The Christian's Attitude Toward Dressing by Tawiah Kofi

WELCOME TO THE
PRESENTATION
On:
THE CHRISTIAN'S ATTITUDE
TOWARD

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Today, there is debate over modesty and
immodesty in dress that is seen
everywhere
Skirts, dresses and trousers among others
have attracted the attention of many in
terms of basic body covering, beauty,
dignity and identity”
Clothing generally is an area of great
interest to mankind, but its relation to the
changing cultural and its significances in
the moral drive of Ghanaians generally…,
is perhaps the least talked about by
researchers and scholars.
06/06/18

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This has probably contributed to
provocative, dangerous and
promiscuous life-styles of today’s
youth in Ghana.
Moral break down with regards to
clothing is obvious among the
Ghanaian youth and it does not speak
well of us as a country.
Moral codes are based on traditional
and cultural acceptable factors
regarding what is decent or indecent in
the social domain (Dzramedo (2009) i“Clothing and fashion in
Ghanaian culture: A case study among the Akans”)
06/06/18

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A miniskirt, sometimes hyphenated as mini-skirt, is a skirt
with a hemline well above the knees, generally halfway up
the thighs and a mini dress is a dress with a similar high
hemline.
The popularity of miniskirts is commonplace among many
women, mostly preteens teenagers, and young adults. The
miniskirt has spread beyond a simple street fashion into a
major international trend.
With the rise in hemlines, the wearing of tights and see-
through is also becoming more common.
In this 21st century, trousers also have become highly
fashionable for women. Miniskirts are also seen worn over
trousers or jeans, or with leggings that provide coverage of
each leg from above the knee.
As a result of these, “attitudes are being formed” hence
the need for this discussion (Zimuto, and Chikodza (2013)“A06/06/18

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DEALING
WITH
PRELIMINARY
ISSUES
06/06/18

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In 2011, Amnesty International, wrote to the UN at
its 55th
session of the United Nations Commission
on the Status of Women titled “Women’s right to
choose their dress, free of coercion” argued
“Compulsory dress rules interfere with
individuals’ human rights. Under international
human rights law everyone has the rights to
freedom of expression and freedom to manifest
their religion or beliefs.
The way people dress can be an important
expression of their religious, cultural or personal
identity or beliefs. As a general rule, the rights
to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of
expression entail that all people should be free
to choose what - and what not – to wear.”
THE SEEMING CHALLENGE: HUMAN
RIGHTS
06/06/18

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As part of recommendations, the group stated:
Repeal laws imposing requirements that
individuals dress or do not dress in a certain
way (unless the restrictions imposed are only
such as are demonstrably necessary and
proportionate for a legitimate purpose, as
stipulated under international human rights law,
and are not discriminatory)
Take effective measures to protect women
from violence, threats, or coercion by family
members, community or religious groups or
leaders in order to compel them to wear
particular forms of dress
The Challenge : Humans Rights cont’d
06/06/18

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06/06/18
•OBSTACLES TO
OVERCOME
 The belief that any discussion
of dressing is inherently
legalistic, and
 The belief that such discussions
are simply unnecessary. In
many places today, to simply
raise the subject of immodest
clothing is to set off every
legalism alarm in the building

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From the above statement, one cannot
but to agree that any discussion on
dressing is not a waste of time at all.
Paul writes to the Christians in Rome
“For the name of God is
blasphemed among the
Gentiles because of you,
even as it is written”
Rom. 2: 24
06/06/18

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False Assumption On What Makes A Thing
Right
Does God Care About What We Wear?
Purpose of Dressing
The Power of What we Wear
Dressing Toady
Causes of Indecent Dressing
Consequences Of Indecent Dress
Dressing and Profession
Dressing and Students
The Christian and Dressing
The Way forward
ORDER OF PRESENTATION
06/06/18

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MAJORITY RULE
CONSCIENCE
FEELINGS
SOME FALSE ASSUMPTION ON
WHAT MAKES A THING RIGHT
06/06/18
Exo 23:2 Thou shalt not follow a
multitude to do evil; neither shalt
thou speak in a cause to turn aside
after a multitude to wrest justice:
Mat 7:13-14 Enter ye in by the narrow
gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the
way, that leadeth to destruction, and many
are they that enter in thereby. For narrow
is the gate, and straitened the way, that
leadeth unto life, and few are they that find
it.
“There is a way which seems
right to a man, But its end is the
way of death.” - Pr 14:12
“He who trusts in his own heart
is a fool...” - Pr 28:26
“O LORD, I know the way of man
is not in himself; It is not in man
who walks to direct his own
steps.” - Jer 10:23

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DOES GOD CARE ABOUT WHAT
WE WEAR?
God certainly was concerned about what
Adam and Eve were wearing.  Upon their
rebellion to God’s command, the first couple
realized they were naked (Genesis 2:7).
With their knowledge of sin came a sense
of shame.  The two sewed fig “loincloths” to
serve as clothing.
The term translated “loincloths” (Genesis
2:7) literally means an “apron, belt, or loin-
covering.”  Clearly this clothing was very
limited and left much of their bodies still
exposed.
06/06/18

