District Convention Dress Code

[juffowup]

I'm sort of surprised no one has commented on this, but it was, of all things, something of a bombshell at the two congregations I am affiliated with. The society has come out and forbid the wearing of "jeans, t-shirts, and shorts" during leisure hours at the district convention. This was in the KM insert covered last Thursday.

Like I said, I'm not sure why this raised so many hackles, but you should have seen the reaction after the meeting and through the weekend. I have never seen so much open talk of rebellion over wearing jeans and tshirts before. If only people would question 1914, NGO activity, and child molestation as thouroughly. Play "here a little, there a little" and "strain out the nat" over a life and death blood issue and ... meh. Can't wear shorts when we go out and eat? Outrage! The really funny thing too is it was one of those deals where the elders are the only ones commenting on the paragraph, each taking turns saying how important it is to comply with directions, follow the leader, etc. Haven't seen that since the '95 new light over the generational teachings. Maybe the brothers should make wearing contraband clothing a disfellowshipping offense to quiet down the rebels.

Anyone else see this kind of reaction? What to make of it? Is this just a stiff-necked mid-western USA thing or what?

[Shibboleth]

I just can't believe I can't bring beers in my cooler anymore. :D


So do we go swimming in the pool with our lapel badges and suits?

Sitting through the meeting and listening to that part about the shorts and jeans and t-shirt shunning made me wonder who really is going to go along with that? That is just overboard. I know we have to represent Jehovah and be dressed modestly, but I have jeans and I have t-shirts that are modest. The only t-shirts that should be banned are NY Yankee t-shirts. Anything from the evil empire should be perma-banned. :icon_twisted:

[DoubtingThomas]

Gradually, over the years, I have noticed that more and more of our everyday lives are being manipulated and controlled by the dictates of the WTBTS. Today it is what clothes we can wear after our Christian meeting is over. Tomorrow it will be what food we are allowed to eat. And the next day it will be what color we all must paint our homes.

Before long we all shall be just Zombies and Robots without a mind of our own if we continue to let the WTBTS do our thinking for us.

There are times that we should do our own thinking rather than letting others do it for us, and when it comes to the choosing of dress and clothing we wear, I for one, shall decide that on my own. My apologies to the GB and other Christians for such a terrible and rebellious attitude.

DT

[barry]

I was not able to get to the meeting when it was discussed, but there has always a lot of comments about the behaviour outside the convention. And I read the article and heard some comments.
Most of the time we have very warm weather during the convention and the hall itself is very big and even when it is cold outside it is always hot inside.
Some years ago people started to eat outside of the hall near the carpark. A lot of families considered it as a good break for the kids to enjoy a bit of the nice weather and eat something and get a bit of energy for the next hours.
Than we were told in the KM that it was not good to have lunch outside because people from the world, would think we were having big picnics. :icon_eek:

Than now with the no jeans, no shorts. You're already dressed up the whole day, sweat is coming from everywhere in your body. Than after the convention, we can have a shower and cool off a bit, but than we're told that we should wear appropriate clothes, so more sweat.
Is this really necessary to write about things like this?

[Gabriel]

I just can't believe I can't bring beers in my cooler anymore. :D


So do we go swimming in the pool with our lapel badges and suits?

Sitting through the meeting and listening to that part about the shorts and jeans and t-shirt shunning made me wonder who really is going to go along with that? That is just overboard. I know we have to represent Jehovah and be dressed modestly, but I have jeans and I have t-shirts that are modest. The only t-shirts that should be banned are NY Yankee t-shirts. Anything from the evil empire should be perma-banned. :icon_twisted:[/b]

SHIBB, Thats just to funny bro. especially the beer thing. I remember when they first came out with that one even a few elders were disgruntled. Anyway...I think this may be a prelude to people begining to question more and more as "MOTHER" starts to get more and more rediculous. Who knows....this just might be the small leak that turns in to a torent.

