6.21.2006

Graceful Modesty

Holly Stratton has an article here with some really good points about modesty, particularly as it relates to our own perceptions/ideas, our culture, and grace.

My favorite quote: "[My husband] went on to comment that his concerns centered on the “distractibility factor of high skin ratios.” After offering a slight eye roll over an accountant’s uncanny ability to turn every discussion into something boringly numerical, I thanked him for offering a palatable perspective." (Yeah, accountants!) =)

Unfortunately, those discussing the article in the forum don't talk much about the actual points Mrs. Stratton made; rather, the discussion quickly degenerates into a debate on the alleged evils of women's wearing pants. I wouldn't bother reading it, except maybe for this post. I think it covers enough to give you an idea of what the entire thread is like, and besides that, I'm pretty sure I agree with it. :)

4 comments:

Monica said...

Marvelous article! I really enjoyed it as a thoughtful discussion.

I had to laugh and roll my eyes at the thread. Good night. Get a life, folks. And take a logic class.

Anonymous said...

Actually, I read this article yesterday when it came out. I've found that Mrs. Stratton is both insightful and honest about the issues she deals with. This article on dress and modesty was a refreshing change from the usual narrowminded and extremist rhetoric normally found in many "fundamentalist" discussions about this topic. I really appreciated Mrs. Stratton's comments about how you can't start banning all sorts of clothing to prevent what people might possibly someday sort of think :) Also, I wholeheartedly agree with our wise and illustrious hostess's sentiments concerning pants. I for one think the whole idea that women are looked down upon for wearing pants at church and some Christian schools is inconsistent and I see no Scriptural support for it. So let me publicly endorse here the right for women to wear pants anywhere and without exception =)

mel said...

I agree, Monica. I'm all right with people who want to abstain from wearing pants themselves, but to use that sort of "logic" to try to tell everyone else they're sinning... sheesh.

Do seminaries require logic classes? If not, I think they should. Think of the reproach that poor logic brings on the gospel.

Tim... so you spend your time at work reading SharperIron? :)

Anonymous said...

No, I only actually read SI when someone who knows what they're talking about posts something (that pretty much means Bauder and Holly Stratton). I'm sure you're glad to know how you're tuition dollars were spent.....

To comment on the logic thing, some seminaries do require logic classes and it's been my experience that the ones that do, don't normally produce as many "interesting" ideas (i.e. making a specific dress code a separation issue or making byzantine demands such as ankle length culottes).

**sigh** Maybe someday the American church will finally realize what's eternally important and stop focusing on superfluous isssues. Until then, I'll have to keep spreading my movement of California Fundamentalism...