Women Wearing "Men's" Attire?
Aug 11, 2013 15:00:39 GMT -5
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Aug 11, 2013 15:00:39 GMT -5
It never ceases to amaze me how some pastors will take a single verse of Scripture and make an entire doctrine out of it. Case in point: Women wearing pants. I remember as a little girl in Catholic school, the nuns used to tell us, "The Blessed Mother didn't wear pants and neither should you." Really? Following that line of reasoning, Jesus didn't wear pants either, so neither should modern men!
Don't get me wrong - I'm all for modesty, and believe that women should be feminine, and men, masculine. But why are pants the one article of clothing that are singled out? Many women's shirts are identical to men's, as are some jackets, coats, and other things, but apparently, they're OK. And realistically, dresses or skirts just aren't practical for a lot of activities, including sports - nor are they warm in very cold weather. Not to mention, dress is often cultural - think kilts on Scotsmen.
Although I usually agree with Joe Chambers, I take exception to this article. It's not the "type" of garment that make it masculine or feminine, but the details. For example, many Orthodox Jewish women find pants with a side zipper acceptable apparel, because no man would wear them. Yesterday I wore a pair of capri pants with an embroidery design - men (or should I clarify, as must be done these days, "manly men" ) would wear neither capris nor embroidery. Was I wearing "masculine" apparel?
Are the preachers who forbid women to wear pants "straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel?" What do you think? (Come on lurkers - speak up - we promise not to bite!)
WEARING MEN’S CLOTHING IS NOT A LADY’S WEDDING ATTIRE
JESUS CHRIST SPOKE, “AND HE SAITH UNTO HIM, FRIEND, HOW CAMEST THOU IN HITHER NOT HAVING A WEDDING GARMENT? AND HE WAS SPEECHLESS.” (MATTHEW 22:12) Nothing has been lost to the Christian culture of America that is more damaging than the distinction of the male and female role models. The Biblical Illustrator, a marvelous 23-volume (Originally 56 volumes) set commentary edited by Joseph Exell, made the following observation:
“God thought womanly attire of enough importance to have it discussed in the Bible. Just in proportion as the morals of a country or an age are depressed is that law defiled. Show me the fashion plates of any century from the time of the Deluge to this, and I will tell you the exact state of public morals. Ever and anon we have imported from France, or perhaps invented on this side of the sea, a style that proposes as far as possible to make women dress like men. The costumes of the countries are different, and in the same country may change, but there is a divinely ordered dissimilarity, which must be forever observed. Any divergence from this is administrative of vice, and runs against the keen thrust of the text. In my text, as by a parable, it is made evident that Moses, the inspired writer as vehemently as ourselves, reprehends the effeminate man and the masculine woman.”
Those are certainly moving reminders of what has been traded for the new, so-called, freedom of lifestyle. Here are my six reasons why the truly Godly Woman should reject this compromise of her femininity:
1. The Bible is absolutely clear that women should not dress nor adorn themselves in the styles (that which pertaineth unto) of a man. “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for all that do so are abominations unto the Lord thy God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5) Don’t reject this commandment of the Lord until you are willing to reject the Ten Commandments and all the rest.
2. The lifestyles of men and women serve as a role model for the next and proceeding generations. A woman’s femininity and a man’s masculinity are tied directly to childhood orientation. Parents who fulfill these roles properly are instilling values that transform little lives. Society impacts these role-model values and help determine the healthy or unhealthy attitude of a culture in general. The exploding sodomy in our churches and our society is the wages of our disregard for this responsibility.
3. Confusion in the distinction of male and female has breathtaking consequences for the development of our attitudes toward sexual responsibilities. Very few persons would suggest that a masculine woman has more sex appeal than a feminine lady. Notice how unnatural it sounds to say “masculine lady” and then how natural it sounds to say “feminine lady.” The same is true of men. We have refused to say feminine men, but instead say effeminate men. The Bible clearly condemns both.
4. The deeply ingrained feelings of a Godly man toward his wife is that she dress in the fashion of a lady; that she be feminine and modest and not compete with him for the masculine role. This is even true to a lesser degree of most men regardless of their spiritual consecration. I believe this emotion is God-given and intrinsic to our being created in His image. Like all values, it must be continuously reaffirmed by the Word of God and defended against the ever-present forces of compromise and humanistic confusion.