[Shibboleth]

Well being a single brother who hardly cooks and eats out everyday for lunch, I find it hard to believe I am going to bring my lunch to the assembly. I'll end up eating out like I do everyday. I'll also go outside and enjoy the nice weather. Since I have the luxury of having the assembly in my city I know where all the good eateries are.

[Gabriel]

Gradually, over the years, I have noticed that more and more of our everyday lives are being manipulated and controlled by the dictates of the WTBTS. Today it is what clothes we can wear after our Christian meeting is over. Tomorrow it will be what food we are allowed to eat. And the next day it will be what color we all must paint our homes.

DT[/b]
DT I have no doubt in my mind that your thoughts are being echoed in JW Homes across the globe. our dear brothers are begining to notice that something is seriously wrong here. I think everyone knows the 1914 thing is phonie...Even before watchman came out. But we just kept quite and brushed it aside. The thing is, is that the WATCHTOWER is becoming more and more rediculous and starting to raise eyebrows of many sencer bro/sis.

I really think that this may be the start of our christian family whithin the borg...opps I mean org to start to ask questions more openly.

[Shibboleth]

<div class='quotemain'>I just can&#39;t believe I can&#39;t bring beers in my cooler anymore. :D


So do we go swimming in the pool with our lapel badges and suits?

Sitting through the meeting and listening to that part about the shorts and jeans and t-shirt shunning made me wonder who really is going to go along with that? That is just overboard. I know we have to represent Jehovah and be dressed modestly, but I have jeans and I have t-shirts that are modest. The only t-shirts that should be banned are NY Yankee t-shirts. Anything from the evil empire should be perma-banned. :icon_twisted:[/b]

SHIBB, Thats just to funny bro. especially the beer thing. I remember when they first came out with that one even a few elders were disgruntled. Anyway...I think this may be a prelude to people begining to question more and more as "MOTHER" starts to get more and more rediculous. Who knows....this just might be the small leak that turns in to a torent.
[/b][/quote]

Seriously, if you are bringing liquor to an assembly you gots problems. I almost brought that up when we had the question and answer bit at the meeting. I almost said "Well looks like we can&#39;t bring alcohol to the assembly again." I have never seen anyone bring a can of beer or any type of liquor to an assembly and I have been to alot of them. Now I have seen people have a beer at lunch at a restaurant which is not cool, cause you have to go back to an assembly and then people can smell it on you and you look like an idiot for doing it.

Man, if only we were in the good old days of assemblies when you had to pay 10 tickets for a fruit bag.

[Gabriel]

Seriously, if you are bringing liquor to an assembly you gots problems.[/b]

Well....ummm.

[Shibboleth]

Seriously, if you are bringing liquor to an assembly you gots problems.[/b]

Well....ummm.
[/b]


I wasn&#39;t implying you I was saying "you gots problems" in a global sense. lol

I wonder how the t-shirts/shorts/jeans issue was worded in countries where it is customary to wear shorts?

Personally I think this is out of hand. If we are to &#39;Follow Christ&#39; I&#39;m gonna wear a robe-like garment Jesus would typically wear. People may think I am part of the drama but that is ok with me cause I am following the Christ.

[Gabriel]

<div class='quotemain'>
Seriously, if you are bringing liquor to an assembly you gots problems.[/b]

Well....ummm.
[/b]


I wasn&#39;t implying you I was saying "you gots problems" in a global sense. lol

I wonder how the t-shirts/shorts/jeans issue was worded in countries where it is customary to wear shorts?

Personally I think this is out of hand. If we are to &#39;Follow Christ&#39; I&#39;m gonna wear a robe-like garment Jesus would typically wear. People may think I am part of the drama but that is ok with me cause I am following the Christ.
[/b][/quote]

Lol...I know shibb. I was just being silly. I never brought beer to a convention,district or anything else. espicially where God&#39;s name is talked about. People are always looking for amunition against God&#39;s people..."SEE! they&#39;re drunks!!" However trying to convince some of my family members not to was a different story. at least they just did it in the hotel and played dominoes. I was never good at dominoes.

[eyes&ears]

If they spoke on this last week, I had two doctor&#39;s appontments and was wiped out, so I did not attend the meeting.

