I don't mean this in a rude way: you seem incapable of seeing this through the eyes of the people advocating for nicer dress. We can say it has nothing to do with judging people and everything to do with people giving their best to God but you repeat that you do not believe us. So we are liars to you.

Sometimes people need to be encouraged to do give their best and this is clear in multiple areas:

- you should read your Bible more
- you should flee from sin or even areas of temptation
- you should make prayer central to your life


We can recommend all of those things without judging someone. Why can't we do that with corporate worship without judging people's souls?

A little off topic but "judging others" is Biblical in the sense of how we spur one another on to good deeds, rebuking one another for sin, etc.

So if I showed up to church Sunday in a tank top and flip flops, I would fully expect an elder or our pastor to engage me on the matter. They would be "judging" my outward appearance and I have no issue with that because I know it is coming not from a legalistic standpoint. But one of encouraging us to revere God in all aspects of life. I think dress can be a part of that discussion. I do think geography, socioeconomics and culture can also play a role in how dress isn't the same for everyone. But if your job is good enough to wear a nice pair of pants and a polo shirt, why isn't church?

Judgement for the non-believer is reserved for God alone.

Either God's love and the Gospel are valid for all people everywhere, or they're valid for none.

If you're following the Great Commission to preach the Gospel to all nations, and your missionary work takes you to a remote village where everyone wears only loincloths with no tops, what are God's prerequisites for what these people must do before they can embrace the Gospel and gather among themselves to worship communally, and what are the prerequisites you personally want to place upon them before you personally are comfortable because now they look like your earthbound cultural expectations?

To people raised in a culture pervaded by shame, the simple absence of shame will always appear brazen.

10andBOUNCE said:

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A little off topic but "judging others" is Biblical in the sense of how we spur one another on to good deeds, rebuking one another for sin, etc.

So if I showed up to church Sunday in a tank top and flip flops, I would fully expect an elder or our pastor to engage me on the matter. They would be "judging" my outward appearance and I have no issue with that because I know it is coming not from a legalistic standpoint. But one of encouraging us to revere God in all aspects of life. I think dress can be a part of that discussion. I do think geography, socioeconomics and culture can also play a role in how dress isn't the same for everyone. But if your job is good enough to wear a nice pair of pants and a polo shirt, why isn't church?

Judgement for the non-believer is reserved for God alone.

---

My pastor and our members (we do not have elders) would welcome you with open arms and love.

Brazos Fellowship is a great place to worship.

Who functions as the overseers of the church if you don't have elders and deacons (or similar type of offices)?

10andBOUNCE said:

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Who functions as the overseers of the church if you don't have elders and deacons (or similar type of offices)?

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Have no idea. After being Deacon chair twice and head of every committee at the Baptist church I grew up in, it is kind of nice to just enjoy fellowship and worship.

We have baptized over 400 this year and money is never really mentioned and is not a problem. End of the year we always have the "Big Give" for 3-4 vetted local charities and usually raise close to 200k. And it goes directly to the charities. The church does not take a cut.

Do a lot of community charity and student outreach at A&M.

It is wonderful. Very similar to Grace Bible.

I always look at the people of the church. Their joy, love, etc. Those are the kind of people I want my grand kids to be around as they will usually become like them.

Worked for my kids.

10andBOUNCE said:

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A little off topic but "judging others" is Biblical in the sense of how we spur one another on to good deeds, rebuking one another for sin, etc.

So if I showed up to church Sunday in a tank top and flip flops, I would fully expect an elder or our pastor to engage me on the matter. They would be "judging" my outward appearance and I have no issue with that because I know it is coming not from a legalistic standpoint. But one of encouraging us to revere God in all aspects of life. I think dress can be a part of that discussion. I do think geography, socioeconomics and culture can also play a role in how dress isn't the same for everyone. But if your job is good enough to wear a nice pair of pants and a polo shirt, why isn't church?

Judgement for the non-believer is reserved for God alone.

---

I agree with the idea that we are all called to be our brothers keeper....however, I think we all know that 'judging' others can come from a place of love or a place of triumphalism and need to shame others. There is a proper way to judge others and as dress codes go, I think that a significantly different and gray area from say, sinning. Judging others can easily take the form of sin if done for ones own subtle satisfaction. Not saying this is what happens most of the time at all, but it happens and I'm sure we all know the difference in what it looks like.

