Modesty in dress and in speech

[B®ent]

It depends on what message you are trying to send...

And it depends on your definition of modesty - this is a cultural thing, with not many absolutes.

Here in the United States and in Britain where you live, I think we can establish absolutes. It comes down to honoring your body and respecting others. Very basic principles.

 

[Naomi4Christ]

It's different in the UK vs the US though.

And then there's what Brits do when they are on holiday...

 

[erin74]

It's different in the UK vs the US though.

And then there's what Brits do when they are on holiday...

.... come to australia. Then take their pale bodies to our beaches and turn themselves into lobsters!

 

[Erinwilcox]

Here in the United States and in Britain where you live, I think we can establish absolutes. It comes down to honoring your body and respecting others. Very basic principles.

This is good, but what about honoring and respecting God? I think that you can bring God into the issue because we are to bring Him glory in all that we say and do (and wear). Is God really glorified when girls wear things that expose, reveal, and enhance the very things that He gave to be private? Is he glorified when "Christian" girls look like harlots? Why did God make Adam and Eve clothing in the Garden of Eden after they fell from their state of grace? They were now sinful human beings. There is a pamphlet by Jeff Pollard,
"Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America," that has some excellent biblical reasons for modesty. I would highly advise anyone to read it.

 

[B®ent]

This is good, but what about honoring and respecting God? I think that you can bring God into the issue because we are to bring Him glory in all that we say and do (and wear). Is God really glorified when girls wear things that expose, reveal, and enhance the very things that He gave to be private? Is he glorified when "Christian" girls look like harlots? Why did God make Adam and Eve clothing in the Garden of Eden after they fell from their state of grace? They were now sinful human beings. There is a pamphlet by Jeff Pollard,
"Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America," that has some excellent biblical reasons for modesty. I would highly advise anyone to read it.

I agree. Honoring your body is honoring God, because your body is God's Temple.

God Bless you,
Johannes

 

[calmcoolandelected]

I read something on Doug Wilson's blog this morning (I read a wide variety of folks) where he used attire to make the point that most folks would look at it as a periphery issue when it is really a reflection of core values.


CC&E

 

[StAnselm]

Hey, you don't need to explain why you're reading Douglas Wilson!

 

[calmcoolandelected]

Hey, you don't need to explain why you're reading Douglas Wilson!

I **LIKE** Doug Wilson. I don't agree with everything he writes, but I like him. He's a somewhat controversial figure within Reformed circles and I don't want anyone to not take me seriously because of his controversies, even if I quote him and in that specific case, he is right!

CC&E

 

[Paleoconservatarian]

I **LIKE** Doug Wilson. I don't agree with everything he writes, but I like him. He's a somewhat controversial figure within Reformed circles and I don't want anyone to not take me seriously because of his controversies, even if I quote him and in that specific case, he is right!

CC&E

Hey... We've all got our skeletons in the closet.


I've always liked Doug Wilson, too, and it took me a while before I figured out what everybody's beef is with him.

 

[calgal]

erin74,

That was exactly what I was trying to communicate when I asked if modesty was more than just the way that one dresses. I think that women can be very immodest even if their clothing covers all of their bodies. If one has a flirtatious, bold manner, etc. then I think that that constitutes immodesty as well. I listened to a sermon on it once that explained it very well. Even body language can communicate much.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss does address modesty (interesting books) and she would agree with you completely. I think modesty is more than attire: it is also how we (men and women) act and speak in public and private.

 

[A New Dawn]

Nancy Leigh DeMoss does address modesty (interesting books) and she would agree with you completely. I think modesty is more than attire: it is also how we (men and women) act and speak in public and private.

Can one be modest, yet bold? Does modest = shy? I am trying to get a take on exactly what modest behavior entails.

 

[erin74]

No I don't think that modesty equals shy.

Not having done an indepth study I am kinda plucking at ideas here.

I kinda think it's about the motive behind the behaviour..... not really clear am I.... I just think it becomes apparent in the behaviour. Like if someone is trying to flaunt oneself then it doesn't require skimpy clothing for them to do it....

perhaps someone who has read one of the books suggested might be able to explain clearer than I can

 

[A New Dawn]

No I don't think that modesty equals shy.

Not having done an indepth study I am kinda plucking at ideas here.

I kinda think it's about the motive behind the behaviour..... not really clear am I.... I just think it becomes apparent in the behaviour. Like if someone is trying to flaunt oneself then it doesn't require skimpy clothing for them to do it....

perhaps someone who has read one of the books suggested might be able to explain clearer than I can

I think it has to do with more than just being flirty. I see any aggressive behavior as immodest. However, can someone be bold and modest at the same time. I do consider myself bold, but I don't consider myself immodest.

 

[erin74]

yeah - flirty was just an example

I think bold and modesty aren't at odds with each other. Certainly the proverbs 31 woman was bold I would think, and not at all immodest. She was known at the city gates.....

 

[CCWoody]

Boy, you try and plug some testosterone into this thread and it is still taken over by women. Oh, well, limps out.....

 

[B®ent]

Nancy Leigh DeMoss does address modesty (interesting books) and she would agree with you completely. I think modesty is more than attire: it is also how we (men and women) act and speak in public and private.

Well-said CalGal.

 

[Erinwilcox]

Boy, you try and plug some testosterone into this thread and it is still taken over by women. Oh, well, limps out.....

Is this an insult? I think that in a big sense, men should be involved because as fathers, brothers, and husbands they should be guiding the women in their family to dress modestly. On the other hand, women should be involved too because as the older women exhort the younger women to godliness, so also can the women here encourage one another onto greater modesty and holiness.

 

[JJB]

mod·es·ty ([font=verdana, sans-serif] P [/font]) Pronunciation Key (m

d

-st

)
n.

1. The state or quality of being modest.
2. Reserve or propriety in speech, dress, or behavior.
3. Lack of pretentiousness; simplicity

 

[Erinwilcox]

mod·es·ty ([font=verdana, sans-serif] P [/font]) Pronunciation Key (m

d

-st

)
n.

1. The state or quality of being modest.
2. Reserve or propriety in speech, dress, or behavior.
3. Lack of pretentiousness; simplicity

Does this clear up some of the questions? This is the unconverted's view of modesty. . .why should so many Christians have problems with it. . .

 

[agyevesam]

I am in agreement that women should dress modestly. But there is nothing wrong with a women who is outgoing, loves people and is confident. Not every women who is outgoing and talkative is immodest. It has to do with your heart and relationship with Jesus Christ.