DOES GOD CARE ABOUT WHAT WE
WEAR? Cont’d
Apparently, God felt that this limited clothing was not
enough.  God himself made “tunics” from animal skins
for Adam and Eve to wear (Gen.3:21).  If God does
not care what we wear, why would he go to this
trouble?
Clearly these “tunics” covered more than did the
“loin-covering” that Adam and Eve had sewed.  The
“tunic” (Heb. kethoneth) was an “undergarment made
from two pieces of linen or wool, sewn on the sides
and shoulders, with holes for the head and arms”
(Eerd. Dict.of the Bible,
A “tunic” was worn by priests (Exodus 28:4).
The important point here is that God made a garment
that at least covered Adam and Eve from the shoulder
to the knee as being adequate clothing.
Send for your brother Aaron and his sons Nadab,
Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. They are the ones I
have chosen from Israel to serve as my priests.
Make Aaron some beautiful clothes that are worthy of a
high priest.
Aaron is to be dedicated as my high priest, and his
clothes must be made only by persons who possess
skills that I have given them.
Here are the items that need to be made: a breastpiece, a
priestly vest, a robe, an embroidered shirt, a turban, and a
sash. These sacred clothes are to be made for your
brother Aaron and his sons who will be my priests. [Ex.
28: 1-4]

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Although, there are no universally acceptable way or
ways of dressing.
Dresses are meant to serve some definable purposes,
country or region notwithstanding. They are part of a
peoples’ culture and they define their tribal or ethnic
identity.
Apart from dresses being a means for cultural identity,
they are for ornamental or aesthetic purposes, for
protection of the body against harsh weather conditions
as well as for covering the intimate parts of the body.
These purposes are important especially as they form
major aspects of a person’s personality. But as important
as these purposes are, they have been defeated by the
our generation (Omede (2011) “Indecent Dressing on
Campuses of Higher Institutions of Learning in Nigeria:
Implications for Counseling”)
PURPOSE AND MEANING OF
CLOTHING/DRESSING
06/06/18

CLOTHING/DRESSING cont’d
Values, attitudes and life styles are
reflected in dress” and that “gendered
dress makes the ideal man and woman
visible.
It is a code of dress, which restricts
men and women’s choice of dress to
cater for their cultural expectations”
It “communicates the womanhood or
manhood of the individuals” (Manwa, Ndamba and
Lokadhia (2010) “A gendered dress code and how it influences the choice of dress by
women in Zimbabwe”)

The young people, especially females
in the age groups 13-19 years and
20-29 years, view any dressing as
fashion- whether see-through, tight
or mini.
The age group 30-39 years, traders
and a few in 40-49 years (those with
high academic profiles and in white
collar jobs) support the idea of
fashion.

However, elderly people (50 years ++),
farmers, religious leaders and traditional
leaders (village headmen, councillors and
chiefs) base dressing on cultural values and
norms of the African society.
Their attitude on tight, mini, and see-
through dressing is extremely negative while
they cherish standard dress in length (below
the knee level). They also uphold a dress
which is not see- through and that which is
free-wear. (Zimuto, and Chikodza, 2013. “A Consumer Evaluation
Of Modernity On Women’s Dressing”)

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THE POWER OF WHAT WE WEAR
The dress of an individual is a kind
of “Sign Language” that
communicates a complete set of
information and is usually the basis
on which immediate impressions are
formed.
Clothing is also a form of artistic
expression that reflects the
cognitive, moral and social aspects
of human life (Kiran, Riaz & Malik, 2002).06/06/18

 When Joseph was told he was to meet with
Pharaoh, "he shaved himself and changed
his clothes" (Gen. 41:14). How would you
dress to meet the president of Ghana or
any important personality? How would you
dress if you knew Jesus were going to be at
services this Lord's day? (but He is always
at worship - Matt. 18:20)
 The strange man at the wedding feast
(Matt. 22: 11-13: )
 Indeed your dress can tell whether you
respect or not
1. YOUR CLOTHING MAY SIGNAL YOUR
HONOR OR DISHONOR OF ANOTHER
Mat 22:11 And when the king came in to see the
guests, he saw there a man which had not on a
wedding garment:
Mat 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how
camest thou in hither not having a wedding
garment? And he was speechless.
Mat 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind
him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast
him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and
gnashing of teeth.
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

2. YOUR CLOTHING MAY COMMUNICATE
MATERIALISTIC
 The Rich Man – Luke 16: 19
The richman expressed himself
materialistic through an opulent and lavish
lifestyle that included his clothing
Purple was the signature of wealthy and
powerful men (Mark 15:17, 20; Rev. 17:
4; Esther 1: 6; 8: 15; pro. 31: 22
The rich man concerned himself with his
appearance above the weithier matters of
life – Lazarus and his suffering

3. YOUR ATTIRE MAY REVEAL YOUR MORAL
CHARACTER
 "And there a woman met him, with the
attire of a harlot" (Prov. 7:10),
The woman was wearing ‘the attire
of a harlot”, but she was not a harlot
(7: 19).
 In Gen. 38:14-15, Tamar put on the
cloth of a prostitute to deceive Judah
yet she was NOT a prostitute
 Indeed what you wear reveals your
moral character
Gen 38:14 She also realized that
Shelah was now a grown man, but she
had not been allowed to marry him. So
she decided to dress in something other
than her widow's clothes and to cover
her face with a veil. After this, she sat
outside the town of Enaim on the road
to Timnah.
Gen 38:15 When Judah came along, he did
not recognize her because of the veil. He
thought she was a prostitute