That all being said, to me, the dress for things of worship and solemnity is a way of showing ones respect and reverence. But I think it should be like tithing, you are only expected to give in relation to your current status. If you cannot afford fancy clothes or coat and tie, then just clean neat appearance is perfectly fine.

On a much less important, but related topic...I want to go back to the days of people dressing up to fly on airplanes. The freakshow that passes for acceptable fashion in public in a hermetically sealed tube with hundreds of other people is just frightening. If you ask me, you could look at a plane load of passengers from the 60's, 70's and maybe into the 80's vs the same passengers today.....you can actually see the decline of western civilization

Quote:

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If you ask me, you could look at a plane load of passengers from the 60's, 70's and maybe into the 80's vs the same passengers today.....you can actually see the decline of western civilization

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I would argue the level of service for the airlines preceded any decline in passenger dress.

Quote:

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But I think it should be like tithing, you are only expected to give in relation to your current status. If you cannot afford fancy clothes or coat and tie, then just clean neat appearance is perfectly fine.

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I like that comparison

Also…

10andBOUNCE said:

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Quote:

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But I think it should be like tithing, you are only expected to give in relation to your current status. If you cannot afford fancy clothes or coat and tie, then just clean neat appearance is perfectly fine.

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I like that comparison

Also…

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True dat. I wore my dad's clip on for some time. And in the thrift shop culture today, you can really find some great stuff for dirt cheap. I do....but I draw the line at used footwear.

powerbelly said:

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Quote:

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If you ask me, you could look at a plane load of passengers from the 60's, 70's and maybe into the 80's vs the same passengers today.....you can actually see the decline of western civilization

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I would argue the level of service for the airlines preceded any decline in passenger dress.

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Probably right. I grew up being required to dress up when flying as a kid because my father worked for the airline. Of course that was also back when you had real silverware and the flight attendants didn't knock your tray off when the walked by.

I didn't think there is any dressing code for members, I feel it only the choir in the music section that need dressing code.

The Banned said:

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Pro Sandy said:

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The Banned said:

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10andBOUNCE said:

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And while I agree the God cares about the heart as mentioned in 1 Sam 16, what is the heart saying if you show up in flip flops and graphic tees?

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This. While dressing up isn't a "must" what does it say when you're willing to dress up for work but not for God? Everyone's wardrobe is different, so I'm not saying it all has to be suit and tie, but everyone should be trying to give God the best of what's in their closet.

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Why?

Why does God care about how you try to impress other people?

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How does "give GOD the best of what's in your closet" = impress people? That's either poor reading comprehension or intentionally taking what I said and twisting it.

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Not really. Everything we do to look a certain way is cultural in that we do it to fit in or stand out or whatever. This topic wouldn't even come up if nobody cared what you looked like. Trying to look your best or a certain way is always about what you want others to think of you.

A. G. Pennypacker said:

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The Banned said:

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Pro Sandy said:

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The Banned said:

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10andBOUNCE said:

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And while I agree the God cares about the heart as mentioned in 1 Sam 16, what is the heart saying if you show up in flip flops and graphic tees?

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This. While dressing up isn't a "must" what does it say when you're willing to dress up for work but not for God? Everyone's wardrobe is different, so I'm not saying it all has to be suit and tie, but everyone should be trying to give God the best of what's in their closet.

---

Why?

Why does God care about how you try to impress other people?

---

How does "give GOD the best of what's in your closet" = impress people? That's either poor reading comprehension or intentionally taking what I said and twisting it.

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Not really. Everything we do to look a certain way is cultural in that we do it to fit in or stand out or whatever. This topic wouldn't even come up if nobody cared what you looked like. Trying to look your best or a certain way is always about what you want others to think of you.

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This view (and I know you aren't the only one who holds it, so not calling you out) is incredibly cynical. It leaves no room for people to wake up and think "what should I wear to church?" It's solely reduced to "how do I look good in front of the other people at church today?" I do no believe that to be true.

Once again, the bible does not reference what you should wear other than being modest.

What you wear to church is, for the most part, cultural. If you feel like you are honoring God by wearing a suit and tie, then that's great. People used to dress up for everything because culturally that's what we did.

Now jeans and a nice shirt are the cultural norm.

Proverbs 3:9-10

[9] Honor the LORD with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
[10] then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.

