Wearing Jeans In Church

[Isidore_AK]

Ham1:

Clearly, there is nothing immoral with wearing jeans to Church. However, I would say that in our culture jeans are too casual for Mass. In current society, commonly accepted business attire does not include jeans. You don’t show up in a business environment in jeans. You don’t go to a dinner party in jeans. You probably shouldn’t wear your jeans to Mass either. One’s attire at Mass should be a notch above the attire worn to mow the lawn or attend a baseball game.

You don’t want to see me in what I wear when I mow the lawn (OLD Army PT shorts & T-Shirt. They’re pretty ratty…).

Jeans are about the nicest pants I own- I don’t own a suit or slacks, and I’m not going to buy them just to wear to church. I don’t have money to spend on that. I wear the best pair of jeans I own (3 pairs, these are my work clothes), and I usually wear one of my better T-shirts (plain black or navy). I wear a fleece vest or jean jacket anyway, so whatever shirt I wear is usually covered.

I don’t know how many of y’all are ‘low-income’, but from down here (my income level that is), I get pretty offended when people tell me what I wear to Mass isn’t good enough. All of my private bits are well covered, I’m not wearing anything offensive, and I’m clean. What more do you want? Other people have mentioned dinner parties, or the President…but you know what? I’d wear the same thing I do to Church, & if thats a problem, then I guess I’m just not good enough for you…

I wouldn’t go to some stupid dinner party anyway…

 

[CarolAnnSFO]

Isidore_AK:

I don’t know how many of y’all are ‘low-income’, but from down here (my income level that is), I get pretty offended when people tell me what I wear to Mass isn’t good enough. All of my private bits are well covered, I’m not wearing anything offensive, and I’m clean. What more do you want? Other people have mentioned dinner parties, or the President…but you know what? I’d wear the same thing I do to Church, & if thats a problem, then I guess I’m just not good enough for you…

I wouldn’t go to some stupid dinner party anyway…

I’m sure someone will be along to tell you to buy an inexpensive suit in a thrift shop. That assumes that 1) everyone has a thrift shop nearby, 2) your thrift shop will carry dressy suits, and 3) the suits they carry will be in your size.

In your case, you are wearing your best to church, so there’s no need to let anyone else’s comments bother you.

Those who think your best clothes aren’t good enough are the same people who think that everyone can afford to tithe 10% of their gross income, and that all Americans are overly-affluent, whiny, spoiled brats. They will never understand that not everyone in this country is wealthy, and that some areas of the US are extremely expensive to live in (you are located in one of them, if your user name is any indication).

Now, what would I wear to meet the President? It’s a moot point, as people like me very rarely get to meet the President. If I did, I would probably wear the same two-piece dress (blouse and skirt) I wore to church, which is the same dress I wear to every wedding I get invited to. Anyone who wants me to wear “fancy” is welcome to buy it for me!

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Crazy Internet Junkie Society
****Carrier of the Angelic Sparkles Sprinkle Bag

 

[JKirkLVNV]

RE: Wearing suits in the Southwest heat.

See link below: More than a dozen people dead in Phoenix. Vegas broke its own record the other day of 117-118. In some parts of the valley here, temperatures of 122 degrees were recorded. I think Jesus expects us to be somewhat sensible in our dress. Our clothes should be modest, but beyond that, I don’t think He gives the back end of a dead rat what we wear.

 

[JKirkLVNV]

buffalo:

Jesus hung on the cross for three hours for you. One hour of being hot is too much of a sacrifice?

Also, see below link: More than a dozen people have died in Phoenix as a result of the heat. Vegas has broken its own record of 117-118 and in parts of the Valley, temps of 122 were recorded. I think Jesus is pleased when His people show a degree of common sense. Our dress should be modest and not call attention to itself. Beyond that, I don’t think He gives the back end of a dead rat what we wear to Mass.

aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20050719142009990029&ncid=NWS00010000000001

 

[LynnieLew]

mercygate:

At St. Vincent Ferrer on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan that woudn’t fly. :nope:

I was just at St. Vincents 3 weeks ago for a little visit. No, I couldn’t see wearing jeans there.

