Dave-W

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The biblical verses in Paul's and Peter's epistles deal with one aspect of modesty: flaunting wealth. It had little to do with sexuality or how much skin was showing.

On Yom Kippur and other holy days, we men dress in a kittle, a garment looking much like a white lab coat. And we wear no leather shoes. This is to put aside any economic or class distinctions and acknowledge we all stand on equal footing before the King of Kings.
 
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Dave-W

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upload_2019-9-3_13-56-58.jpeg
 
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rockytopva

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We had a country preacher who built a large Baptist church a little south of here. They were about the most decent looking people I have ever met and all with sweet, happy, countenances.
 
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bekkilyn

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I agree with Dave-W concerning that it had to do with flaunting wealth. Much like much of western culture, the divide between the rich and poor in 1st century Greco-Roman culture was huge, and they were very class structured. When those from both the rich and poor classes converted to Christianity, it presented an even greater problem because suddenly these extremely wealthy people were being informed by Paul and others that the slaves (as one example) were equal to them, but yet many of the wealthy Christians were going on about their lives just as before and holding extravagant meals and banquets even to the point of defiling the meaning of the Lord's Supper as they were treating it just the same as any pagan gathering and when the poorer converts arrived later due to having been working all day, there typically wasn't even any food left for them to share.

There was also the matter of the professional prostitutes dressing a certain way.

So these were the types of issue Paul was dealing with. He had to consider how Christians might set themselves apart from both looking like the professional prostitutes AND promoting the message that ALL are equal in Christ Jesus. So basically, don't encourage people to mistake you for a prostitute and even more importantly, don't go around flaunting all of your wealth just like you did before you converted. People should be able to visibly SEE a transformation in the lives of Christians.

We're dealing with our own issues here in the 21st century that may or may correspond to what Paul was dealing with in the 1st century.

So I think it really all comes down to a matter of right attitude. One could be wearing, for one example, tight leather everywhere and be covered with tattoos and showing some skin because that's what makes them happy, but be far, far more modest in bearing than someone who dresses conservatively with the most expensive designer brands with the labels all in clear view for the purpose of making sure everyone knows how wealthy and superior they are. Of course, a different person could wear the exact same thing and be modest because they aren't doing it for the purpose of competing with their neighbors on climbing the social ladder.
 
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Dave-W

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far more modest in bearing than someone who dresses conservatively with the most expensive designer brands with the labels all in clear view for the purpose of making sure everyone knows how wealthy and superior they are.
One of my previous rabbis grew up in southern California and every year at High Holy Days, the women would show up in the most expensive latest furs (even though the temps were in the upper 80s) just to show off and try to outdo everyone else.

That was the kind of thing Paul and Peter were opposed to.
 
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Dansiph

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What does Christian modesty mean for men and women in today’s culture?

To facilitate the discussion I’m requesting three things from respondents:

— Please share an opinion based on your gender first. This subject skews disproportionately towards women and I would like to see edifying comments for both sexes.

— Please provide biblical support for your opinion if applicable.

— And for the sake of clarity for everyone, please share a visible example of the modest attire you’re addressing. Please avoid posting immodest images or videos in deference to those with struggles.

Thank you. I look forward to your response. :)
I mostly wear loose fitting trousers and a variety of shirt types. Imo I think quality is important but I don't mean designer cashmere etc. Buying second hand is a good option.

In the US I hear you have a lot of variety in thrift stores? The UK's best option would be Etsy or Oxfam although Oxfam is hit or miss. Unless someone knows a good UK based option to get used clothes?

I was told but haven't confirmed that the thigh constitutes nakedness? So if I'm wearing shorts whilst exercising I wear them over my knee usually. I also haven't confirmed whether a man's upper body is considered Biblical nakedness? Not that I walk around topless anyway.

I personally think it's ok to buy some decent winter clothes which are costly because you are not flaunting your wealth you are trying to keep warm. Lastly for women my preference is a over the knee skirt and generally looser fitting women's clothes. With emphasis on women's. Same for a man, dress like a man. I will point out I don't go around dictating what everyone should wear in day to day life.

What does everyone think about getting an expensive clothing item BUT, on sale? I have done this in the past.
 
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Dansiph

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What does Christian modesty mean for men and women in today’s culture?

To facilitate the discussion I’m requesting three things from respondents:

— Please share an opinion based on your gender first. This subject skews disproportionately towards women and I would like to see edifying comments for both sexes.

— Please provide biblical support for your opinion if applicable.

— And for the sake of clarity for everyone, please share a visible example of the modest attire you’re addressing. Please avoid posting immodest images or videos in deference to those with struggles.

Thank you. I look forward to your response. :)
I just realised. I have an expensive pair of running shoes. They're not for showing off they're to prevent a recurring injury in my heel. Is it ok to buy expensive things if they serve a purpose?
 
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bekkilyn

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Also, expensive clothing *may* be of better quality than the cheaper brands, so it may actually be less costly in the long term because it will last much longer and not fall apart. Sometimes if you just buy clothing simply because it is less expensive, you may end up spending more since you have to keep spending to replace it when it "breaks".

Then you have clothes that are expensive simply because they are the latest fads. For those, wait a couple months or so and they will all be on clearance for thrift store prices and then you can just have fun with them but without all the ridiculous cost, and who cares if (when) those fall apart after you've enjoyed your time with them? :)
 
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Dansiph

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My daughter wears Brooks sneakers to combat discomfort. They were recommended by her podiatrist. To my knowledge most shoes that address issues like these are more expensive as are the insoles.

I believe God desires us to consider our hearts in our decision-making. Am I purchasing the item for its quality or hoping to gain external spoils through its possession? I don’t think the latter is beneficial to my condition.
I wanted Brooks actually but they didn't have my size so I got another brand.
 
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Dansiph

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They go on sale from time to time online. I’ve seen them. Usually around $79-$89 USD.
Unfortunately I paid full price for mine. The brand is Hoka One One. They're good shoes but I only got them because of the heel issue really.
 
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VMaeLove

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I never thought much about the modesty of clothing. I buy what I find comfy and cute. But I wear a lot of tank top styles during summer and I was told I show too much skin, which has me thinking about it. I do not wear them to show off but for comfort in hot days. I am worryed some times now when I wear a tank top or some shorts if I am looking like I am showing off instead of staying cool. :confused:

I have got rid of some of my clothes tho since becoming a Christian. It is difficult to find a balance between modest and comfy some times.
 
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VMaeLove

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I don’t think tank tops are immodest. We had record temperatures and several died. Our humidity is pretty bad and that adds to the issue. I dressed appropriately for the weather.

I hope that was conveyed to you in a loving manner and you were given examples of alternative options. Most of all I hope you seek the Lord on this subject and let Him order your steps.

That is what I thought I did not think I was not modest with it but I also know I have a worldly mind.
It was said as a way that I am being not modest because I show too much skin and they did not appreciate it and did not want to see it..
I do not want to be prideful and think it is a problem with them and I am fine if maybe I am not and I am thinking from a worldly mind vs God's view.
I do ask God to help me understand what I should do and I think I am beginning to but some times I am not sure.
 
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