Nevertheless, imo opinion, just a simple reminder to be tasteful and remember who we represent would have been sufficient. But who am I. We are always, in this sick system, going to have attention seekers wear something that is on the edge. That is unfortunate, but just how it goes in this decaying system of things.

But you are right, you would think the friends would be up in arms about life and death issues, not t-shirts, jeans and dumb plastic badges.

I refuse to lose focus on stupidity.

But remember folks if something earth shattering happens and you do not have on your uniforms and badges, you know it will be coming from the platform and all the publications how you all were arrested after trying to convince the authorites that you are JW&#39;s without your official garb you will be talked about for decades and used as an example of REBELLIOUS ISRAELITES YOU GOATS YOU. :Love: :185: Oh Jehovah help us please!!!! :wacko:

Ya better not wear those Jeans and t-shirts you stiff necked goats :185:

Love to you all

E & E

[Shibboleth]

Thanks E&E that is the whole reason why we go and why we dress according.

We need the reminders cause there will always be some doofus who can&#39;t remember.

Something that happened real recent at my 2 day. there was 2 sisters on stage giving experiences and they talked about respecting jehovah and how women should dress respectfully and not wear lo-cut blouses. Well wouldn&#39;t you know it out of the entire assembly there were two &#39;sisters&#39; (not sure if they were baptized but possibly could have been cause I see them at the assemblies all the time) that wore low cut blouses. I thought they were going to fall out of their blouses it was that bad. A friend of mine was visiting from Albany and he just looked disgusted when we saw them walking around. I kinda made a remark about how it looked like they were trolling (fishing) for brothers. He turned to me and said that any smart brother would run far away from those two high maintenance sisters.

Sisters do not need to dress revealing to look nice. there are quite a few single sisters in my hall that look great without the showy display.

So I commend any sister that follows the bible&#39;s advice on dress. you can look nice and still worship Jehovah.

[Candace]

I can see how this could really cause divisions (or create greater divisions) among the brothers and sisters. Sometimes there are those who keep the letter of the law and look down on others who don&#39;t. I can see the potential for some to really look down on those that don&#39;t comply, or those that forgot, or those that didn&#39;t go to that meeting and didn&#39;t hear or read about the new dress code.

I have not minded being encouraged to keep on my meeting clothes and name badge when going out for dinner in the convention city, but to be told that I can&#39;t wear comfortable clothing after the meeting is over with and I&#39;m hanging out at the hotel pool or wherever, is utterly ridiculous. Actually, this year we are staying in a cabin, and I doubt my family is going to remain in meeting clothes for the 4 days we are renting this cabin. Can you imagine hubby going fishing in his suit and tie?

Why don&#39;t we just all take a vow of silence after the program because we might laugh too loud or tell a stupid joke? Oh, I can guarantee I will be laughing too loud and hubby will be telling stupid jokes. What shame!

I like Shib&#39;s idea of wearing the robe. If you do don a robe and sandals for the convention, post a pic for us, okay? ;)

If the WTS were to get 100% compliance, what kind of witness would it give the people of the city we are in? Would they think we are nitwits for wearing suits, ties, and dresses, while playing mini golf, or walking on the beach? Would they think we are overly righteous and consider ourselves better than everyone else because we don&#39;t dress down? Would they think we are mindless people who have every aspect by our life controlled by some men in Brooklyn? What would the community think of us?

If I decide to take my daughter to a park, and we&#39;re all dressed in our meeting clothes, what are people going to think of kid in dress clothes playing in the sandbox or going down a slide or climbing on the monkey bars? Are they going to think we have a screw loose?

Why stop there? We are ministers 24/7. Just ban jeans, t-shirts, and shorts 365 days a year. Who are we kidding? Are we just trying to put on a show during the convention? Or are we supposed be respectable ministers 24/7/365??? If our appearance reflects how we feel about Jehovah, then it would seem logical that any time we step outside our front door we should be following the society&#39;s new dress code.

