraction.

 

Hmm, don't make me start reciting Hanson song lyrics.

mmm bop.      

Honk if you love Hanson then drive into a tree

That's got to be one of the funniest stickers I have ever read.    

 

I wear a polo shirt and jeans when I go to mass.  In the summer I will wear shorts.  I don't see the point in dressing up.  Who are you trying to impression? God?  I don't thing so he all ready loves you and takes you as you are.

[MountaineerTom]

Why are you going to cover your bass in stickers Elwood?  ???  

 

If I were to do that, it would be on an old, beat up gee-tar, not your good ones.  

[Jersey Tahoe LT]

Well this really isn't my place to say anything as I don't Belong to a church and only attand services for Christmas if that.  But I belive that you should dressnice casual like Kakhi pants and a polo or Button up shirt.  Just out of respect.  If you were to go to your girlfriends or boyfrinds parents house for a nice dinner would you ware Cut off jeans and sandles with a tank top?  Not likely.  But A nice pear of Jeans/Dockers with a nice shirt clean shoes is appropriate.  That is just my opinion.

 

Later,

Brandon

[JonesNTN]

I think it is more tradition than anything else. While dressing nice is a sign of respect, the option of dressing more casual shouldn't be considered disrespectful. Personally I have to to stradle the fence on  this one. While I believe that dressing nice is setting an example for the youth of the church by showing the importance of church service, and that they should show their respect for their fellow congregation by dressing in their better clothing instead of their work clothes. However, with that said, I don't believe it is anyone's right to shun or criticize anybody(for any reason) that puts forth the effort of attending Church. I personally belive that religion would have grown alot faster if people felt like they belonged there, instead of feeling like they "just didn't fit in". So feel fortunate if you have the money to wear nice clothes and drive nice vehicles. But do look down any anybody for any reason, especially in Church just because they aren't wearing what you would like them too. That person could be the image of Christ himself testing your conviction. Maybe that person needs help rather than some hippocrite's criticizm.

 

Enjoy!