5. The role modeling, styles, and conduct of men and women directly affect the church. How we fulfill our obligations to God in our priestly roles or nurturing capacities is related to our understanding of Biblical mandates. Men often obtain their stature by force of ego and leadership, while women obtain theirs by force of character and tenderness. When this is reversed, the church is left in confusion.
6. It is documented that the changing of dress styles between the sexes originated among the heathens in their acts of worship to their heathen gods. In Bible Manners and Customs, a man named Maimonides is quoted as saying, “In the books of idolaters it is commanded that when a man presents himself before the Star of Venus, he shall wear the colored dress of a woman, and when a woman adores the Star of Mars, she shall appear in armor.” This same respected book said, “Pagan idols were frequently represented with the features of one sex and the dress of the other, and their worshippers endeavored to be like them. I believe this is one reason why God gave Moses this clear command for Israel and the church of all ages.” (Bible Manners and Customs.)
Let me finish this article by reprinting a short chapter from the book, The King’s Daughter Is All Glorious Within. My attorney friend and author, Paul H. Chappell, has given permission for reprint of parts or all of his book.
“ON BEING A REAL WOMAN!” God has given to woman a place that is unique. She is the keeper of the gate of life. The modern woman must be willing to accept this trust with both its crosses and its crowns.
“Woman is the glory of the man.” (I Corinthians 11:7) God, in His infinite wisdom, made man and woman different. By creation He granted to woman a distinctive and wonderful place in the world. Therefore, it is both natural and right for women to glory in their womanhood. Femininity is a quality, which by nature they want to preserve. This desire is in perfect accord with the scriptures, for the Holy Spirit asks the Christian woman to preserve the original charm and naturalness in appearance with which she was endowed by the Creator. (Deuteronomy 22:5; I Corinthians 11:3-15) The lovely feminine ways God gave to women are a work of divine beauty. These qualities are holy in His sight, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5)
The reason for this command is to preserve outwardly the sacredness of the difference between the sexes that was fixed by the Creator. Any interchange of apparel between men and women discloses an unnatural likeness to the personality fashioned by the Lord Jesus at creation, and tends to obscure His image in man. “…Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (Romans 9:20) “THE KING’S DAUGHTER IS ALL GLORIOUS WITHIN” Paul H Chappell.
Dr. Oswald T. Allis, Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary (Orthodox Presbyterian), in briefly reviewing Deuteronomy 22 observed, “The command that the two sexes be distinguished by their dress is especially emphasized (XXII 5). It is one of the things of which we may well say with St. Paul, ‘Doth not nature itself teach you?’ The principle is a valid one; and the extent to which it is ignored today is anything but a wholesome sign.”
The principle expressed in Deuteronomy 22:5 is not an isolated Old Testament principle; it emerges in the New Testament as well. Paul in I Corinthians 11:3-16 brings into focus a beautiful sign of femininity—a natural, outward mark of distinctive womanly beauty. For these reasons, the Christian girl is careful to avoid the easy ways of world-conformity. She obeys the gentle whisper of the Spirit so as not to cross the line drawn by the Scriptures — for masculine, immodest, casual attire is immensely popular today. Have you noticed the prevalent mannishness in feminine actions and appearance? The coarse manners and speech? The masculine trend in the world of women’s fashions? Do not these trends take issue with the simple teaching of the Bible?
Ethel Traphagen, a fashion designer who promoted among women the wearing of slacks about 1915, in recent years acknowledged her mistake and stated she was sorry she ever suggested such a fashion. But the feminine practice of wearing men’s apparel did not really break out as a fad until 1930, when a prominent Hollywood actress brazenly taunted the accepted norm. And during World War II, many thousands of American women, at least partly out of patriotism, flocked to defense plants, took over men’s jobs, and put on overalls for the first time. Yet, most Americans would agree with Judte Edward Caiazzo of Jamaica, New York, who admonished a lady defendant appearing in his traffic court wearing slacks, “The court is entitled to respect and dignity. You’re an attractive woman; yet you come here looking like a man. I hold women on a high plane. It hurts me to see women tearing themselves down from this pedestal.”
The lady said later, “The way the judge feels about women is very flattering. I think I’ll go home and burn my slacks.” And few Christians would disagree with the point made by the Editor of the Washington Star, who said, “ . . . The female species, generally speaking, looks less than charming in what is essentially a man’s garb.”
