How Do Biblical Teachings Influence the Dress Code for Women Regarding Skirts and Makeup and Not Cutting Hair?

[Truth Seeker]

Biblical teachings have long influenced the dress code for women in various Christian communities, particularly regarding the wearing of skirts, abstaining from makeup, and not cutting hair. These practices are often rooted in specific scriptural passages that emphasize modesty, gender distinction, and holiness. For instance, 1 Timothy 2:9-10 encourages women to dress modestly and focus on good works rather than outward adornment. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 11:5-6 and 11:14-15 discuss the significance of women covering their heads and the cultural and spiritual importance of long hair as a covering. Deuteronomy 22:5 further reinforces the distinction between male and female attire. These scriptures collectively shape the guidelines followed by some denominations, aiming to reflect a commitment to biblical principles and a lifestyle that honors God's design and order. Any thoughts?

 

[Daniel Hoseiny]

This is how women are encouraged to dress in the Russian-orthodox tradition. This is not obligation, but a pious tradition.

 

[Josiah]

It seems to ME that dress is a cultural thing. What is "acceptable" and normative simply changes, it varies according to place and time. Any study of the history of dress strongly suggests this.

IMO, what is being suggested by Scripture is modesty, which IMO is likely not dressing with the primary objective of bringing about lust in the other sex. THAT is not to be the purpose. Of course, ANYTHING (or nothing, lol) CAN do that - but is that the reason for that dress? Is that the purpose of why the person put on those clothes? IMO, that's the issue. I think it's okay to dress in a flattering manner (no reason to dress so as to be as ugly as possible) but not in a lustful way.

Like many things, it's hard to address this objectively - by focusing on WHAT is being worn. It's not so much a matter of attire as it is a matter of heart. The "problem" often is not the clothes but the heart, not what's on the outside but what's in the inside.

Like the Pharisees in the Bible, some like to make it a simple matter of OUTWARD appearances. It's easy: Just insist everyone dress as ugly as they can. Anyone can do that and then pat themselves on the back and shout to God, "See what a holy person I am." Perhaps there's a bit of this in Islam. But I think it's a matter of what's on the inside, not what's on the outside. Christians need to think CONTEXT and CULTURE and above all, what is their motivation.





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