I believe we should be giving our firstfruits unto the Lord. Our money, time, attention, thoughts and even presence (physically). I cannot think of a good reason not to.

Frok said:

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Once again, the bible does not reference what you should wear other than being modest.

What you wear to church is, for the most part, cultural. If you feel like you are honoring God by wearing a suit and tie, then that's great. People used to dress up for everything because culturally that's what we did.

Now jeans and a nice shirt are the cultural norm.

---

I agree that it's cultural but not in the sense that you do. I would reframe it: think this is more of a reflection of a materialist world - God is everywhere so He is essentially nowhere.

Yet in our story, the Bible, He is more present some places than others (the temple, the Pilar of fire, the burning bush, incarnated and with us, etc.). Moses was instructed to alter his dress for God's presence. Our people know what it's like to be ruled by a king, and to acknowledge a place is holy apart from the rest of the world, and how to behave in such a presence. Like in the other thread, asking the epistles for a dress code is to misuse them; that's not why they're given.

Visit a service with the EO and they stand because only the king gets to sit (or bishop?, as his representative). Chairs and pews are a modern invention. In the Anglican tradition, we sit but acknowledge Christ's real presence at the altar throughout the service, whether kneeling, bowing, lowering our heads for the procession (the bishop who has authority) or Christ's name, and more. We also dress as we would present before a king who has taken his rightful place.

A worship space reflects what a denomination thinks it's important. What one wears says just as much about what they believe. This doesn't exclude poor people from the kingdom, but it does ask their two mites of them. This, I think, is the bigger split: what does a king expect of me? Where is He present?

I guess I'm not understanding and need it stated plainly, are you all saying that casual dress is a sign of weaker faith or less reverence for God? Or is it just a pet peeve that bugs you?

Frok said:

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I guess I'm not understanding and need it stated plainly, are you all saying that casual dress is a sign of weaker faith or less reverence for God? Or is it just a pet peeve that bugs you?

---

No, no, and no. You wouldn't dress the same way for court, Aggie athletics, playing sports, or a nice date. We all recognize that there are different types of places and different types of formality even within the same culture.

The way you dress when you go somewhere communicates what you think about that place and the people in it, including the purpose of the place. We know from the Bible that God is more present in some places than others. This is our divide. If God is simply everywhere and not materially more present at church than other places, then sure, wear whatever you want.

The king of kings is more present at our service (real presence in bread and wine) and I act differently in front of the king than I do when I'm at home precisely because He is a king and He is there. In the parable of the wedding feast, how did the king treat the man not appropriately attired? I think we have guidance if we seek it.

AGC said:

---

Frok said:

---

I guess I'm not understanding and need it stated plainly, are you all saying that casual dress is a sign of weaker faith or less reverence for God? Or is it just a pet peeve that bugs you?

---

No, no, and no. You wouldn't dress the same way for court, Aggie athletics, playing sports, or a nice date. We all recognize that there are different types of places and different types of formality even within the same culture.

The way you dress when you go somewhere communicates what you think about that place and the people in it, including the purpose of the place. We know from the Bible that God is more present in some places than others. This is our divide. If God is simply everywhere and not materially more present at church than other places, then sure, wear whatever you want.

The king of kings is more present at our service (real presence in bread and wine) and I act differently in front of the king than I do when I'm at home precisely because He is a king and He is there. In the parable of the wedding feast, how did the king treat the man not appropriately attired? I think we have guidance if we seek it.

---

People used to dress up for sporting events. We've all seen photos of suits and ties at ball games. T-shirts were only allowed on campus when engaged in athletic events, not spectating. Culture changes.

The definition of nice clothes is cultural. Wanting to dress up is based on cultural norm.

When you say it matters if someone isn't dressed up to a cultural standard to attend church, you are placing a barrier between them and God that he does not.

And if you find yourself in the presence of God and he says "remove your sandals," at least some of us will have sandals on to remove!

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Frok said:

---

I guess I'm not understanding and need it stated plainly, are you all saying that casual dress is a sign of weaker faith or less reverence for God? Or is it just a pet peeve that bugs you?

---

No, no, and no. You wouldn't dress the same way for court, Aggie athletics, playing sports, or a nice date. We all recognize that there are different types of places and different types of formality even within the same culture.

