The word 'standards'...

[CC1]

Barb, someone needs to do some research and give us the history! It seems that in the back of my mind that perhaps in the 1800's the Methodist were called "holiness" churches but I don't know if their dress code was called "holiness standards".

I actually thing the more accurate term is "corporate legalism" but often times do use ther terms "standards" or "so called standards".

[Cindy]

I may be wrong, but I thought holiness standards started with Wesleyan's.

[Cindy]

As for holiness "dress standards" my mother and my grandmother both held these standards and taught them to me. So that gives me a guideline of starting in the 1800's to go by for my family.

[steve p]

standards = LAW ?

[Barb]

Originally Posted by steve p

standards = LAW ?

I don't view how I dress and look as being under a law or the Law, and that is not what this thread is about.

Where did the expression/word come from?!

Truth is we ALL, even those who do not 'look' like me, have a standard of some sort or else the police would be called every time we walked out the door.

That is why I disagree with the expression 'standards of holiness.' If my separation is from the world rather than unto God, and if my adherance is my standard, something is missing in my spiritual walk.

[Rhoni]

Barb,

It is always good to re-visit how and why the term got started. I really get frustrated when told our church has no standards. It is primarily said with a negative connotation which means "not dressing as holy" [perceived by others] as they do.

I have heard the term "standards" as referred to by dress since a child in an ultra-conservative UPCI church.

Blessings, Rhoni

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Barb

I don't view how I dress and look as being under a law or the Law, and that is not what this thread is about.

Where did the expression/word come from?!

Truth is we ALL, even those who do not 'look' like me, have a standard of some sort or else the police would be called every time we walked out the door.

That is why I disagree with the expression 'standards of holiness.' If my separation is from the world rather than unto God, and if my adherance is my standard, something is missing in my spiritual walk.

I think that the arument through the years has been; rigid adherence to multiple rules and policies trying to define and regulate 'holiness" as evidenced by outward manifestations or works as modelled by Old Testament religious peoples, as well as New Testament ways of Pharisees.

We all know that the following of these man-made rules and laws was futile because for every one law we abide by we are breaking multiple others we don't even know about. That is why Christ had to come and die. We could not make ourselves holy but he through the redemptive process makes us holy as he is holy. It is imputed to us. We can not do anything to merit it, or measure up in each other's eyes.

I am so glad for God's mercy and grace, aren't you?

Blessings, Rhoni

[MrsMcD]

Originally Posted by Barb

When and how did the word 'standards' come to be associated with hair and dress?!

Interesting question

[Steve Epley]

It is odd to dispise 'standards' in church alone? Standards at work even Mac's no problem. Standards in house and yard within the community no problem.
Stand in the line at the airport and remove your shoes and belts no problem.
Only in living for God we exspect no standards. God is so desparate and needs us so badly He has no say in our lives where barriers are involved.

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

It is odd to dispise 'standards' in church alone? Standards at work even Mac's no problem. Standards in house and yard within the community no problem.
Stand in the line at the airport and remove your shoes and belts no problem.
Only in living for God we exspect no standards. God is so desparate and needs us so badly He has no say in our lives where barriers are involved.

It is not a despising of being moral, modest, and doing things in moderation.

It is a fundamental difference in how we believe lifestyle / dress code's should be addressed.

The legalist sees them as something that requires a corporate cookie cutter "standard" making a myriad of rules and regulations one must keep to be considered in right standing with God.

Many of us see pleasing God and living up to his "standard" as something we strive to do on a daily basis with the help of prayer, study of God's word, the leading of the Holy Spirit, etc.

In our paradigm there are absolute rights and wrongs regarding God's moral law but in many other areas such as dress codes these can vary and change according to the culture, etc.

As you know almost every ultra con Pentecostal woman today would have been considered immoral by the standards of Victorian times. Back then to expose ones ankles was to be a harlot and was supposed to incite lust in men. Standards do change!