Some interesting thoughts on clerical attire by Zach at In the Agora. It may not be a subject that regularly crosses your mind, but Wikipedia’s got a lot of information on all manner of religious clothing if you’re interested.
I’ve always held what I consider a pretty practical, middle-of-the-road, and boring philosophy about church attire: I like it when worship leaders dress in such a way that denotes their respect for the worship environment, but nothing so fancy that I spend more time staring at their stylish threads than actually participating in worship. But I’ve always been somewhat envious of churches in which clerical vestments are more symbolically rich—deliberate and meaningful clothing that hints at the sense of religious mystery evoked by Old Testament priestly garments.
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August 25, 2006 at 11:47
I think the desire for hierarchy and ritual clothing indicating our religous status is counter to the spirit of New Covenant. When Israel was a theocracy under the law, the tribe of Levi represented the Priesthood and wore special clothing to enter the temple. Now we have a temple “not made with human hands”, we are the temple and we are all priests. Even our worship services were originally designed to be egalitarian. The emphasis in first Corinthians 14 is that everyone of us is a contributor when we gather. There is no mention of a priest (or even a pastor for that matter). At the last supper, Jesus stripped off his outer clothes to wash the disciples feet. He was very critical of religious garb and religious titles and the desire for status. Sometimes we give special honor to religious dignitaries and call them Father or Bishop, but Jesus said we should call no man “Father”. He even bridled when someone called Him “Good Master” saying no one is good but God. Sure, I guess we could go back to the law, have a special class of priests that wear special clothing. Here’s what jesus and the early disciples said though:
Matthew 23:5 “Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long;
Matthew 23:9 “ And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven”.
Revelation 1:6 “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen”
1st Peter “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Here’s a suggestion, why don’t we ALL wear mysterious technicolor dreamcoats! I will if you will Andy!
August 26, 2006 at 10:28
I’m with Rick!
One thing though: I think people should wear something that is clean, nice, and not flashy to a meeting. Leader or not. Not distracting from the service. Of my pastor’s preachers in blue jeans, and personally I think he has the right.. also being I wear jeans to his services most of the time. It’s the best I have. And it’s not about what you wear, leader or worshipper, as long as you’re wearing something and it is honorable to the Holy Spirit that resides within us.
We’re going to get our robes in heaven, I just hope mine is nice and shiny and slightly technicolor!