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MODERN DRESSING
Dressing basically is in two types –
decent (modest) and indecent
(immodest)
A dress is therefore, said to be
INDECENT when it has
provocative or stimulating
influence on almost all those
that happen to view it on the
user… male or female that
dresses to showoff parts of the
body such as the breasts,
buttocks or even the06/06/18

Indecent Dressing
According to Spinney (2007)
immodest (indecent) dressing
usually falls into three
categories:
TOO MUCH,
TOO LITTLE,
TOO TIGHT

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CATEGORIES OF INDECENT
DRESSING
 Too Much Clothing refers to apparel that is
extravagant, flamboyant, or vainglorious. It is
clothing that says, “Look at me! I want to be
the center of attention.
 Too Little Clothing refers to clothing that
fails to cover the wearer’s body. Simply put, it
shows too much skin.
 This includes unbuttoned blouses or plunging
necklines that reveal cleavage, clothing that
bares a woman’s shoulders, such as strapless
dresses, spaghetti-strap dresses, and halter
(backless) tops.

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CATEGORIES OF INDECENT DRESSING
CONT’D
Too Tight Clothing refers to
body-hugging clothing that clearly
reveals the body’s contours.
Surprisingly and strangely, a number
of Christian Weddings display women
in too little dresses. In the name of
elegance, bridal parties wear gowns
that expose shoulders, reveal
cleavage, and bare backs.

Thank You
That’s
All For
Today
Now
Your
Questions!
06/06/18
THE CHRISTIAN’S ATTITUDE
TOWARD DRESSING

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PATRONS OF TODAY’S
DRESSING
Manwa et al identify three types of women, the
conservatives, the liberals, and the admixture.
Liberal Attitudes Women: They are mostly
younger women (below 40) and they oppose existing
gender relationship. They are Feminists advocate
for gender neutrality, human rights, democracy and
equality.
These women therefore have wide wardrobes which
include clothing items deemed inappropriate by the
society. They hold the view “we cannot be seen
lagging behind fashion. As young women
we need to look new everyday and be
fashionable” Wardrobes for the liberal women
included trousers, culottes and shorts besides the
traditional skirts and dresses.
06/06/18

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PATRONS OF TODAY’S DRESSING CONT’D
 Conservative Attitudes Women: These
are mostly above forty years. Their views are that a
gendered dress code was part of culture and should be
adhered to.
 The conservative women hold on to their traditional
values and norms. They believe that a woman should
reflect her femininity through dress and that women
should look feminine and not the masculine.
 They tend to place minimal emphasis on the issue of
attracting the opposite sex.
 Clothing for the women who held conservative views
were gender specific. Their wardrobes comprise the
traditional skirts, blouses, dresses, ladies’ jackets and
clothing colours and designs which were feminine

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PATRONS OF TODAY’S DRESSING
CONT’D
Admixture Attitudes
Women: They are neither
conservative nor liberal. The
wardrobe of those with an
admixture of views had a mixture
of dress except that their choice
was limited to decency

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OTHER PATRONS
OF
INDECENT DRESS
So-called Celebrities
Students
Professional
06/06/18

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Omede (2011) on “Indecent Dressing on Campuses
of Higher Institutions of Learning in Nigeria:
Implications for Counseling” observed
The way students on these campuses of learning
particularly, the female ones, dress seductively
leaves much to be desired. What the girls call skirts
that they wear is just “one inch” longer than their
pants. When they put on such dresses, they struggle
to sit down, find difficulty in climbing machines,
cross gutters as well as pick anything from the
ground. Apart from the skimpy and tight fitting
nature of these dresses, they are again transparent;
revealing certain parts of the bodies that under
normal dressing patterns ought to be hidden away
from the glare of people.
STUDENTS AND
DRESSING

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STUDENTS AND DRESSING
CONT’D
In the case of boys, their pattern of dress is
different.
It makes them to look so dirty and very unattractive
with unkempt hairs and dirty jeans having pockets of
holes deliberately created around the knees and the
lower part of the trousers allowed to flow on the
ground because they go through their heals into their
legs as socks.
The waist of their trousers are lowered and fastened
tightly at the middle of the two bottom lobes to reveal
their boxers (pants). And when they are walking, they
drag their legs and one of their hands particularly, the
left one, cupping their invisible scrotum as if they will
fall to the ground if not supported (Omede 2011)

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STUDENTS AND DRESSING
CONT’D
Omede pointed out that Kogi
State College of Education,
Kpana in Nigeria in her
student’s Handbook and
Academic Regulations outlined
the following with regards to
ensuring decent dressing on
campus:

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Female Students Are Not To
Wear The Under-listed On
Campus:
Sleeveless tops
Short Knickers
Transparent clothes
Bogus fashion jewelries
Spaghetti tops
OFF shoulders
Wicket Straps
Mono Straps
Mini Skirts
Eye Shadow
Excessive Lipsticks
Rastafarian hairstyles
Dress and Skirt with
slit above the knees
Tight trousers and
dresses
T-Shirts and jean
which carry immoral
messages
All clothes that reveal
sensitive parts of the
body such as the
burst, chest, belly,
upper arms and
buttocks
Nail attachments