[Shibboleth]

I like Shib&#39;s idea of wearing the robe. If you do don a robe and sandals for the convention, post a pic for us, okay? ;)[/b]


If I did that the attendants would definitely check my cooler at the door! LOL!

[Berean]

Heh, actually, have you ever seen African brothers at a convention? Some of them do don traditional robes, and they look very smart in them. I always wonder why we have to wear those stupid choking things around our necks while they can wear their traditional clothes... even on television, you see people go without ties a lot... let&#39;s hope some day that fashion will get through to us as well, when the rest of the world has taken up wearing Star Trek uniforms.

[Jinnvisible]

I heard about an international district convention in Madrid a few years ago. Over the time of the convention the temperature in Madrid was measured to be the hottest place on the inhabited earth. During the baptisms apparently there were `extra volunteers` for the baptism pools. Although several people passed out because of the heat, - it was also proudly reported by one elder that less than approximately three men had been seen to have removed thier neck ties. It really made me wonder why an unconcious man in a neck tie would be a better witness of God than a concious man with a top shirt button undone. One logical conclusion presented itself, (1) : - battle against a pagan sun god intent on beating down on the good slave making him into an unpresentable scruff, yet in fact only creating a better class of sunstroke pass out victim in the process. The light gets brighter.

[watchman]

A few of you may remember the Leave it to Beaver show that played weekly on tv during the late 50&#39;s and early 60&#39;s. Like many of the goofy tv shows then it supposedly depicted the model American family. The creepy thing was Mr. Cleaver was always in a suit and tie. He would be lounging in his easy chair reading the newspaper...in a suit and tie. At the dinner table in a suit and tie. And of course Mrs. Cleaver was a prime candidate for the Stepford wives. With this latest edict from on high I have the sinking feeling that someone at Bethel wants to turn Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses into a replica of the disfunctional, but well-dressed Cleaver family.

Watchman (lounging in jeans and T-shirt)

[eyes&ears]

As I look at some of the re-runs of the Leave it to Beaver and those other shows, I always wonder how those women could cook in high heel shoes and they always wore those white pearly beads around their necks. So very funny. Nobody does that. I think you may have something there Watchman, I can just see myself in those little pearly beads on TMS. :rolleyes:

E & E

[stayawake]

Do our shirt and tie represent Jehovah God or does it represent Big Busniess !!!
The requirments to even visit Bethel for a tour is KH dress attire
Everything is surface. Can&#39;t give Big Busniess a bad name, It would hurt their reputation.
Talk about Stepford wives.

[Candace]

Asked hubby last night what he thought of the new dress code for our leisure time after the convention. He&#39;s not phased a bit, because to him it only refers to going out to restaurants and not anything else.

Anybody else get the sense that the paragraph is only referring to restaurants? When hubby inferred I was being stupid and an idiot for thinking it was more than just restaurants, I dropped the subject and left the room.

Last year&#39;s convention was a real treat. We had many African brothers and sisters and were their outfits BEAUTIFUL! They tend to wear matching outfits and you can&#39;t help but stare at them because the material is so exquisite.

Many of the outfits are pieced together like leaf patterns with spaces in between. Or picture lattice work, but close together. So, not only are these outfits spectacular to look at, they must be so comfortable with built in air conditioning, lol! The colors and patterns can be striking, but sometimes they do wonderful things with white and silver or white and blue. I was too chicken to take pictures, but this year I think I will get up the courage to ask for some photos.

[eyes&ears]

Candace said:


"Asked hubby last night what he thought of the new dress code for our leisure time after the convention. He&#39;s not phased a bit, because to him it only refers to going out to restaurants and not anything else. "

"Anybody else get the sense that the paragraph is only referring to restaurants? When hubby inferred I was being stupid and an idiot for thinking it was more than just restaurants, I dropped the subject and left the room.

YOU DONE GOOD CANDI, BY LEAVING THE SUBJECT AND WALKING AWAY. I have found these kinds of conversations with my mate stress me out. Why, because we are reading the right book, but are not on the same page. Our spiritual insight is different.

