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ManyChristians have followed certaindress codes during attendance at church. Customs have varied over time and among differentChristian denominations. As with theBible, theChurch Fathers of Christianity taughtmodesty as a core principle guiding the clothing that Christians are to manufacture and wear.[1]
In some Christian communities, the term "Sunday best" refers to the tradition of saving one's finest clothing forSunday services. In some communities, churches served as the main social center for local residents. As such, dressing in fine clothing for religious services was often dictated by a need to project status and influence among peers.[2] Many Christians reject this practice and instead encourage modest, respectful dress not only for Sunday worship, but in everyday life (cf.outward holiness).[3] For example, Methodists in theconservative holiness movement teach with respect tomodesty that before thefall of man, "Nakedness was 'very good' from the beginning, but its innocence was corrupted by the fall", a concept taught inGenesis 1:31 andGenesis 2:25.[4]Genesis 3:8–10 andRevelation 16:15 teach that after the fall of man, "publicly exposed nakedness is a symbol of the shame of sin."[4] InGenesis 3:7,Adam and Eve tried to cover their nakedness, though their attempt was inadequate for God; this, according to Holiness Methodist theology, reflects the tendency in humans to "invent inadequate coverings for our nakedness."[4]Genesis 3:21 andRevelation 3:18 teach that Jehovah properly clothed humans and that a "fully-clothed person is a God-ordained symbol of the full clothing of Christ's righteousness."[4]Exodus 20:26 andExodus 28:42–43 teach that nakedness is inclusive of anything that includes the torso and thighs; as such Christians of the Holiness Methodist tradition wear pants or dresses that go beyond the knees, as well as shirts that do not expose the underarms.[4]
Conservative Anabaptist denominations, such as theDunkard Brethren Church, observe the wearing ofplain dress, becauseJesus “condemned anxious thought for raiment” inMatthew 6:25–33 andLuke 12:22–31.[5] They teach that the wearing of plain dress is scripturally commanded in1 Timothy 2:9–10,1 Peter 3:3–5, and1 Corinthians 11:5–6,[5] in addition to being taught by theearly Church Fathers.[5] Indeed, in the early Christian manualPaedagogus, the injunction for clothing to extend past the knees was enjoined.[6] With the adjectivekosmios (κόσμιος) meaning "modest",1 Timothy 2:9–10 uses the Greek word catastolakatastolé (καταστολῇ) for theapparel suitable for Christian females, and for this reason, women belonging to Conservative Anabaptist denominations often wear acape dress with aheadcovering; for example, ladies who are members of theCharity Christian Fellowship wear the cape dress with anopaque hanging veil as the denomination teaches that "the sisters are to wear a double layered garment as the Greek word 'catastola' describes."[7]
Many Christian traditions encourage or require adherents to don clothing of religious significance during church services (and in the public), such as aheadcovering, a practice enjoined byPaul in theBible (1 Corinthians 11:2–6).[8][9][10] As such, the wearing of headcoverings by women, continually, is enjoined inAnabaptist Christian denominations, as well while attending services in someReformed,Plymouth Brethren,Oriental Orthodox andEastern Orthodox communities.[11][12] Some Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist and non-denominational Christian women also choose to cover their heads for worship.[13][14] Some Christian holy days incorporate traditional clothing, such as theEaster bonnet. Christians' clothing has, however, evolved over time, particularly following the migration of Christian population to distant lands during theAge of Enlightenment. This was caused by the interactions of the Christians with natives, as many families attempted to integrate with the societies they were living in.
In recent decades, some churches have encouraged a more informal dress code. Among the first to adopt this policy were theCalvary Chapel associated churches.[15] Manyclergy members, especially those in denominations and religious groups formed in the 20th century, have abandoned the traditional robes and vestments in favor ofbusiness casual clothing. This change was made to close the perceived gap between the clergy andlaypersons. Some even wearjeans and other everydaycasual wear if the members have chosen to dress casual as well. Though a small minority,Christian naturists take this one step further, and wear no clothing at all, which they see as "God's design".[citation needed]
I. We examined prayerfully the scriptural grounds of Christian attire, and found that Jesus and the apostles taught modesty and simplicity of life and modesty in dress and manners. The scriptures bearing on the subject of dress and adornment are of several classes: First. Jesus condemned anxious thought for raiment (Matt. 6: 25-33; Luke 12:22-31). Second. The direct teachings, such as 1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 Peter 3:3-5. Third. Teachings on nonconformity to the world in general, and that apply to dress on general principles, such as Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Peter 1:14-15; 1 John 2:15-17. II. Investigation shows that the early church fathers and our own church fathers taught strongly and uniformly against pride and superfluity in dress, and constantly in favor of gospel plainness.
Hippolytus, a leader in the church in Rome around the year 200, compiled a record of the various customs and practices in that church from the generations that preceded him. HisApostolic Tradition contains this statement: "And let all the women have their heads covered with an opaque cloth, not with a veil of thin linen, for this is not a true covering." This written evidence of the course of performance of the early Christians is corroborated by the archaeological record. The pictures we have from the second and third centuries from the catacombs and other places depict Christian women praying with a cloth veil on their heads. So the historical record is crystal clear. It reveals that the early generation of believers understood the head covering to be a cloth veil—not long hair.
One singular thing may be noted in this history, – that with all the vagaries of fashion, woman has never violated the Biblical law that bade her cover her head. She has never gone to church services bareheaded.
