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suits
santikos:
"Contrary to popular opinion, medieval Christians had no common practice of dressing up for church because nice clothes were only afforded by the wealthy. Prior to the industrial revolution, society was polarized into the “haves” (the landed aristocracy) and the “have-nots” (plebes, serfs, peasants), with a minimal merchant class in between. Fine clothing was hand-made and far too expensive for common folk who maintained their living through subsistence farming.[1] Common folks had only one or two sets of clothes, made of coarse, drab fabric. One set of clothes was for working in the field, thus getting dirty and tattered; the other was for going into town, and therefore was kept cleaner to avoid public revulsion.[2] In other words, “dressing up” for anything was never an option for anyone but the wealthiest nobility. In fact, social codes enforced by fines mandated that this class distinction be honored by individuals of every rank.[3] Distinctions of dress have functioned to maintain social hierarchy since the beginning of civilization.
All of this changed with the invention of mass manufacturing and the development of urban society. James Hargreaves invented the “spinning jenny” in 1764.[4] As this and similar machines were reproduced, finer and more colorful clothing, created with more versatile fabrics, made a variety of clothes affordable for the masses.[5] Industrialization and urbanization gave rise to the middle class socio-economic group, so that a new layer of society received an opportunity to emulate the envied aristocracy and distinguish themselves from the peasants.[6] Common people began “dressing up” to social events of every kind to demonstrate their newly improved social status."
onelovedread:
I respectfully see this from a different perspective. Too much emphasis on "Suits"(outward appearance) seems to me to go against Ray's teaching. In so many of his papers, he points point out that it is the SPIRITUAL and not the physical that is going to endure. Is God really looking at how one is dressed, or does he not look at a man's heart?
Dave in Tenn:
We fought these generational wars in my early Christian life. The older folks said they wanted to be respectful and worshipful in church, although I'm sure some (especially the ladies) liked to be just a bit more 'respectful and worshipful' than others. The younger folks (and me) wanted to open up church to people regardless of their background or means. We figured if we could get them in the doors, they'd have a chance at getting saved and not going to Hell.
Those that dress up are doing so unto the Lord. Or not. Those that don't dress up are doing so unto the Lord. Or not.
As for me now? What is this 'church' thing and why do I care what they wear to it?
jassy:
I still go to church cause I love the congregation and pastor to bits.
I wear my good jeans and good t shirts. And good shoes. Because thats all I have. Bad jeans and good jeans. ;D
jassy
markn902:
--- Quote from: Dave in Tenn on November 05, 2010, 11:16:51 AM ---As for me now? What is this 'church' thing and why do I care what they wear to it?
--- End quote ---
lol thats too funny. I wear what other people wear to places (church if someone insists on it) just as a matter of ...idk... I guess to fit in...out of respect? I dont go suit and tie to anything unless its work and my employer insists on it. If I remember right wasn't it the Pharisees who were all dressed up doing outward physical things? I try to be careful not to judge a book by its cover (or clothes) :) key word there being "try"
The JWs of which I was raised as a child in were very much into suits and ties and to be honest when I realized I was free of the yoke of churchianity I was happy about not having to dress up and go do all these pretentious things. (and also watch football on Sunday without feeling guilty ha-ha)
The pope is pretty well dressed.... ::)
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