This is some kind of test for us is it not PHEW!!. I understand I really really do.

I very seldom now speak to my mate about these things anymore. Unfortunately I see an arrogance there that a great many of the friends (including myself at one time) have a sort of superior we have it all right attitude.

You cannot win with attitudes of this type until they allow Jehovah to help them readjust their way of looking at things. I know because Jehovah had to show me a couple of things when I was looking at the concrete (so to speak)

Keep hubby in prayer OKEY DOKEY. In the meantime protect your spiritual sanity and don&#39;t stress yourself out mentally. This works because I do it now.

Who really knows what the Society means, they probably want us to sleep with our uniforms and badges on who knows, they don&#39;t know either, (BEING SARCASTIC) but I will comply because to me it is not a big deal. I don&#39;t really like jeans anyway and I very seldom wear t-shirts or sneakers. I hate sneakers. I only wear them when I go for my walks. I am more of a conservative person. So this really does not affect me at all. But I understand the significance of this control thing trust me, and I understand how it has some of us showing a concern.


Sorry folks don&#39;t beat me up OKEY DOKEY. I do really understand.

Hey Candace there is a boat sitting in the water and I pass by it almost everyday when I do errands It reads:

"CANDY GIRL" It makes me think of you every time Candace.

May Jehovah continue to bless all of us with mates/family members/ friends who really are not there yet. May we always keep in my mind that it took us some time to get where we are, and we would not even be here if Jehovah did not help us. This helps keep me humble and thankful.



E & E

[Elihu]

By all accounts John the Baptist was not a great dresser!

but he was a man of God.

just joking
elihu

[Candace]

Why, because we are reading the right book, but are not on the same page. Our spiritual insight is different.[/b]

That&#39;s really it in a nutshell E&E. When it comes to spiritual things we are often not on the same page. We can read the same thing and get totally different viewpoints out of it.

Thanks for the encouraging words!

BTW, I got an invitation to the district convention tonight. It has some very nice photos of the brothers dressed in robes for the drama.....it should give Shibbo some good ideas to pass on to his seamstress! :186:

[juffowup]

As a former drama participant, I can testify that classical Israelite garb is very comfy. Almost makes you want to try on dresses. Just skip the hose.

Anyway, the reason I posted this is because I wanted to see if anyone was thinking the way I was; namely, that sooner or later Brooklyn was going to over reach in their authority, which is backed by nothing except the respect the friends have for the position and the scriptural basis for the direction. I think the respect for the position is thining, and when there is no scriptural basis, as is the case for this, the friends are starting to get testy.

And you know, if they had worded it more closely to "Wouldn&#39;t it be a nice witness if all the friends wore their modest assembly attire during their public leisure hours? Would that not all set them in stark contrast to the world?" I don&#39;t think many would have a problem with it. And you shouldn&#39;t have trouble telling who is the Christian group at TGIF or Applebee&#39;s. They should be the ones curteous to the staff and patrons, soberly dressed, with well behaved children. And theorhetically they&#39;d be the ones aglow from all the positive things they learned from the day&#39;s session. People notice these things, too, which some of the brothers would know if they got out of Bethel once in a while.

The way they say these things drives me nuts too. They aren&#39;t banning it, but they use the old "True christians would never want to <insert banned behavior/clothing/music/custom/etc>." formulation. Which makes any christian that wants to do something like, you know, WEAR SHORTS feel unclean about it for no good reason. It is sad that the cleanshaven corporate look is the de facto identifying mark of Christians now. How in the world did the 1st century christians stand out from the world without suits and ties?
:icon_rolleyes:

[Shibboleth]

Coming from someone who has mainly a casual attire wardrobe I can see somewhat of where they are coming from. I think it would be wise not to wear a "I&#39;m with stupid" t-shirt. (even though I know some sisters that would probably wear it with their husbands haha) There are some nice t-shirts you can wear a that don&#39;t have logos or things written on them that may detract from the message. Also jeans. I wouldn&#39;t wear torn up jeans or stained ones, but there are jeans you can wear that are not like that and look really nice. I guess it&#39;s how much you read into things.