The way you dress when you go somewhere communicates what you think about that place and the people in it, including the purpose of the place. We know from the Bible that God is more present in some places than others. This is our divide. If God is simply everywhere and not materially more present at church than other places, then sure, wear whatever you want.

The king of kings is more present at our service (real presence in bread and wine) and I act differently in front of the king than I do when I'm at home precisely because He is a king and He is there. In the parable of the wedding feast, how did the king treat the man not appropriately attired? I think we have guidance if we seek it.

---

People used to dress up for sporting events. We've all seen photos of suits and ties at ball games. T-shirts were only allowed on campus when engaged in athletic events, not spectating. Culture changes.

The definition of nice clothes is cultural. Wanting to dress up is based on cultural norm.

When you say it matters if someone isn't dressed up to a cultural standard to attend church, you are placing a barrier between them and God that he does not.

And if you find yourself in the presence of God and he says "remove your sandals," at least some of us will have sandals on to remove!

---

Who put up the barrier in the parable of the wedding feast? I'll hang up and wait.

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Frok said:

---

I guess I'm not understanding and need it stated plainly, are you all saying that casual dress is a sign of weaker faith or less reverence for God? Or is it just a pet peeve that bugs you?

---

No, no, and no. You wouldn't dress the same way for court, Aggie athletics, playing sports, or a nice date. We all recognize that there are different types of places and different types of formality even within the same culture.

The way you dress when you go somewhere communicates what you think about that place and the people in it, including the purpose of the place. We know from the Bible that God is more present in some places than others. This is our divide. If God is simply everywhere and not materially more present at church than other places, then sure, wear whatever you want.

The king of kings is more present at our service (real presence in bread and wine) and I act differently in front of the king than I do when I'm at home precisely because He is a king and He is there. In the parable of the wedding feast, how did the king treat the man not appropriately attired? I think we have guidance if we seek it.

---

People used to dress up for sporting events. We've all seen photos of suits and ties at ball games. T-shirts were only allowed on campus when engaged in athletic events, not spectating. Culture changes.

The definition of nice clothes is cultural. Wanting to dress up is based on cultural norm.

When you say it matters if someone isn't dressed up to a cultural standard to attend church, you are placing a barrier between them and God that he does not.

And if you find yourself in the presence of God and he says "remove your sandals," at least some of us will have sandals on to remove!

---

Who put up the barrier in the parable of the wedding feast? I'll hang up and wait.

---

If you think you are God hosting the wedding feast by telling people to wear whatever culture defines as dressed up, by all means, ban who you want.

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Frok said:

---

I guess I'm not understanding and need it stated plainly, are you all saying that casual dress is a sign of weaker faith or less reverence for God? Or is it just a pet peeve that bugs you?

---

No, no, and no. You wouldn't dress the same way for court, Aggie athletics, playing sports, or a nice date. We all recognize that there are different types of places and different types of formality even within the same culture.

The way you dress when you go somewhere communicates what you think about that place and the people in it, including the purpose of the place. We know from the Bible that God is more present in some places than others. This is our divide. If God is simply everywhere and not materially more present at church than other places, then sure, wear whatever you want.

The king of kings is more present at our service (real presence in bread and wine) and I act differently in front of the king than I do when I'm at home precisely because He is a king and He is there. In the parable of the wedding feast, how did the king treat the man not appropriately attired? I think we have guidance if we seek it.

---

People used to dress up for sporting events. We've all seen photos of suits and ties at ball games. T-shirts were only allowed on campus when engaged in athletic events, not spectating. Culture changes.

The definition of nice clothes is cultural. Wanting to dress up is based on cultural norm.

When you say it matters if someone isn't dressed up to a cultural standard to attend church, you are placing a barrier between them and God that he does not.

And if you find yourself in the presence of God and he says "remove your sandals," at least some of us will have sandals on to remove!

---

Who put up the barrier in the parable of the wedding feast? I'll hang up and wait.

---

If you think you are God hosting the wedding feast by telling people to wear whatever culture defines as dressed up, by all means, ban who you want.

---

"Don't quote Jesus, it might be a barrier to people," was not on my 2024 R&P bingo card.

I guess I also shouldn't encourage my fellow parishioners to turn the other cheek or go the extra mile. Definitely don't love your neighbor as yourself. Who am I to put up barriers?

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Frok said:

---

I guess I'm not understanding and need it stated plainly, are you all saying that casual dress is a sign of weaker faith or less reverence for God? Or is it just a pet peeve that bugs you?