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Male Students Are Not To Wear
The Under-listed On Campus:
Earrings
Shirts or any wear
revealing the
armpit
Short Knickers
above the knee
when not required
Head ties
Jerry curls
Plaited hairs
Dreadlocks
T-Shirts and jeans
which carry
immoral messages
Kaftans without
trousers
Long and bushy
hairs and beards
Braiding
Permed hairs

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PROFESSIONALS AND DRESSING
Is professional dress more of a challenge for
men or for women?
It is more of a challenge for women because
professional dress for men is more easily
defined. Men look professional when they
wear a suit and tie.
The leeway in defining professional dress for
women leads to the potential for inappropriate
clothing. For example, common complaints
about women in a professional setting include
tight-fitting and short skirts, unprofessional
hair, too much makeup, or clothing that is too
casual (Pagana, 2005).

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PROFESSIONALS AND DRESSING CONT’D
An article shows that at interview:
Skirt should be formal,
urban, conservative.
The two most important
things are fit and
length. Make sure your
skirt is not too tight or
too short (to the knee).

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Empirical Evidences On
Patrons Of Indecent
Dressing
 The young people, especially females in the age
groups 13-19 years and 20-29 years, view any
dressing as fashion- whether see-through, tight
or mini.
 The age group 30-39 years, traders and a few
in 40-49 years (those with high academic
profiles and in white collar jobs) support the
idea of fashion.
 However, elderly people (50 years ++), farmers,
religious leaders and traditional leaders (village
headmen, councilors and chiefs) base dressing on
cultural values and norms of the African society
(Zimuto, and Chikodza (2013) “A Consumer Evaluation Of Modernity On Women’s Dressing”)

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Thank You
That’s
All For
Today
Now
Your
Questions!
Christian & Dressing
TOWARD DRESSING

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THE NATURE OF TODAY’S
DRESSING
But amongst the younger population, there is
now a new mode of dressing and clothing.
The younger population are desperately veering
from the past mode of dressing ...
They dress weirdly and embarrassingly.
The female younger population mostly dresses
half nude; they prefer to wear trousers and
skimpy shirts or tee-shirts that reveals their
tummy, body hug which shows all the contours in
their body frames or mini-skirt with a see –
through tops
While the boys although still wears shirt and
trousers but which are always in various bigger

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WATCH
THIS

Today’s Dressing
Accessories

Today’s Supposed “Decent”
Dressing

Today’s Supposed “Decent”
Dressing(Tight Jeans)

Jeans With Holes
Modern “Decent”
Dress?

Today’s
Assumed
“Decent”
Dresses
[strapless]
.

Today’s Assumed “Decent” Dresses

Today’s Assumed “Decent” Dress
(See-through Dresses)

Today’s
Assumed
“Decent”
Dress
Indecent
“T”
Shirts

Today’s
Assumed
“Decent”
Dresses

Today’s Assumed “Decent” Dress

Indecency On The HighestToday’s Assumed “Decent” Dress

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THE PURPOSE OF TODAY’S
DRESSING
Response by originator of Miniskirts Mary
Quaint – reason for today’s dress, in an
interview:
The primary reason for designing miniskirt was for girls who
did not want to wait until dark to seduce a man into bed.
Am I the only woman who has ever wanted to go to bed
with a man in the afternoon? Any law-abiding female, it
used to be thought, waits until dark. Well, there are lots of
girls who don’t want to wait. Miniskirts are symbolic of them
 3 years latter, Mary Quaint define the
purpose of today’s fashion in an interview
“I mean today’s woman is proud of her body. She knows
about dieting. She doesn’t need clothes that just sort of flow
over her. She dresses to say I enjoy my body, I am sexy, I
like men, I enjoy life. Her clothing is worn for decoration,
provocation, and look at me. A lot of look-at-me-about-it”
So the purpose of today’s dressing is for decoration (cf.
1 Tim. 2: 9-10; 1 Pet. 3: 3-4, to provoke one another
NATURE OF CHRISTIAN DECOR
1Ti 2:9,10 “I would like for women to wear modest
sensible clothes. They should not and have fancy
hairdos, or wear expensive clothes, or put on
jewelry made of gold or pearls. Women who claim
to love God should do helpful things for others,”
1Pe 3:3,4 Don't depend on things like fancy hairdos
or gold jewelry or expensive clothes to make you
look beautiful. Be beautiful in your heart by being
gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last, and
God considers it very special.
NATURE OF CHRISTIAN PROVOCATION
Heb 10:24 And let us
consider one another to
provoke unto love and to
good works:

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Thank You
That’s
All For
Today
Now
Your
Questions!
TOWARD DRESSING

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CAUSES OF INDECENT
DRESSING
Omede (2011) identified 6
Reasons why people dress
indecently
 Poor Parenting
 The Society
Wrong Use Of The Internet
 Peer Pressure
Fading Value
Demonic Influence

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CAUSES OF INDECENT
DRESSING
Omede (2011) identified 6 Reasons why
people dress indecently
 Poor Parenting
Every child in a community whether good or bad has a
home as well as parents. The influence of home
environment on the development of children is not in any
way doubtful. The home is every child’s first window to
the outside world
 The Society
The child leaves in a community and so he/she is
influenced by what goes on in the community either
directly or indirectly. The arrant display of moral
decadence in the forms of corruption, indiscipline,
prostitution, bribery and other forms of vices in the
community at the full glare of youths and children

Causes Of Indecent Dressing
Cont’d
 Wrong Use Of The Internet
ICT has brought a lot of good things – Internet,
mobile phones etc, In as much as ICT is
helpful, the rate of abuse and the un-regulatory
ways they are used has caused our society a
lot. Most young ones are exposed to some of its
negative contents.
 Peer Pressure
The desire to belong and the fear of rejection
have led many into evil or immoral acts
sometimes against their will (John 12:42,43;
Luke 16:13-15).

