Women--modesty question?

DeepWater said:

What is the difference between a Hooker who has multiple tattoos and non-ear body piercings and a Christian woman who has the same?

A.) Nothing.

Click to expand...

What you seem logically to be saying is that prostitution is of relatively little consequence compared with tattoos.

pinkjess said:

I know spaghetti straps and tank tops are considered immodest, but what about wide tank top sleeves? Like this?

Do you think it is okay to wear?

Click to expand...

In terms of modesty lets look at what the bible says.

1 Tim 2:9-10 said:

likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

Click to expand...

So what is this passage saying? Respectable apparel which has no definition. However for a definition we can look at what one should not wear. It says not with braided hair & gold or costly attire. So the only mention of clothes is not costly. In other words do not dress to draw attention to yourself. Essentially it is a heart matter. What is your attitude and motivation for dressing the way you do? That is what makes it sinful.

Another passage that may come into play is the one about not causing a fellow believer to sin. So in this context we would be talking about a guy lusting*. Basically if a guy comes up to you and says 'Hey I'm having a lot of trouble controlling my thoughts when you dress that way. Could you help me by dressing differently' then you need to consider what you wear. However it is worth noting that no matter what way you dress there will be some guy who finds it more attractive. If I see a woman in tight pants and tank top it doesn't bother me. I keep going and ignore her. I am more likely to have a problem with ankle length skirts. Most of the time though I find it easy to control my thoughts in this area so it isn't really an issue.

There is also the passage about not offending a weaker fellow believer. So if a person sees an outfit as wrong then one should try not to wear those kinds of outfits around them.

In regards to the dress in your OP I would be surprised if the majority of christians had a problem with that. There would be some groups that would but they tend to be more extreme groups.


*The church usually teaches the wrong definition of lusting. Jesus lusted to share the passover with his disciples. You don't see this written that way in the bible. They get around it by say Jesus earnestly desired to share the passover with his disciples. In the original texts it is the same word used on both occasions. So lusting is earnestly desiring something. So in determining if a guy is lusting after you then you need to ask is he earnestly desiring me. Of course if a guy does lust then that is his fault and the consequences are his.

I don't consider showing your arms to be immodest or tank tops unless they show cleavage. That is a very vintage style dress and is similar to what extremely modest girls in the 50's and 60's would wear.

pinkjess said:

I know spaghetti straps and tank tops are considered immodest, but what about wide tank top sleeves? Like this?

Do you think it is okay to wear?

Click to expand...

pinkjess: Spaghetti straps and tank tops are immodest? according to whom?

Why you believe the retro dress in the photo isn't modest?
The scriptures don't want men and women parading themselves like they be
in a dog and pony show...we are to be humble and honoring the Lord, not acting like
we be contestants for top model or something.

When you get all wrapped up in attention seeking, that's being immodesty...
modesty isn't just referring to what you wear, it also be about examining motives and attitudes
of the heart.
You don't got to be wearing a skimpy outfit or a 100,000.00 diamond studded evening gown to
an afternoon tea party, you can be wearing a burka...if your motives/attitudes be that you are far superior than others,
you are then immodest, even if you be wearing a burka and strutting around like the Queen of Sheba.
That reveals the condition of they heart, it be prideful not humble.
A man or a woman who is walking humbly with the Lord isn't caught up in attention seeking or striving to have their egos stroked.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

Romans 13:14
"Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision
for the desires of the flesh."

To be truly modest you adorn yourself with good works.

1 Timothy 5
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Also God says not to worry about what you wear as He will clothe you. I do see some women in church wear lots of jewellery and expensive fripperies and such and thats not being modest. They like getting the compliments that others bestow on them for wearing such fine clothing but thats not actually what God wants.