I do remember seeing people changing out of their dress clothes and putting on casual clothes that were questionable and then putting on their badges. I think that is what the Society wants to nip in the bud.

the bottom line is if there is a question in your mind about a piece of clothing then don&#39;t wear it.

There is an african sister in my hall who makes her own clothing and she makes the traditional african dress. She always looks wonderful. i always try and compliment her on her dress. Always really colorful.

[Candace]

And you know, if they had worded it more closely to "Wouldn&#39;t it be a nice witness if all the friends wore their modest assembly attire during their public leisure hours? Would that not all set them in stark contrast to the world?" I don&#39;t think many would have a problem with it. And you shouldn&#39;t have trouble telling who is the Christian group at TGIF or Applebee&#39;s. They should be the ones curteous to the staff and patrons, soberly dressed, with well behaved children. And theorhetically they&#39;d be the ones aglow from all the positive things they learned from the day&#39;s session. People notice these things, too, which some of the brothers would know if they got out of Bethel once in a while.[/b]

How things are worded make a world of difference. Sunday&#39;s public talk touched on how those who are in authority should not create situations that induce those in subjection to be rebellious. It was the first time I heard a thought like that, and I thought, how true! Think of how many difficult situations could be avoided if those in the position of authority took the time to word things in a way that created the eager spirit of willingness and obedience on the part of those in subjection.


It is sad that the clean shaven corporate look is the de facto identifying mark of Christians now.
:icon_rolleyes:[/b]

That gives new meaning to the phrase, "A wolf in sheep&#39;s clothing."

Let us not be fooled by any wolves!

(John 13:34-35) 34 I am giving YOU a new commandment, that YOU love one another; just as I have loved YOU, that YOU also love one another. 35 By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves.”

(1 John 3:10-11) 10 The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Everyone who does not carry on righteousness does not originate with God, neither does he who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message which YOU have heard from [the] beginning, that we should have love for one another...

[Sketch]

My THONG!! can I still wear my thong??

did you know they have a FRONT?? That little bit of info would&#39;ve kept me from getting banned in 3 states... hmmm... :icon_redface:


The only t-shirts that should be banned are NY Yankee t-shirts.[/b]

AMEN!!!! I will drink to THAT!!!... wearing only pressed khakis and a button-down with matching striped tie, of course...

[jammin4]

I have two pairs of jeans with matching jackets...they&#39;re what you call "enhancers" in that they elevate the rear end a bit with spandex/cotton. They are a bright pink and a bright orange in color. Now if I were going to the convention -which I never do because of agarrophobia - with my rebellious nature I&#39;d wear them...if I could only still get into my size 10s!!! I&#39;m not giving them away yet...there&#39;s still hope....

[Jeshurun]

I have two pairs of jeans with matching jackets...they&#39;re what you call "enhancers" in that they elevate the rear end a bit with spandex/cotton. They are a bright pink and a bright orange in color. Now if I were going to the convention -which I never do because of agarrophobia - with my rebellious nature I&#39;d wear them...if I could only still get into my size 10s!!! I&#39;m not giving them away yet...there&#39;s still hope....[/b]

Nothing like pink and bright orange to conceal things!

Funny how you don&#39;t strike me as rebellious, Jammin. Perhaps you are like me in that you are rebellious when someone lords it over you with usurped authority.

Agape Jammin
Lou

[jammin4]

Hey there Lou...rebellion and a big mouth are the story of my life. These days I take after Peter when it comes to reacting verbally before I think. He probably wouldn&#39;t wear my jeans outfit though...

I have a lot to work on. Only Jehovah&#39;s loving kindness will see me through!!!

[Dorcas]

As a former drama participant, I can testify that classical Israelite garb is very comfy. Almost makes you want to try on dresses. Just skip the hose.