Causes Of Indecent Dressing
Cont’d
 Fading Value
Africa has a very rich culture, but the unfortunate
situation is that most cherished African values are
fast fading due to non-patronage and
modernization or acculturation. Today’s youths
cannot tell very well what these values are
Demonic Influence
This is a strong factor that accounts
for the stimulating and provocative ways
that some people dress today. Some,
particularly, the female ones, are
agents of the devil on a mission to lure
many into immorality and away from GodChristian & Dressing

Some Empirical Evidences
Of The Causes
 Kiran, Riaz & Malik,( 2002) study on
Factors Affecting Change in the
Clothing Patterns of the Adolescent
Girls revealed
 A large majority of 88% respondents
belonged to middle income family.
Whereas, 10% respondents came from
high income and 2% from low income
families respectively.
 The study reveals that 35% of the
respondents were inspired by their

Of The Causes cont’d
 Study also shows with regards to the
impact of mass media on clothing
pattern, T.V. has a very high impact
while the magazines, fashion shows and
movies comes on second, third and
forth positions respectively.
 Kiran et al concluded that, friends,
family’s socio-economic status, changing
trends and education were the most
important responsible factors.
 It was also revealed that the

 Okeh “2009) in his paper “Dressing
Code and Sexual
Characteristics of Younger
Population in South Eastern
Nigeria” observed that:
 Both the male and female younger
populations acceded to influencing
factors such as social approval, anxiety,
and exhibitionism and modernity as the
factors that influence their dressing
code.
 The two sexes are not also anxiousChristian & Dressing
Exhibitionism
attention-seeking: loud,
exaggerated, or boastful behavior
designed to attract attention
exposing of the genitals: a
psychological disorder causing a
compulsion to show the genitals in
public (Microsoft® Encarta® 2009. © 1993-2008)
Derog: The tendency to behave so as
to attract attention to oneself.
Psychol: The compulsive desire to
expose one's sexual organs publicly
(Chambers Dict)

 Moor (2010) on “She Dresses to Attract, He
Perceives Seduction: A gender gap in attribution
of intent to women's revealing style of dress and
its relation to blaming the victims of sexual
violence” asserts
 Western media that has spread
worldwide is saturated with sexualized
depictions of women in tight body-
revealing clothing and exposed body
parts that are presented as the epitome
of female beauty
 …The unmistakable message of these

 Moor on “Women's Self-Reported
Motivation for Wearing Revealing
Clothes” concluded:
 The majority of these women, 82.1%,
identified a liking for this look as their
primary motive for adopting it.
 A wish to look attractive was endorsed by
72% of the women as their second reason.
 Only 3.2% said they had intended to
arouse men with their style of clothing,
 and the percentage of those who meant to
seduce was a mere 5.3%.

 Manwa, Ndamba and Lokadhia (2010)
in their paper entitled “A Gendered Dress
Code And How It Influences The Choice Of
Dress By Women In Zimbabwe” conclude that
 Religion was noted to be the major factor,
followed by media and acculturation …
 Biblical verses from the holy scriptures
such as Deuteronomy 22.5 which state
that “Women shall not wear that which
pertaineth to men, neither shall a man put
on women’s garment, for all that do so are
an abomination to the Lord,” are used as
guidelines and restrict most religious Christian & Dressing

.
.
CONSEQUENCES OF INDECENT
DRESS
06/06/18
Sexual Harassment
Tendency To Steal
HIV/AIDS Explosion
Campus Prostitution
Poor Performance In School
Sin against God

.
.
.
.
CONSEQUENCES OF INDECENT
DRESS
06/06/18
Sexual Harassment
There is the likelihood that ladies who dress
indecently or provocatively could be prone to sexual
harassment and or rape. These forms of dresses
suggest that such ladies need attention and that
they are irresponsible and so there are always
irresponsible men to dialogue, lure or force them to
bed for sex.
Tendency To Steal
In attempt to look modern and be like others, many
of these youths had taken to stealing and armed
robbery. The boys for instance, under financial
pressure from their girl friends could resort to
armed robbery to square up to this demand to

Consequences Of Indecent Dress Cont’d
 HIV/AIDS Explosion
When such ladies are forced into sex
against their will they may be exposed to
venereal diseases
 Campus Prostitution
Skimpy, transparent and or body exposing
dresses are known in ancient Africa to be
the dress pattern of prostitutes or whores.
Most ladies found in such dresses are
always negotiated for sex or social intimacy
because they are most times thought to be
without husbands.