 

[Katie1723]

I wear jeans all the time. They are neat, clean and a darn sight better than some of the things I see in church!
~ Kathy ~

 

[Ana]

buffalo:

Jesus hung on the cross for three hours for you. One hour of being hot is too much of a sacrifice?

Just read this morning how eighteen people have died in the Arizona heat wave. Too deliberately put ourselves in danger is sinful. Heat stroke is no joke.

 

[Fergal]

1 AND there assembled together unto him the Pharisees and some of the scribes, coming from Jerusalem. 2 And when they had seen some of his disciples eat bread with common, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. 3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews eat not without often washing their hands, holding the tradition of the ancients: 4 And when they come from the market, unless they be washed, they eat not: and many other things there are that have been delivered to them to observe, the washings of cups and of pots, and of brazen vessels, and of beds. 5 And the Pharisees and scribes asked him: Why do not thy disciples walk according to the tradition of the ancients, but they eat bread with common hands? 6 But he answering, said to them: Well did Isaias prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 And in vain to they worship me, teaching doctrines and precepts of men. 8 For leaving the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, the washing of pots and of cups: and many other things you do like to these. 9

 

[mike182d]

When someone’s going to meet the President, they fret over how they’ll look and do everything they can to look their best. Why? If we go to such great lengths to respect the positions of mortal men, why not extend the same courtesy to God?

If you treat God like your neighbor across the street, you’ll be rewarded like a neighbor across the street. If you treat God like a King, you’ll be rewarded like a King. The question is, do we *really *believe that the grand Creator of the whole of the cosmos, the infinite eternal, supreme power in the universe, is right before us in the person of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist? Do we think that this is less special than the President being right before us?

Just something to think about.

 

[JKirkLVNV]

mike182d:

When someone’s going to meet the President, they fret over how they’ll look and do everything they can to look their best. Why? If we go to such great lengths to respect the positions of mortal men, why not extend the same courtesy to God?

If you treat God like your neighbor across the street, you’ll be rewarded like a neighbor across the street. If you treat God like a King, you’ll be rewarded like a King. **The question is, do we *really ***believe that the grand Creator of the whole of the cosmos, the infinite eternal, supreme power in the universe, is right before us in the person of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist? Do we think that this is less special than the President being right before us?

Just something to think about.

Yes, we do believe it. Our clothes are a product of custom, however, and customs change (men don’t wear powdered wigs anymore, for example, nor do they, in extremely hot places, always wear suits or ties. Business attire here is different). Modesty should have a long view and this has been what is emphasized by the Church. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a neat, clean pair of jeans at Mass.
Further, the difference between the Presidency and the Messiahship is that Our Lord transcends such things, while I’m sure the President wishes he could, esp. if he had to travel to Phoenix or Las Vegas in the summertime!

 

[JKirkLVNV]

1 AND there assembled together unto him the Pharisees and some of the scribes, coming from Jerusalem. 2 And when they had seen some of his disciples eat bread with common, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. 3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews eat not without often washing their hands, holding the tradition of the ancients: 4 And when they come from the market, unless they be washed, they eat not: and many other things there are that have been delivered to them to observe, the washings of cups and of pots, and of brazen vessels, and of beds. 5 And the Pharisees and scribes asked him: Why do not thy disciples walk according to the tradition of the ancients, but they eat bread with common hands? 6 But he answering, said to them: Well did Isaias prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 And in vain to they worship me, teaching doctrines and precepts of men. 8 For leaving the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, the washing of pots and of cups: and many other things you do like to these. 9

Trust you, Fergal, to cut to the chase!

 

[catsrus]

I lived in the extreme heat of Phoenix for 20 years. Always wore a dress or skirt and blouse to Church.
BTW, of the 18 people in Phoenix who have died from the heat, 14 were homeless.

 

[mike182d]

JKirkLVNV:

Yes, we do believe it. Our clothes are a product of custom, however, and customs change (men don’t wear powdered wigs anymore, for example, nor do they, in extremely hot places, always wear suits or ties. Business attire here is different). Modesty should have a long view and this has been what is emphasized by the Church. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a neat, clean pair of jeans at Mass.
Further, the difference between the Presidency and the Messiahship is that Our Lord transcends such things, while I’m sure the President wishes he could, esp. if he had to travel to Phoenix or Las Vegas in the summertime!

