We haven't had discussions like this in a long time.
We haven't had discussions like this in a long time.
Ezekiel 33 (09-08-2021)
What about freedom? I can not understand why wearing a baseball cap could offend somebody? I certainly do not go to church to please others with my well behaving.
In the presence of God a baseball cap has no value, in wearing or wearing not.
Is it rebellion? I can only truly know by talking with this person. But how wonderful if a church welcomes rebellions, let God touch their hearts!
Is it disrespect? Than I believe in answering with kindness and humor.
Is it in the church rules that you may not wear a baseball cap?
btw, I see so much suffering, hurts, challenges, etc I believe we are call to serve, and there is still a lot to grow in that field, at least for me.
Barrie (02-16-2022), Ezekiel 33 (09-08-2021), fuego (09-07-2021)
It's really a cultural thing. God doesn't care, but if it bothers someone for me to wear a hat, I'll take it off. I would anyway since I was brought up with this cultural courtesy. If I'm in a country where this is not a cultural issue, I'd be fine with men donning hats inside. Honoring culture isn't a bad thing. I remember being at a conference where conferees were generous with their hugs. A Nigerian man told us it was not proper in his culture for a man and woman to hug, even as a casual greeting. One of the women conferees tried to get him to change his opinion by reaching out and hugging him. She was wrong to do that. She was insisting he violate his culture.
Cardinal TT (09-07-2021), curly sue (09-08-2021), Ezekiel 33 (09-08-2021)
curly sue (09-08-2021), Ezekiel 33 (09-08-2021)
Good answer and it is biblical what you said
Paul addresses these cultural issues
Rom 14:20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense.
Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.
Bookman (09-07-2021), curly sue (09-08-2021), Ezekiel 33 (09-08-2021)
The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write about cultural issues
Rom 14:21 - It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.
Paul makes it clear it can be a love issue
Rom 14:15 - Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.
Christians may say 'but it's only a cap' - God is interested in why we do things, what is our motive and attitude and do we respect the existing customs
God hates pride and arrogance and if someone thinks I am going to wear a cap to show those old fuddy duddies he has already sinned in God's eyes
There are some customs that are ungodly and need breaking but God honours the culture and customs whether we agree or not
If you ask traveling ministries to different nations one major thing they respect is the culture of the place and the church. That opens the door and God expects them to honour the customs
curly sue (09-08-2021), Ezekiel 33 (09-08-2021)
Bingo. I wear shorts and a t shirt to church sometimes in the summer. The problem is thinking the building is the church and forgetting we are the temple. It's just a building, not God's temple. And that might upset some too.
Although I am wondering how wearing a hat in church could be rebellion any more than me wearing shorts or a woman wearing slacks. Times change.
Ezekiel 33 (09-08-2021), tschau (04-26-2022)
I think you are missing the scriptural principles outlaid by Paul and even Peter addressed it.
Apostle Paul wrote about it to the early church in regard to eating, drinking etc. We may not have those same issues in 2021 but Paul wrote under inspiration to address the principle.
To the many churches that don't have a cultural dress code then it doesn't apply but we can't ignore the many churches across the globe which have cultural standards.
I would rather submit to a cultural dress code and be invited to minister in a church and hopefully be a blessing than dismiss them as old fashioned etc.
Ministers have to be aware of these principles when dealing with missions internationally as many doors will shut or open.
The great Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke at times dressed specifically to the customs of the nation. He lead millions to Christ and he submitted to the cultural dress customs when it was relevant.
Personally I am happy to wear shorts and casual clothing to Church because I feel free from any cultural dress code standard but I believe God expects Christians to honour the standards of a church if they visit, attend or minister.
Even believers that are liberated to wear casual clothing would get offended if someone sat in front of them with certain attire.
There are some that can sit in church with the most revealing outfit and tell everyone..'hey times have changed get with it'
curly sue (09-08-2021), Ezekiel 33 (09-08-2021)
The principle applies both ways
If was visiting a church that people only wore relaxed casual clothes then it would be silly and may even be offensive to wear a 3 piece suit.
If you visit a Texas church that loves guns and cowboys this what to wear and ride a horse into the car park
Ezekiel 33 (09-08-2021)
Ezekiel 33 (09-08-2021)