Catherine Marshall, in her book, Beyond Our Selves, speaks of her late husband, Peter Marshall, “And I can never forget his insistence that women should be women, that in our femininty is our glory.” These are the standards of the great Christians of our past. Where are they today and will the new standards prepare women to be part of His BRIDE??
Radio program at link.
Don't get me wrong - I'm all for modesty, and believe that women should be feminine, and men, masculine. But why are pants the one article of clothing that are singled out? Many women's shirts are identical to men's, as are some jackets, coats, and other things, but apparently, they're OK. And realistically, dresses or skirts just aren't practical for a lot of activities, including sports - nor are they warm in very cold weather. Not to mention, dress is often cultural - think kilts on Scotsmen.
Although I usually agree with Joe Chambers, I take exception to this article. It's not the "type" of garment that make it masculine or feminine, but the details. For example, many Orthodox Jewish women find pants with a side zipper acceptable apparel, because no man would wear them. Yesterday I wore a pair of capri pants with an embroidery design - men (or should I clarify, as must be done these days, "manly men" ) would wear neither capris nor embroidery. Was I wearing "masculine" apparel?
Are the preachers who forbid women to wear pants "straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel?" What do you think? (Come on lurkers - speak up - we promise not to bite!)
WEARING MEN’S CLOTHING IS NOT A LADY’S WEDDING ATTIRE
JESUS CHRIST SPOKE, “AND HE SAITH UNTO HIM, FRIEND, HOW CAMEST THOU IN HITHER NOT HAVING A WEDDING GARMENT? AND HE WAS SPEECHLESS.” (MATTHEW 22:12) Nothing has been lost to the Christian culture of America that is more damaging than the distinction of the male and female role models. The Biblical Illustrator, a marvelous 23-volume (Originally 56 volumes) set commentary edited by Joseph Exell, made the following observation:
“God thought womanly attire of enough importance to have it discussed in the Bible. Just in proportion as the morals of a country or an age are depressed is that law defiled. Show me the fashion plates of any century from the time of the Deluge to this, and I will tell you the exact state of public morals. Ever and anon we have imported from France, or perhaps invented on this side of the sea, a style that proposes as far as possible to make women dress like men. The costumes of the countries are different, and in the same country may change, but there is a divinely ordered dissimilarity, which must be forever observed. Any divergence from this is administrative of vice, and runs against the keen thrust of the text. In my text, as by a parable, it is made evident that Moses, the inspired writer as vehemently as ourselves, reprehends the effeminate man and the masculine woman.”
Those are certainly moving reminders of what has been traded for the new, so-called, freedom of lifestyle. Here are my six reasons why the truly Godly Woman should reject this compromise of her femininity:
1. The Bible is absolutely clear that women should not dress nor adorn themselves in the styles (that which pertaineth unto) of a man. “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for all that do so are abominations unto the Lord thy God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5) Don’t reject this commandment of the Lord until you are willing to reject the Ten Commandments and all the rest.
2. The lifestyles of men and women serve as a role model for the next and proceeding generations. A woman’s femininity and a man’s masculinity are tied directly to childhood orientation. Parents who fulfill these roles properly are instilling values that transform little lives. Society impacts these role-model values and help determine the healthy or unhealthy attitude of a culture in general. The exploding sodomy in our churches and our society is the wages of our disregard for this responsibility.
3. Confusion in the distinction of male and female has breathtaking consequences for the development of our attitudes toward sexual responsibilities. Very few persons would suggest that a masculine woman has more sex appeal than a feminine lady. Notice how unnatural it sounds to say “masculine lady” and then how natural it sounds to say “feminine lady.” The same is true of men. We have refused to say feminine men, but instead say effeminate men. The Bible clearly condemns both.
4. The deeply ingrained feelings of a Godly man toward his wife is that she dress in the fashion of a lady; that she be feminine and modest and not compete with him for the masculine role. This is even true to a lesser degree of most men regardless of their spiritual consecration. I believe this emotion is God-given and intrinsic to our being created in His image. Like all values, it must be continuously reaffirmed by the Word of God and defended against the ever-present forces of compromise and humanistic confusion.
5. The role modeling, styles, and conduct of men and women directly affect the church. How we fulfill our obligations to God in our priestly roles or nurturing capacities is related to our understanding of Biblical mandates. Men often obtain their stature by force of ego and leadership, while women obtain theirs by force of character and tenderness. When this is reversed, the church is left in confusion.