Yes, obviously God doesn’t care about clothes themselves, as they possess not intrinsic value. He doesn’t care about chairs either, but if I used that chair to throw it at someone, God would most certainly care about the chair then.

While clothes and style are man-made conventions, there is an underlying intent that gives rise to their creation and cannot be forgotten. We understand certain clothes to be worn in respect for higher authorities and others for those of no particular status. It is unspoken body language.

Sure, God couldn’t care less about various combinations of fabric, but he certainly does care about how I choose to treat and respect him with those meaningless combinations of fabric.

Think of it like language. Would it be proper for me to pray: “Yo, God! Wassup, dawg? Fo’shizzle my nizzle!” Why or why not?

 

[JKirkLVNV]

mike182d:

Yes, obviously God doesn’t care about clothes themselves, as they possess not intrinsic value. He doesn’t care about chairs either, but if I used that chair to throw it at someone, God would most certainly care about the chair then.

While clothes and style are man-made conventions, there is an underlying intent that gives rise to their creation and cannot be forgotten. We understand certain clothes to be worn in respect for higher authorities and others for those of no particular status. It is unspoken body language.

Sure, God couldn’t care less about various combinations of fabric, but he certainly does care about how I choose to treat and respect him with those meaningless combinations of fabric.

Think of it like language. Would it be proper for me to pray: “Yo, God! Wassup, dawg? Fo’shizzle my nizzle!” Why or why not?

I agree with your every point. I simply do NOT agree that that means a coat and tie or a suit.

The proper attire for Mass is modest clothing that doesn’t call attention to itself and that is clean. Anything more is oppressive Phariseism. If others want to wear such things, that’s their business and it’s none of their business if others do NOT choose to wear these things.

 

[Ham1]

Isidore_AK:

You don’t want to see me in what I wear when I mow the lawn (OLD Army PT shorts & T-Shirt. They’re pretty ratty…).

Jeans are about the nicest pants I own- I don’t own a suit or slacks, and I’m not going to buy them just to wear to church. I don’t have money to spend on that. I wear the best pair of jeans I own (3 pairs, these are my work clothes), and I usually wear one of my better T-shirts (plain black or navy). I wear a fleece vest or jean jacket anyway, so whatever shirt I wear is usually covered.

I don’t know how many of y’all are ‘low-income’, but from down here (my income level that is), I get pretty offended when people tell me what I wear to Mass isn’t good enough. All of my private bits are well covered, I’m not wearing anything offensive, and I’m clean. What more do you want? Other people have mentioned dinner parties, or the President…but you know what? I’d wear the same thing I do to Church, & if thats a problem, then I guess I’m just not good enough for you…

I wouldn’t go to some stupid dinner party anyway…

I understand that some people may not have the means to conform to a commonly accepted mode of dress. My point it that there are certain accepted norms of dress in our society. People who are able to conform to these norms should do their best to do so. If one is unable, that is quite another matter. The simple fact is that jeans are NOT considered in our culture to be equivalent attire to dress slacks and a collared shirt. They are considered more casual than that. I think it makes sense to seek out attire for Mass that is somewhere between formal and casual.

A question for you jeans wearer’s out there (excepting those who only have jeans to wear): If you are invited to a function and the requested attire is business casual, what do you wear?

 

[Ham1]

Isidore_AK:

You don’t want to see me in what I wear when I mow the lawn (OLD Army PT shorts & T-Shirt. They’re pretty ratty…).

Jeans are about the nicest pants I own- I don’t own a suit or slacks, and I’m not going to buy them just to wear to church. I don’t have money to spend on that. I wear the best pair of jeans I own (3 pairs, these are my work clothes), and I usually wear one of my better T-shirts (plain black or navy). I wear a fleece vest or jean jacket anyway, so whatever shirt I wear is usually covered.