Consequences Of Indecent Dress cont’d
Poor Performance In School
Most students in this form of dresses
tend to have little or no serious time
for their academic work. Their
concern is mostly how to look good and
appear in the latest stuff.
Some end up stay longer in the school
than is normal to graduate, graduate
with very weak grades and some may
not even graduate at all having
outlived their studentship in the

 Sin Against God
 Sin is the transgression of the law. Every
society has a code of conduct. There are
moral and penal codes. A violation of any
is always sanctioned.
 A lady that dresses to lure men into
immorality whether the act is practiced
or imagined in the heart is guilty against
God (Luke 17: 1) and the man who fails
to control his passions too has sinned
(Mat. 5:28.
Luk 17:1 Jesus said to his disciples:
There will always be something that
causes people to sin. But anyone who
causes them to sin is in for trouble. A
person who causes even one of my little
followers to sin
Luk 17:2 would be better off thrown into the
ocean with a heavy stone tied around their
neck.
Luk 17:3 So be careful what you do. Correct
any followers of mine who sin, and forgive the
ones who say they are sorry.

.
.
 KTVQ: CBS News headline “Warning: Tight pants,
skinny jeans and spanx may be hazardous to your
health!
 High heeled shoes and heavy bags can also create
problem. Heels higher than two inches have been
linked to bunions, hammer toes and ankle sprains.
 And handbags worn on the shoulder can throw your
back out of line. The American Chiropractic
Association recommends that women carry no more
than 10% of their body weight in a bag
 People who wear skinny jeans sometimes say they feel
a numbness going down their leg…their tigh goes to
sleep, and when they stand up, it feels like their foot
isn’t under them (Dr. Morrissey, Vascular surgeon)

University Of Pennsylvania
Offers Prevention For Vaginitis:
Avoid tight fitting clothing
like spandex and pantyhose
Avoid perfumed and
scented tampons/maxi-pads

Empirical Evidences On The
Consequences
Okeh (2009) testing his hypothesis whether or not
there is significance difference in the perception
of both male and female younger population
regarding relationship and younger population
dressing code and their sexual characteristics,
observe
There is no significant difference in the perception
of both male and female younger population as
regards the relationship between younger population
dressing code and their sexual characteristics. This,
thus confirm that the younger population themselves
are aware of the fact that the current kind of
dressing code and styles they regarded as fashion
exposes them to opposite sex and also ignite and
encourage libidinous (libido) intentions

Consequences
Okeh added respondents’ responses…
482 (92.7%) strongly agreed to ‘dressing to attract the
attention of the opposite sex is only proper’,
474 (91.1%) strongly agreed to ‘there is nothing
offensive in exposing part of the body’
470 (90.4%) agreed to ‘I would do anything to wear the
latest fashion in vogue’,
418 (80.4%) agreed ‘dressing up is a major hobby in my
life’ and
461 (88.7%) also agreed “it does not matter to me what
others feel about my dressing”. Also, 396 (76.2%)
strongly agreed ‘I dress to please my admirers’ while
402 (77.3%) and 417 (80.2% ) respectfully agreed ‘I
like to show off whatever I am wearing’ and ’flashy
designs are my choice when it comes to clothes’

Consequences
Moor (2010) on “Men's self-reported attitudes
towards women's body-revealing dress.” concluded
In Response To Direct Questioning Regarding
Their Perceptions Of Women's Sexualized
Appearance, men expressed a belief that temptation
and seduction are the primary intentions of women
who dress that way.
The Men Were Also Asked To Indicate The Degree
To Which They Felt Sexually Aroused By Women's
Revealing Attire. Close to thirty percent (29.8%)
reported feeling aroused all of the time when viewing
women in revealing clothes and an additional 58.1%
felt aroused most of the time. 48.45 enjoyed gazing
at women so dressed that way all of the time and
46.1% almost always, and 35.8% and 55.3% males
respectively expressed a liking of this form of dress.Christian & Dressing
1Co 10:31 When you eat or
drink or do anything else,
always do it to honor God.
1Co 10:32 Don't cause problems
for Jews or Greeks or anyone else
who belongs to God's church.
1Co 10:33 I always try to please
others instead of myself, in the
hope that many of them will be
saved.
From the passage, the
Apostle , Paul cautions
that:

Whether we are eating or drinking or
every act

The ultimate goal is to “GLORIFY GOD

A Christian’s action should not cause
anyone to stumble, both the believer or
the unbeliever
So the parlance “I don’t care; I have not
Gal 5:13 My friends, you were
chosen to be free. So don't use your
freedom as an excuse to do anything
you want. Use it as an opportunity to
serve each other with love.
Gal 5:14 All that the Law says can
be summed up in the command to
love others as much as you love
yourself.
Luk 17:1 Jesus said to his disciples:
There will always be something that
causes people to sin. But anyone who
causes them to sin is in for trouble. A
person who causes even one of my little
followers to sin
Luk 17:2 would be better off thrown into the
ocean with a heavy stone tied around their
neck.
Luk 17:3 So be careful what you do. Correct
any followers of mine who sin, and forgive the
1Co 8:9 Don't cause problems for someone with a
weak conscience, just because you have the right to eat
anything.
1Co 8:10 You know all this, and so it doesn't bother
you to eat in the temple of an idol. But suppose a
person with a weak conscience sees you and decides
to eat food that has been offered to idols.
1Co 8:11 Then what you know has destroyed someone
Christ died for.
1Co 8:12 When you sin by hurting a follower with a
weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
1Co 8:13 So if I hurt one of the Lord's followers by what
I eat, I will never eat meat as long as I live.
The Apostle John says there are basically to
ways to determine whether or not a person TRULY
has fellowship with God – 1 John 2: 3-6
1. To KNOW HIM; HOW “if we keep his
commandments – vs. 3-4
2. To ADIDE IN HIM; HOW? ‘If we Walk just as he
walked” – vs 5b-6. How did Jesus walk?
Rom. 15: 3 – “Never Pleased self”
Phiil. 2: 5-8 – “Gave up ALL and humbled

