Pants to church, huh?
Well. Alright. If any woman feels thats what they need to feel
"equal" in the church, than so be it.
BUT.
I would like to voice my opinion on this subject.
I am a fairly open minded person.
Very tolerant of different opinions
(whether they be dumb or not).
So, please, don't think I'm only saying these things
without giving it some thought.
No where is it written that women have to wear a
skirt or dress to church. In fact, the only known
'dress code' is for worthy priesthood holders,
a white shirt and tie,
while performing priesthood duties.
These women who feel inferior to the men of the church,
need to realize that it's a sign of respect towards God.
It isn't a 'dress code'.
It's a suggestion.
It's the same thing as the Asian culture taking
off their shoes before entering a home.
Or a man simply taking their hat off when entering a building.
Not only is it a sign of respect, it is sign of being unified,
as sisters in Zion.
It is the same thing as a sports team
wearing the same jersey.
The armed forces wearing the same gear.
A dance team wearing the same costume.
The list goes on and on.
Now, would you wear your best clothes to clean your house?
Of course not.
Nor would you wear jeans and a sweater to go swimming.
In our culture, we dress for the occasion.
Church is the occasion to give your best and wear your best.
Most women wear a skirt or dress to a job interview,
if you have that respect for an employer,
why would you not have that same respect for our Heavenly Father?
Who are we to not give Him one day out of the week?
If you believe in Him,
you should respect Him,
and show that you do.
Not to mention, wearing a skirt or dress tends to influence
a woman to act more lady like.
To sit with her legs together.
Pants, do not allow that influence.
We act a certain way when we wear our Sunday best.
So, please, before making a rash decision,
think this through.
Decide whether or not you want to properly show your respect for Him.
See, the thing is that a lot of women DO wear pants to interviews. And sitting in a "ladylike" way is proper because it prevents people from seeing up a short skirt, not because it's proper in and of itself. Otherwise, the men should be required to sit that way too. (And in some cultures, men actually do sit with their legs together or crossed.)
ReplyDeleteFor some women, dress pants feel more formal than skirts. Most of the dresses and skirts I have seen at church look more casual than a pair of black dress slacks.
The pants were a solidarity thing not the reason women feel inferior. There are many other reasons why women feel inferior in the church that are far more significant than wearing pants. This was merely a way of showing that without protesting loudly.
I realize there are other reasons why women feel inferior to the men of the church, but these women, quite frankly, are fools. They do not understand the role of women in the church. There's a saying I've heard time and time again, "behind every great man, is a great woman." It applies immensely to the women of the church. And please, lets not excuse the fact that it's still a sign of respect to God. It isn't about if pants feel more 'formal'. And your argument of 'men should be required to sit that way as well', the term 'Lady Like' is a term for a reason. Ladies don't sit like men.
DeleteThis pants issue has been a subject of debate for a long time, the facts are the still the facts. And women can come up with every excuse under the sun, but it all boils down to their insecurities of feeling inferior.
Exactly! Women feel inferior and that is a problem. It's something that should be discussed, and that is no less valid. Just because you think they're "fools" doesn't mean they are. Not every woman fits into the mold the church thinks they should and that's okay. They shouldn't have to feel inferior because of it.
DeleteAnd if there is a correlation between dressing the best and showing respect, then why are skirts so important? Women shouldn't be forced to be different from who they are just to conform. If God made them that way, didn't he do it for a reason? Doesn't he want them to be themselves?
And as far as the argument for "ladylike" goes, notice I put it in quotes. It isn't necessarily sitting like a lady when men sit that way as well and it looks classier. It shouldn't have to be something required for women and not appropriate for men. That's sexism.
Yes, I will agree that God wants us to be ourselves. And, the church doesn't expect women to 'conform'. In fact, the church is probably the least conformist group I know. We have the rest of the week to be ourselves..we can't muster up ONE day out of our week to dedicate our attitude, dress, & time to God? The Prophets have suggested this dress for a reason. Because God wants it. The Prophets are mouthpieces for God, after all.
DeleteFor women who feel they can better respect God wearing pants, then I don't see how it's an issue. And for this event, it's one Sunday out of a lifetime for these women to hopefully find others in their wards who feel the same so they can reach out to each other and not feel alone. It also makes it easier for them to find friends who have similar opinions so they don't have to deal with the fallout from ward members who think they're apostates for feeling unequal.
DeleteWhoever you are (thanks for commenting anonymously), we obviously have different views on the matter. I've already stated I'm an open minded person. But I also have an opinion. It's not going to change, no matter what you say. Just like your opinion isn't going to change. So, I've counted to 10, and I've said my peace. I'm done. Have a lovely night!
DeleteI didn't expect to change your opinion. I just figured it would be enlightening to share an opposing opinion because a lot of people don't get that (this is the first post I've seen against the wearing of pants that wasn't vitriol about how women who wore pants today were under Satan's influence).
DeleteI hope you have a great night as well and keep up the willingness to engage in rational discussion with those who express opposing views!
Nice attempt to diss me. I just find this pointless. I didn't post this for an argument. I figure I might as well not waste my breath. Thanks though!
DeleteWhat? That wasn't an attempt to diss you. I know tone is hard to tell over the internet, but I didn't want it to be an argument. I just wanted to point out why others--myself included-- feel differently. I genuinely respect people who are willing to sit and talk about issues rather than simply laying down the "but you're wrong" card which you didn't do. Which is why I was being (or trying to be) sincere in my last post about respecting you for your open-mindedness and I'm truly sorry it didn't come across that way.
DeleteYou're right, tone is next to impossible to read over the internet. Hence why I've grown tired of this debate. Debates in person are more of my style. Trying to decipher what someone is meaning hurts the brain too much.
DeleteI think you described this perfectly Cassidee! It is just a guideline and they ask that you were your "best dress" even if that does include dress pants and a nice blouse, but I am in the same boat with you, I think if you have a dress it is the most respectful. That's just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kirstie! Miss you, by the way!
Delete