---

No, no, and no. You wouldn't dress the same way for court, Aggie athletics, playing sports, or a nice date. We all recognize that there are different types of places and different types of formality even within the same culture.

The way you dress when you go somewhere communicates what you think about that place and the people in it, including the purpose of the place. We know from the Bible that God is more present in some places than others. This is our divide. If God is simply everywhere and not materially more present at church than other places, then sure, wear whatever you want.

The king of kings is more present at our service (real presence in bread and wine) and I act differently in front of the king than I do when I'm at home precisely because He is a king and He is there. In the parable of the wedding feast, how did the king treat the man not appropriately attired? I think we have guidance if we seek it.

---

People used to dress up for sporting events. We've all seen photos of suits and ties at ball games. T-shirts were only allowed on campus when engaged in athletic events, not spectating. Culture changes.

The definition of nice clothes is cultural. Wanting to dress up is based on cultural norm.

When you say it matters if someone isn't dressed up to a cultural standard to attend church, you are placing a barrier between them and God that he does not.

And if you find yourself in the presence of God and he says "remove your sandals," at least some of us will have sandals on to remove!

---

Who put up the barrier in the parable of the wedding feast? I'll hang up and wait.

---

If you think you are God hosting the wedding feast by telling people to wear whatever culture defines as dressed up, by all means, ban who you want.

---

"Don't quote Jesus, it might be a barrier to people," was not on my 2024 R&P bingo card.

I guess I also shouldn't encourage my fellow parishioners to turn the other cheek or go the extra mile. Definitely don't love your neighbor as yourself. Who am I to put up barriers?

---

The parable of the wedding feast isn't about dress code on Sunday.

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Frok said:

---

I guess I'm not understanding and need it stated plainly, are you all saying that casual dress is a sign of weaker faith or less reverence for God? Or is it just a pet peeve that bugs you?

---

No, no, and no. You wouldn't dress the same way for court, Aggie athletics, playing sports, or a nice date. We all recognize that there are different types of places and different types of formality even within the same culture.

The way you dress when you go somewhere communicates what you think about that place and the people in it, including the purpose of the place. We know from the Bible that God is more present in some places than others. This is our divide. If God is simply everywhere and not materially more present at church than other places, then sure, wear whatever you want.

The king of kings is more present at our service (real presence in bread and wine) and I act differently in front of the king than I do when I'm at home precisely because He is a king and He is there. In the parable of the wedding feast, how did the king treat the man not appropriately attired? I think we have guidance if we seek it.

---

People used to dress up for sporting events. We've all seen photos of suits and ties at ball games. T-shirts were only allowed on campus when engaged in athletic events, not spectating. Culture changes.

The definition of nice clothes is cultural. Wanting to dress up is based on cultural norm.

When you say it matters if someone isn't dressed up to a cultural standard to attend church, you are placing a barrier between them and God that he does not.

And if you find yourself in the presence of God and he says "remove your sandals," at least some of us will have sandals on to remove!

---

Who put up the barrier in the parable of the wedding feast? I'll hang up and wait.

---

If you think you are God hosting the wedding feast by telling people to wear whatever culture defines as dressed up, by all means, ban who you want.

---

"Don't quote Jesus, it might be a barrier to people," was not on my 2024 R&P bingo card.

I guess I also shouldn't encourage my fellow parishioners to turn the other cheek or go the extra mile. Definitely don't love your neighbor as yourself. Who am I to put up barriers?

---

The parable of the wedding feast isn't about dress code on Sunday.

---

Jesus wasn't rambling while He tried to land the plane. Parables are complex with multiple layers of interpretation and points. You know that though, but it's hard to defend by saying it's a metaphorical garment, or a way of thinking that you bring to the feast, because it doesn't make a lot of sense. How you approach the king matters when you come.

If God didn't want barriers, He probably wouldn't have spoken in parables, or told people to keep His miracles to themselves, or done a host of other things.

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Frok said:

---

I guess I'm not understanding and need it stated plainly, are you all saying that casual dress is a sign of weaker faith or less reverence for God? Or is it just a pet peeve that bugs you?

---

No, no, and no. You wouldn't dress the same way for court, Aggie athletics, playing sports, or a nice date. We all recognize that there are different types of places and different types of formality even within the same culture.