.
.
THE MUSLIMS PERSPECTIVE ON
DRESSING
06/06/18
REQUIREMENTS FOR MUSLIM WOMEN
DRESSING
The First Requirement: Extent Of Covering
And say to the believing women that they should lower
their gaze and guard their modesty; that they
should not display their beauty and ornaments
except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof;
that they should draw their veils over their
bosoms and not display their beauty except to
their husbands, their fathers, their husbands'
fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their
brothers or their brothers' sons, or their
sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves
whom their right hands possess, or male servants

.
.
.
.
.
.
Thank You
That’s
All For
Today
Now
Your
Questions!
Christian & Dressing06/06/18
TOWARD DRESSING

Requirements For Muslim
Women Dressing Cont’d
The Second Requirement
“Looseness”
The dress must be loosed enough so
as not to describe the shape of a
woman's body
The Third Requirement
“Thickness”:- The dress should be
thick enough so as not to show the
color of the skin it covers, or the shape
of the body which it is supposed to
hide.

Requirements For Muslim
Women Dressing Cont’d
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The dress should not be similar to what is
known as a male costume. lbn 'Abbas narrated
that "The Prophet cursed the men who act like
women and the women who act like men.
It should not be similar to what is known as the
costume of unbelievers
It should not be a dress of fame, pride and
vanity. Such fame may be sought by wearing an
excessively fancy dress as a status symbol or
an excessively ragged dress to gain others'
admiration of one's selflessness. Both motives
are improper by Islamic standards. TheChristian & Dressing

Requirements Of Muslim
Men's Clothing
Man should fully cover his 'awrah
(body).
Men's clothes should be loose enough so
as not to describe what he is covering
(his 'awrah).
They should be thick enough so as not
to describe the color of the skin or the
parts required to be covered.
They should not be designed in a way to
attract attention. The basic rule of
modesty and avoiding "show off" applies
to all believers’ men and women. Christian & Dressing

a
.
SO
WHAT SHOULD BE
THE
CHRISTIAN’S
ATTITUDE
TOWARD Christian & Dressing06/06/18

THE CHRISTIAN’S CLOTHING MUST
BE CONSISTENT WITH GODLINESS
AS TAUGHT BY PAUL– 1TIM. 2:9-10
“Proper”
It means orderly or appropriate, and it
indicates that something is honorable and
decent.
Kenneth Wuest, Greek professor at Moody
Bible Institute, explains the word’s meaning in
this particular passage: it speaks of an orderly
and appropriate relationship between one’s
clothing and one’s Christian character.
In other words, our apparel must be consistent
with our status as disciples of Christ. The very
use of the word proper implies that it is
In like manner also, that women
adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and
sobriety; not with broided hair, or
gold, or pearls, or costly array;
1Ti 2:10 But (which becometh
women professing godliness) with
good works

The Christian’s Clothing Must Be
Consistent With Godliness cont’d
“Modestly”
Translated “shamefacedness” in the KJV.
Shamefacedness came from the older
English word shamefastness, which
expressed the idea of standing fast (or
standing firm) in moral issues because of
the shame (or dishonor) of doing or
promoting immorality.
Modest people aren’t deliberately
provocative when it comes to moral issues
(Spinney 2007).

“Discreet”
The word discreetly is also translated
with self-control (ESV) and with
sobriety (KJV). It speaks of exercising
restraint over one’s thoughts,
preferences, and desires.
Some use their clothing as non-verbal
expressions of their own sensuality.
They deliberately turn themselves into
an object of lust; they walk into a room
with the intention of turning heads.
Dressing discreetly means we don’tChristian & Dressing

“Not With Braided Hair Or Gold Or
Pearls Or Costly Clothing”
Excess, rather than actual adornment, is
what is being condemned here - cf. Isa
3: 16-26 with Ezek 16:10-14
According to (Spinney 2007)
Thus Christian women are instructed to
not imitate the outrageous dress and hair
styles that were commonplace among the
Roman nobility.
In Paul’s day, some women wove precious

“Proper For Women Professing
Godliness”
God’s Word says to Christians, “Don’t imitate
the appearance of these famous and immoral
people. No flashiness, gaudiness, extravagance,
and flaunting of wealth.
Stephen M. Baugh, who is the professor of
Greek and New Testament at Westminster West
Theological Seminary. Baugh applies these final
words in 1 Timothy 2:9 to modern readers:
“Today, it is the equivalent of warning Christians
away from imitation of styles set by promiscuous
pop singers or actresses.” That means that if we