6. It is documented that the changing of dress styles between the sexes originated among the heathens in their acts of worship to their heathen gods. In Bible Manners and Customs, a man named Maimonides is quoted as saying, “In the books of idolaters it is commanded that when a man presents himself before the Star of Venus, he shall wear the colored dress of a woman, and when a woman adores the Star of Mars, she shall appear in armor.” This same respected book said, “Pagan idols were frequently represented with the features of one sex and the dress of the other, and their worshippers endeavored to be like them. I believe this is one reason why God gave Moses this clear command for Israel and the church of all ages.” (Bible Manners and Customs.)
Let me finish this article by reprinting a short chapter from the book, The King’s Daughter Is All Glorious Within. My attorney friend and author, Paul H. Chappell, has given permission for reprint of parts or all of his book.
“ON BEING A REAL WOMAN!” God has given to woman a place that is unique. She is the keeper of the gate of life. The modern woman must be willing to accept this trust with both its crosses and its crowns.
“Woman is the glory of the man.” (I Corinthians 11:7) God, in His infinite wisdom, made man and woman different. By creation He granted to woman a distinctive and wonderful place in the world. Therefore, it is both natural and right for women to glory in their womanhood. Femininity is a quality, which by nature they want to preserve. This desire is in perfect accord with the scriptures, for the Holy Spirit asks the Christian woman to preserve the original charm and naturalness in appearance with which she was endowed by the Creator. (Deuteronomy 22:5; I Corinthians 11:3-15) The lovely feminine ways God gave to women are a work of divine beauty. These qualities are holy in His sight, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5)
The reason for this command is to preserve outwardly the sacredness of the difference between the sexes that was fixed by the Creator. Any interchange of apparel between men and women discloses an unnatural likeness to the personality fashioned by the Lord Jesus at creation, and tends to obscure His image in man. “…Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (Romans 9:20) “THE KING’S DAUGHTER IS ALL GLORIOUS WITHIN” Paul H Chappell.
Dr. Oswald T. Allis, Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary (Orthodox Presbyterian), in briefly reviewing Deuteronomy 22 observed, “The command that the two sexes be distinguished by their dress is especially emphasized (XXII 5). It is one of the things of which we may well say with St. Paul, ‘Doth not nature itself teach you?’ The principle is a valid one; and the extent to which it is ignored today is anything but a wholesome sign.”
The principle expressed in Deuteronomy 22:5 is not an isolated Old Testament principle; it emerges in the New Testament as well. Paul in I Corinthians 11:3-16 brings into focus a beautiful sign of femininity—a natural, outward mark of distinctive womanly beauty. For these reasons, the Christian girl is careful to avoid the easy ways of world-conformity. She obeys the gentle whisper of the Spirit so as not to cross the line drawn by the Scriptures — for masculine, immodest, casual attire is immensely popular today. Have you noticed the prevalent mannishness in feminine actions and appearance? The coarse manners and speech? The masculine trend in the world of women’s fashions? Do not these trends take issue with the simple teaching of the Bible?
Ethel Traphagen, a fashion designer who promoted among women the wearing of slacks about 1915, in recent years acknowledged her mistake and stated she was sorry she ever suggested such a fashion. But the feminine practice of wearing men’s apparel did not really break out as a fad until 1930, when a prominent Hollywood actress brazenly taunted the accepted norm. And during World War II, many thousands of American women, at least partly out of patriotism, flocked to defense plants, took over men’s jobs, and put on overalls for the first time. Yet, most Americans would agree with Judte Edward Caiazzo of Jamaica, New York, who admonished a lady defendant appearing in his traffic court wearing slacks, “The court is entitled to respect and dignity. You’re an attractive woman; yet you come here looking like a man. I hold women on a high plane. It hurts me to see women tearing themselves down from this pedestal.”
The lady said later, “The way the judge feels about women is very flattering. I think I’ll go home and burn my slacks.” And few Christians would disagree with the point made by the Editor of the Washington Star, who said, “ . . . The female species, generally speaking, looks less than charming in what is essentially a man’s garb.”
Catherine Marshall, in her book, Beyond Our Selves, speaks of her late husband, Peter Marshall, “And I can never forget his insistence that women should be women, that in our femininty is our glory.” These are the standards of the great Christians of our past. Where are they today and will the new standards prepare women to be part of His BRIDE??
Radio program at link.