I don’t know how many of y’all are ‘low-income’, but from down here (my income level that is), I get pretty offended when people tell me what I wear to Mass isn’t good enough. All of my private bits are well covered, I’m not wearing anything offensive, and I’m clean. What more do you want? Other people have mentioned dinner parties, or the President…but you know what? I’d wear the same thing I do to Church, & if thats a problem, then I guess I’m just not good enough for you…

I wouldn’t go to some stupid dinner party anyway…

I understand that some people may not have the means to conform to a commonly accepted mode of dress. My point it that there are certain accepted norms of dress in our society. People who are able to conform to these norms should do their best to do so. If one is unable, that is quite another matter. The simple fact is that jeans are NOT considered in our culture to be equivalent attire to dress slacks and a collared shirt. They are considered more casual than that. I think it makes sense to seek out attire for Mass that is somewhere between formal and casual.

A question for you jeans wearer’s out there (excepting those who only have jeans to wear): If you are invited to a function and the requested attire is business casual, what do you wear?

 

[MooCowSteph]

Ham1:

Clearly, there is nothing immoral with wearing jeans to Church. However, I would say that in our culture jeans are too casual for Mass. In current society, commonly accepted business attire does not include jeans. You don’t show up in a business environment in jeans.

I tend to agree. If I wouldn’t wear it to work, I don’t wear it to church. I tend to abide by the business casual look. Of course, I didn’t really see much wrong with those lacrosse players wearing flip-flops to the White House.

I did wear jeans once, though. I was coming from work (on casual day) for a weekday Mass in jeans, a sweater and blazer. I wouldn’t have worn it on a Sunday, however. Just my preference.

 

[CarolAnnSFO]

JKirkLVNV:

I agree with your every point. I simply do NOT agree that that means a coat and tie or a suit.

The proper attire for Mass is modest clothing that doesn’t call attention to itself and that is clean. Anything more is oppressive Phariseism. If others want to wear such things, that’s their business and it’s none of their business if others do NOT choose to wear these things.

Amen! I couldn’t have said it any better. In some places, a shirt like that shown below (along with cool linen trousers) substitutes for a suit and tie for even the most formal of occasions. Doesn’t that make a whole lot more sense than wearing a suit and tie in severe hot weather? The men’s dress suit came to us from a culture (and a country) where the summertime temperatures are about 40 degrees cooler than they are in the American Southwest. Wearing a suit and tie (or the ladies’ equivalent) at the height of summer makes about as much sense as wearing a fur parka and mukluks.



By the way, in case you’re wondering, I never wear jeans (not even in the winter); I consider them too hot and too heavy. And I think that men look great in Guayabera shirts.

Just a couple of asides – 1) Would I wear jeans for “business casual”? No, because I never wear jeans, but many people where I work do, including my boss. 2) I have seen, at Daily Mass, a lady wearing jeans, and a mantilla.

Crazy Internet Junkie Society
****Carrier of the Angelic Sparkles Sprinkle Bag

 

[JKirkLVNV]

Ham1:

I understand that some people may not have the means to conform to a commonly accepted mode of dress. My point it that there are certain accepted norms of dress in our society. People who are able to conform to these norms should do their best to do so. If one is unable, that is quite another matter. The simple fact is that jeans are NOT considered in our culture to be equivalent attire to dress slacks and a collared shirt. They are considered more casual than that. I think it makes sense to seek out attire for Mass that is somewhere between formal and casual.

A question for you jeans wearer’s out there (excepting those who only have jeans to wear): If you are invited to a function and the requested attire is business casual, what do you wear?

In many areas, business casual MEANS nice jeans. In Bermuda, business men wear suits and ties, but with shorts (that’s where Bermuda shorts comes from).

I don’t wear jeans at all. I always wear slacks and a collared shirt.

"My point it that there are certain accepted norms of dress in our society"

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And those have changed and are constantly changing. I don’t like a lot of what I see at Mass, but I’ve learned to curb the tendency to dictate what other people should wear, because I do not know their circumstances and IT’S NONE OF MY BUSINESS! I think that if modesty becomes an issue, the priest should speak to the person or even the congregation as a whole, but beyond that, IT ISN"T ANY OF MY BUSINESS.

 

[MooCowSteph]

CarolAnnSFO:

1. I have seen, at Daily Mass, a lady wearing jeans, and a mantilla.

At a very reverent shrine in my area, I saw a large family with each of the girls and mom wearing mantillas, and mom and dad both had on sweats.