 1 Timothy 2:10—amplifies the apostle’s
instruction. The Christian woman is to adorn
herself not with improper clothing “but
rather by means of good works, as is proper
for women making a claim to godliness.”
 The phrase making a claim to (or professing,
as in the ESV, KJV, and NIV) is from a
Greek word meaning to make a public
announcement or to convey a message loudly.
Our lives should make public announcements.
 The godly woman’s public announcement must
consist of good works, not questionableChristian & Dressing
But (which becometh
women professing
godliness) with good works

AS TAUGHT BY PETER - 1PE 3:1-6
Note first the potential value of chaste conduct - 1Pe
3:1-2
Good behavior can influence one for good
Likewise, improper behavior (e.g., immodest
clothing) can have an adverse effect!
Peter also uses the comparative use of “not” - 1Pe 3:3-4
The emphasis should not be one’s adornment
(arranging the hair, wearing gold, putting on apparel)
Rather, it should be adorning one’s inner person.
The adornment that greatly pleases God - 1Pe 3:4-6
When a person disregards the effect their apparel
may have on another, can it be said they are adorned
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that,
if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be
won by the conversation of the wives;
While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting
the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not
corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which
is in the sight of God of great price.
For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who
trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto
their own husbands:
Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose
daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with
any amazement.

.
.
WAY FORWARD
06/06/18
1. Parents Are To Serve As Role
Models
Children watch their parents and copy their
ways of behavior.
The behavior of parents impresses on their
children more greatly than what they tell
them either to do or not to do.
Parents are to be obligated to their
children by bringing them up properly and in
the fear of God.
They are to teach them the fundamental
things they need to learn about correct

Way Forward Cont’d
2. Dress Code
Dress codes for students. The problem is
not just in making the rules but in their
enforcements.
For these rules to be enforced, lecturers
should be made to collaborate with the
college or university management staff
and their security personnel.
Lecturers are to be empowered to
prevent indecently dressed students from
attending their lectures, refuse to attend
to such students in their areas of needs

3. Mass Media
The mass media is one strong agent of
socialization. Radio houses, televisions,
newspapers and magazines should confront
rather than support indecent dressing.
The display of some indecently dressed young
girls for adverts and attraction should be
discouraged. Radios and television jingles that
promote moral values and the sanctity of sex
should always be aired and relayed.
Programs that sample opinions of Nigerians on
indecent dressing should be regularly put in
place in addition to debates on the issue byChristian & Dressing

4. Religious Institutions
Through regular sermons or
preaching as well as counseling and
resistance and insistent on healthy
development of their members.
From counseling of some members
you may discover those that are
demonized or demon possessed and
such ones can be helped with
special prayers

CONCLUSI
ON
What I have done tonight is to offer the
general principles that can help the
Christian who desires to please God
rather than self or man
When faced with the issue of immodest
apparel, may I suggest the following...
Remember that God does care about what
you
Prayerfully consider whether your
adornment in any circumstance reflects your
profession of godliness, and the principles
found in God’s word Christian & Dressing

.
“...blameless and harmless,
children of God without
fault in the midst of a
crooked and perverse
generation, among whom
you shine as lights in the
Ph 2:15

End Of Presentation
Thanks For The Opportunity
Now
Your
Questions!

References
.
Badawi, J. Men and Women dress in Islam. The Islamic Education & Services Institute.
Chikodza, E. & Zimuto, J. (2013). A consumer evaluation of modernity on women’s dressing. Journal
of Arts, Science & Commerce , 4; 1-8.
Dzramedo, E. B. (2009). Clothing and fashion in Ghanaian culture: A case study among the Akans.
Kumasi: Department of General Arts of KNUST.
Kiran, A., Riaz A., & Malik, H. N. (2002). Factors Affecting Change in the Clothing Patterns of the
Adolescent girls. International Journal 0f Agriculture & Biology , 04-3; 377-378.
Manwa, L., Ndamba, T. G & Lokadhia, M. (2010). A gendered dress code and how it influences the
Choice of dress By women in Zimbabwe. Journal of African Studies and Development , 2(6);
144-149.
Moor, A. (2010). She Dresses to Attract, He Perceives Seduction: A gender gap in attribution of
intent To women's Revealing style of dress and its relation to blaming the victims of sexual
violence. Journal of International Women’s Studies , 11; 115-127.
Okeh, U. M. (2009). Dressing Code and Sexual Characteristics of Younger Population in South
Eastern Nigeria. Research Journal of Mathematics and Statistic , 1(1): 14-18.
Omede, J. (2011). Indecent Dressing on Campuses of Higher Institutions of Learning in Nigeria:
Implications for Counseling. Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy
Studies , 2 (4): 228-233.
Pagana, K. D. (2009). Your Professional Presence: Advice On Dress And Appearance. Sigma Theta
Tau nternational.
Rhodes, L. K. (2012). An Apparent Ugliness: Fashion and Dressing Poor. RMIT University.
Spinney, G. R. (2007). Dressed to Kill Thinking Biblically About Modest and Immodest Clothing.
Hartsville: Tulip Books.

Church Of Christ
P. O. Box Os 1814, Osu
CONTACTS
tawiak2002@yahoo.co.uk
/ kofitee76@gmail.com
+233 242 / 262 515123 / 279 906353
Facebook: Tawiah Kofi
Skype: tawiahk

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