Comments on: WARNING! Fashion Lemming alert

By: Christa Taylor

Christa Taylor — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:11:26 +0000

Very True MintheGap and Sydney, God does exist outside of culture. But because we live in culture it is easy to impose our own paradigm, or pre-suppositions on the text. In fact, it is this type of thinking that has opened wide the door for feminist theology in the church.
We are to use scripture to study scripture, looking to the Greek helps us understand what Paul was pointing to, what his central thought was in the passage. The issue isn’t braided hair, or pearls, or costly attire in and of themselves. The issue is the association through this attire with values that are clearly worldly and not godly. Context is important, Paul is talking about the corporate church gathered on Sundays. He wants worship (or youth-group) to be unhindered! He addresses the men and the women, don’t be a distraction. It was ostentatious dress, dressing to attract attention.
Moreover, these were things the prostitutes wore- which adds another cultural element.

While we cannot use “that is no longer culturally relevant” as an excuse for ignoring biblical commands today, it is helpful to understand Paul’s intent and the setting of the writer, in the first place.
Thank you for being women who consider these issues, I am honored to walk with you along the same road as we seek to apply scripture to our lives today.

By: Sydney

Sydney — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:05:27 +0000

I really needed to read this post. It reminded me that it doesn’t matter what our culture or the people at college think or say to me. I belong to Christ and what He says is all that matters.

I have to chime in…I chuckled too on the pink rhinestone bra deal…lol! Funny, that sounds like something my gramma actually might have bought for herself just for the fun of it!

MInTheGap:
I know what you mean. I’ve had trouble when reading such passages concerning the headcovering or the braided hair, etc. In Biblical times, braided hair, I learned, was considered a style worn mostly by prostitutes. Yet, today…LOTS of girls braid their hair and prostitution has nothing whatsoever to do with it. The culture is VERY different. So, I sometimes wonder if such commands were based on the culture of that day. But…you could rip that theory to shreds in other areas. ‘Tis rather confusing. As for me, I pray to God and ask Him to lead me in the way I should go, and if I should do or wear something that’s not pleasing to Him , that He would give me a clear sign. Which He has done before.

Shalom!

By: MInTheGap

MInTheGap — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:34:16 +0000

This is right along with what I think when I read some of the passages in the New Testament regarding dress. It’s then I start to question the church’s declaration that some things are cultural and not for today vs. something that we should really take into account.

I struggle with passages about women wearing hats, etc., because I know that God exists outside of culture– and calls us to be bigger than culture. He wants us to follow Him, and we say we’ll do anything, but most times that means that we’ll do anything that we consider rational.

By: Christa Taylor

Christa Taylor — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:38:10 +0000

Dear Hannah,
Thank you for commenting, I appreciate your candidness. No, there is certainly nothing wrong with wearing all white underthings, more power to you! Erin was just using it as an example of a stereotype in the past (a woman only had white to choose from and was only expected to wear white).

Does that clarify?
God bless you as well,
Christa

By: Kristin

Kristin — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:24:10 +0000

this was cute
like kirsten i just had to chuckle a bit thinking of a grandmother receiving a pink and rhinestone bra as a gift! i don’t think i could convince myself to give a rhinestone bra to my sister, let alone my grandmother, lol.
this post has a great message though, and one i often struggle with myself. my mother was in the fashion industry when i was growing up so what was ‘trendy’ was what we were encouraged to wear. i still have to remind myself often that i don’t need her approval or anyone else’s if my clothing is beautiful in the eyes of the Lord.

By: Fringe, Rhinestones, and Lemmings « erin straza

Fringe, Rhinestones, and Lemmings « erin straza — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:27:19 +0000

[...] and Lemmings Tuesday, January 6, 2009 — erinstraza See how these things relate in my guest post featured at Christa Taylor’s site, Empowered [...]

By: Hannah L.

Hannah L. — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:05:09 +0000

I’m not exactly sure what you’re saying with the whole bra example. Is there something wrong with wearing all white undergarments?

*Sigh* It’s so easy to sound offended or angry on the internet. I assure you I’m not! I love your posts. I’m just a little bit confused with the example you used. No rhyme intended.

God bless!

Hannah L.

By: Kirsten Erin

Kirsten Erin — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:04:15 +0000

Great post! It’s crazy to see how quickly our standards as women, and as Americans, have changed. It blows your mind.
Lol! Loved the pink rhinestone-accented bra for grandma. That’s hilarious!

By: Beth

Beth — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:17:38 +0000

Well written! Very important topic.