Anyway, the reason I posted this is because I wanted to see if anyone was thinking the way I was; namely, that sooner or later Brooklyn was going to over reach in their authority, which is backed by nothing except the respect the friends have for the position and the scriptural basis for the direction. I think the respect for the position is thining, and when there is no scriptural basis, as is the case for this, the friends are starting to get testy.

And you know, if they had worded it more closely to "Wouldn&#39;t it be a nice witness if all the friends wore their modest assembly attire during their public leisure hours? Would that not all set them in stark contrast to the world?" I don&#39;t think many would have a problem with it. And you shouldn&#39;t have trouble telling who is the Christian group at TGIF or Applebee&#39;s. They should be the ones curteous to the staff and patrons, soberly dressed, with well behaved children. And theorhetically they&#39;d be the ones aglow from all the positive things they learned from the day&#39;s session. People notice these things, too, which some of the brothers would know if they got out of Bethel once in a while.

The way they say these things drives me nuts too. They aren&#39;t banning it, but they use the old "True christians would never want to <insert banned behavior/clothing/music/custom/etc>." formulation. Which makes any christian that wants to do something like, you know, WEAR SHORTS feel unclean about it for no good reason. It is sad that the cleanshaven corporate look is the de facto identifying mark of Christians now. How in the world did the 1st century christians stand out from the world without suits and ties?
:icon_rolleyes:[/b]Dear Juff. This entire issue reminds me of the Pharisees. In their concern with encroaching Hellianisn, they thought they could control the Jews (to protect them hmmmmmm) by keeping them closer, passing more rules and regs. I see the identical things happening here. The brothers are making laws whetre none exist. Concerning dressing and grooming, we don&#39;t want to look like a bum, or wear clothes that suggest immorality to our borothers. Every where we go we represent Jehovah&#39;s high standards. I can&#39;t imagine that we&#39;re all going to be running around naked in the New System.
Just my thoughts, friends. Love you all...Dorcashttp://e-jehovahs-witnesses.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/MSN%20Vlinder.gif

[Dorcas]

As a former drama participant, I can testify that classical Israelite garb is very comfy. Almost makes you want to try on dresses. Just skip the hose.

Anyway, the reason I posted this is because I wanted to see if anyone was thinking the way I was; namely, that sooner or later Brooklyn was going to over reach in their authority, which is backed by nothing except the respect the friends have for the position and the scriptural basis for the direction. I think the respect for the position is thining, and when there is no scriptural basis, as is the case for this, the friends are starting to get testy.

And you know, if they had worded it more closely to "Wouldn&#39;t it be a nice witness if all the friends wore their modest assembly attire during their public leisure hours? Would that not all set them in stark contrast to the world?" I don&#39;t think many would have a problem with it. And you shouldn&#39;t have trouble telling who is the Christian group at TGIF or Applebee&#39;s. They should be the ones curteous to the staff and patrons, soberly dressed, with well behaved children. And theorhetically they&#39;d be the ones aglow from all the positive things they learned from the day&#39;s session. People notice these things, too, which some of the brothers would know if they got out of Bethel once in a while.

The way they say these things drives me nuts too. They aren&#39;t banning it, but they use the old "True christians would never want to <insert banned behavior/clothing/music/custom/etc>." formulation. Which makes any christian that wants to do something like, you know, WEAR SHORTS feel unclean about it for no good reason. It is sad that the cleanshaven corporate look is the de facto identifying mark of Christians now. How in the world did the 1st century christians stand out from the world without suits and ties?
:icon_rolleyes:[/b]Dear Juff. This entire issue reminds me of the Pharisees. In their concern with encroaching Hellianisn, they thought they could control the Jews (to protect them hmmmmmm) by keeping them closer, passing more rules and regs. I see the identical things happening here. The brothers are making laws where none exist. Concerning dressing and grooming, we don&#39;t want to look like a bum, or wear clothes that suggest immorality to our borothers. Every where we go we represent Jehovah&#39;s high standards. I can&#39;t imagine that we&#39;re all going to be running around naked in the New System.
Just my thoughts, friends. Love you all...Dorcashttp://e-jehovahs-witnesses.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/MSN%20Vlinder.gif