The way you dress when you go somewhere communicates what you think about that place and the people in it, including the purpose of the place. We know from the Bible that God is more present in some places than others. This is our divide. If God is simply everywhere and not materially more present at church than other places, then sure, wear whatever you want.

The king of kings is more present at our service (real presence in bread and wine) and I act differently in front of the king than I do when I'm at home precisely because He is a king and He is there. In the parable of the wedding feast, how did the king treat the man not appropriately attired? I think we have guidance if we seek it.

---

People used to dress up for sporting events. We've all seen photos of suits and ties at ball games. T-shirts were only allowed on campus when engaged in athletic events, not spectating. Culture changes.

The definition of nice clothes is cultural. Wanting to dress up is based on cultural norm.

When you say it matters if someone isn't dressed up to a cultural standard to attend church, you are placing a barrier between them and God that he does not.

And if you find yourself in the presence of God and he says "remove your sandals," at least some of us will have sandals on to remove!

---

Who put up the barrier in the parable of the wedding feast? I'll hang up and wait.

---

If you think you are God hosting the wedding feast by telling people to wear whatever culture defines as dressed up, by all means, ban who you want.

---

"Don't quote Jesus, it might be a barrier to people," was not on my 2024 R&P bingo card.

I guess I also shouldn't encourage my fellow parishioners to turn the other cheek or go the extra mile. Definitely don't love your neighbor as yourself. Who am I to put up barriers?

---

The parable of the wedding feast isn't about dress code on Sunday.

---

Jesus wasn't rambling while He tried to land the plane. Parables are complex with multiple layers of interpretation and points. You know that though, but it's hard to defend by saying it's a metaphorical garment, or a way of thinking that you bring to the feast, because it doesn't make a lot of sense. How you approach the king matters when you come.

If God didn't want barriers, He probably wouldn't have spoken in parables, or told people to keep His miracles to themselves, or done a host of other things.

---

The parable still isn't about having to wear a coat and tie on Sunday.

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Pro Sandy said:

---

AGC said:

---

Frok said:

---

I guess I'm not understanding and need it stated plainly, are you all saying that casual dress is a sign of weaker faith or less reverence for God? Or is it just a pet peeve that bugs you?

---

No, no, and no. You wouldn't dress the same way for court, Aggie athletics, playing sports, or a nice date. We all recognize that there are different types of places and different types of formality even within the same culture.

The way you dress when you go somewhere communicates what you think about that place and the people in it, including the purpose of the place. We know from the Bible that God is more present in some places than others. This is our divide. If God is simply everywhere and not materially more present at church than other places, then sure, wear whatever you want.

The king of kings is more present at our service (real presence in bread and wine) and I act differently in front of the king than I do when I'm at home precisely because He is a king and He is there. In the parable of the wedding feast, how did the king treat the man not appropriately attired? I think we have guidance if we seek it.

---

People used to dress up for sporting events. We've all seen photos of suits and ties at ball games. T-shirts were only allowed on campus when engaged in athletic events, not spectating. Culture changes.

The definition of nice clothes is cultural. Wanting to dress up is based on cultural norm.

When you say it matters if someone isn't dressed up to a cultural standard to attend church, you are placing a barrier between them and God that he does not.

And if you find yourself in the presence of God and he says "remove your sandals," at least some of us will have sandals on to remove!

---

Who put up the barrier in the parable of the wedding feast? I'll hang up and wait.

---

If you think you are God hosting the wedding feast by telling people to wear whatever culture defines as dressed up, by all means, ban who you want.

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"Don't quote Jesus, it might be a barrier to people," was not on my 2024 R&P bingo card.

I guess I also shouldn't encourage my fellow parishioners to turn the other cheek or go the extra mile. Definitely don't love your neighbor as yourself. Who am I to put up barriers?

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The parable of the wedding feast isn't about dress code on Sunday.

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Jesus wasn't rambling while He tried to land the plane. Parables are complex with multiple layers of interpretation and points. You know that though, but it's hard to defend by saying it's a metaphorical garment, or a way of thinking that you bring to the feast, because it doesn't make a lot of sense. How you approach the king matters when you come.

If God didn't want barriers, He probably wouldn't have spoken in parables, or told people to keep His miracles to themselves, or done a host of other things.

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The parable still isn't about having to wear a coat and tie on Sunday.

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Nor is it about removing barriers.