Casual approaches to worship

I don't know if that's necessarily the case. I think that even in churches that have casual attire as a custom, the people still tend to wear nicer clothing than they would when not in church. But that's strictly my own observation.

BTW, I attend a church where the common attire tends to be business casual. Other than the occaisional "loud" aloha shirt, I've never seen anything to my memory that's unedifying in our attire.

 

A lot of non demonational churches I know of would let you worship in here in pajamas...well they do get in a lot of homeless people...

 

It's the liberal trend today. Anything goes to get people. I call it the Jimmy Carter/Bill Clinton philosophy.

 

I haven't worn Jimmy Carter pajamas in years.

("Bill Clinton pajamas" joke deleted due to issues of tastefulness)

 

What a silly comment. If we don't wear ties to church, we're liberals? Pardon me for using these words, but what a stupid comment.

 

I wear a tie sometimes, other times a polo shirt, and always a nice set of slacks or pants. Wait a minute... I have a goatee on my face too... oops, wrong can of worms.

 

So, would that make the ultimate liberal congregation:

A room full of homeless, pajama-wearing, goteed Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton supporters, enjoying a seeker-sensitive message from Rick Warren, while sipping java and reading their Message texts.

(Note to self: I've gotta increase my smart-aleck meds!)

 

Hey rbell -

If you've got any left of that prescription after you've recovered, kindly send to me. Thank you.

 

Because some of us out here are not that uptight and go to church to worship and fellowship, not prance about trying to prove our salvation with our clothes.

 

Are there any opinions out there on this subject?

Historically speaking, "Sunday best" is a relatively recent tradition that has only been around as long as people have had more than one or two changes of clothing - little more than two centuries.

Contrary to the people who claim that biblical "modesty" has primarily to do with how much skin you reveal, the real focus of both Paul and Peter is modesty as opposed to ostentation (1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Pet. 3:3). Too good or too much is just as immodest as too little.

 

Do you have to dress up before you worship God? Think how many people in the world not allowed to worship God if that were true.

 

Man, you've nailed it.

 

Why does it seem the “groups” that dislike CCM because it’s worldly (in their opinion) unusually end up telling me I have to wear nice (by the world’s standards) clothes to church?

 

Didn't you know that clothes make the person?

 

Because some of us out here are not that uptight and go to church to worship and fellowship, not prance about trying to prove our salvation with our clothes. </font>[/QUOTE]

 

The original question was, "Are there any opinions on this subject?" The answer to that question is, YES, there are many opinions on the subject, few convictions however. Most of us have preferences or ill applied scriptures that help us formulate what we like to call convictions.

It is true that God is more interested in what is on the inside than what is on the outside of man. The Bible does say (My paraphrase) that out of the heart flow the issues of life. I enjoy looking my best when I go to church, not because of the fashion of the world , but because of the respect I have for God. I would never wear casual clothes for a meeting with the President of the USA. I would never wear casual clothes when in many situations.

I do believe the issue here touches on this idea of our casual attitude toward God and that He is our big friend in the sky.

 

True, God sees the heart, but people see what's outside. It is very cultural. At present a tie is still a sign of respect and seriousness for the person whom you are meeting or the situation into which you are going.

Should we always follow culture? No. But in this instance it shows a respect and seriousness when we do our best to look clean and smart when we worship. Not everyone can afford to wear a shirt and tie, but you can ALWAYS tell when a person has made an effort.

I would rather see teens in church in jeans rather than in a shirt and tie at home. However, I believe looking smart is important.

I do not know about the US but after football games here for the interviews and just to walk out, the team almost always wear suits. But get those same people in a church and you get the, "It doesn't matter what I wear" statements.

Most importantly people should be in church, right with the Lord and preferably dressed modestly. If they wear a suit and tie then great.

 

Good post MNW.

 

oh, come on, MNW, after all, it's just God. Why try to look decent ? Does God care if one doesn't rinse his mouth as well ? (sarcasm intended).