Are we defiling the temple of God?

[Waski_the_Squirrel]

To set my context: my church has none of these things. I've never actually seen a church that has a cafe/bookstore/merchandise table. There used to be an old couple that brought a drink into the sanctuary, and when we have events, we serve food in there.

So, my take on it is that these things should not be open on the Sabbath, and that the church is not a business. If it sponsors them off site in some way, that would be a gray area to me. Serve coffee/food before or after the service, fine. In a large church, the pot-luck my church does won't work, but I don't like a cafe.

I also find the video game thing disturbing. I'm going to assume that the games are church appropriate, but even so, that is not what the child should be doing. The more "high tech" churches I've gone to have a crying room which allows the parent to take an obnoxious child out of the sanctuary, but still able to hear the message through speakers. I'm of the belief that families should attend church together, though I think this is a realistic concession to the nature of children.

A church should be welcoming and social, but it should not be a social club. It's easy to miss that distinction.

 

[mei lan]

I have exceeded my limit on words regarding my opinion of religious/Christian things for the month.

 

[ShoeDiva]

I have exceeded my limit on words regarding my opinion of religious/Christian things for the month.

) Good thing Friday is Nov 1st!

 

[Grey Colson]

Other churches can do as they wish as far as I'm concerned. We finally found a church, after a couple of disappointing years of searching I might add, that actually feels like church to me. IMHO, I've always felt a church should be a special place of reverence with an exclusive focus on worshiping God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I understand that believers are "The Church" so to speak, but if we come together to worship God, it should be conducted "decently and in order". Not suggesting that a coffee shop in the lobby is not decent and in order. Most of the Sunday School rooms have a coffee maker in them. Our church doesn't have a "book store", but a library. So it's not so much the coffee shop and book store that makes me uncomfortable.

Was does make me wonder at times is the manner in which some people present themselves for church. Before I get slammed about people not being able to afford nice clothes, no on can convince me that there are a few people who never go out of their way to present themselves in a more respectful manner at church. I'm not what you would consider "well off" by any means, but it doesn't take that much effort to pick up a nice dress shirt and pants at JCP.

This argument was addressed on my other message board several years ago...and it was a Christian centered message board. When I broached the subject I was slammed by the argument of people not having the money to dress their best for church with the addition of not accepting everyone, no matter how they dressed. I'm not suggesting a dress code for church by no means and everyone who acts respectfully should be welcomed. What I am talking about are those of us who are there to set an example, not visitors.

Being beaten from every side like a drum, I started a separate topic a few days later. In that topic I asked for suggestions about what to wear at a friend's wedding. After many suggestions, mainly from the female membership, I announced I had settled on wearing blue jeans and t-shirt. Once again I was slammed from every angle. My final post what just a question asking why should I go out of the way for a friends wedding when no one should go out of their way to worship God.

 

[deewee]

I don't wear dresses...ever. Dress pants, and nice tops are good for me. Hope I don't offend anyone! ;D

(Actually I did go to a church where my uncle's quartet was singing once, and had a member of the church mention that I was out of line by wearing slacks to church. I guess I'm going to hell now.)

 

[Grey Colson]

I don't wear dresses...ever. Dress pants, and nice tops are good for me. Hope I don't offend anyone! ;D

(Actually I did go to a church where my uncle's quartet was singing once, and had a member of the church mention that I was out of line by wearing slacks to church. I guess I'm going to hell now.)

I would say that the vast majority of our ladies always look very respectful and nice. Both in pants and dresses. It's just a few of the dudes that I'm picturing right now.

 

[ShoeDiva]

I always dress, and by dress I mean dresses, skirts. I think I have once or twice worn pants in all my years that I can remember. Again, you have to remember I go to a formal traditional church and grew up going to parochial schools. )

 

[stradial]

I have never wore a dress to church.

My thought has always been to wear your nicer clothes to church, but if for some reason you can't, I think it is ok to go as long as you are presentable.
But then again, I don't go, so it is purely hypothetical in my case.

 

[deewee]

I don't wear dresses...ever. Dress pants, and nice tops are good for me. Hope I don't offend anyone! ;D

(Actually I did go to a church where my uncle's quartet was singing once, and had a member of the church mention that I was out of line by wearing slacks to church. I guess I'm going to hell now.)

I would say that the vast majority of our ladies always look very respectful and nice. Both in pants and dresses. It's just a few of the dudes that I'm picturing right now.

Did GD wear his wife beater and flip flops again? Somebody really needs to talk to him about that.

 

[ShoeDiva]

I have never wore a dress to church.

My thought has always been to wear your nicer clothes to church, but if for some reason you can't, I think it is ok to go as long as you are presentable.
But then again, I don't go, so it is purely hypothetical in my case.

Surrrrrrrrre. We believe you.

 

[Guard Dad]

I don't wear dresses...ever. Dress pants, and nice tops are good for me. Hope I don't offend anyone! ;D

(Actually I did go to a church where my uncle's quartet was singing once, and had a member of the church mention that I was out of line by wearing slacks to church. I guess I'm going to hell now.)

I would say that the vast majority of our ladies always look very respectful and nice. Both in pants and dresses. It's just a few of the dudes that I'm picturing right now.

Did GD wear his wife beater and flip flops again? Somebody really needs to talk to him about that.

I wasn't going to, but the soprano section asked me too. How could I say no?

 

[Guard Dad]

Regarding dress code in church...I don't think it's so much about what we wear, as it is showing respect for who's house we're in. If a person can't afford fancy clothes, I believe God will honor him wearing the better of whatever he has.

I tend to dress up somewhat for morning service, not as much for evening services. Sunday mornings are dress slacks and at least a nice polo. I used to wear suits, but I really don't have any that fit anymore. I need to buy a new one. But I don't think it's necessary to wear suits unless I'm doing something special. On the occasions that I've spoken or led music, I will wear a suit or sport coat.

For evening services, I will typically wear nice jeans and a polo.

Winter sees me in sweaters most of the time, but I have some nice sweaters.

 

[deewee]

Regarding dress code in church...I don't think it's so much about what we wear, as it is showing respect for who's house we're in. If a person can't afford fancy clothes, I believe God will honor him wearing the better of whatever he has.

I tend to dress up somewhat for morning service, not as much for evening services. Sunday mornings are dress slacks and at least a nice polo. I used to wear suits, but I really don't have any that fit anymore. I need to buy a new one. But I don't think it's necessary to wear suits unless I'm doing something special. On the occasions that I've spoken or led music, I will wear a suit or sport coat.

For evening services, I will typically wear nice jeans and a polo.

Winter sees me in sweaters most of the time, but I have some nice sweaters.

Agreed. It is the attitude of the heart that matters. However, I do believe in looking my best when I go to church (just not in a dress). It's an outward expression of my heart's desire to give Him my best.

 

[ShoeDiva]

Regarding dress code in church...I don't think it's so much about what we wear, as it is showing respect for who's house we're in. If a person can't afford fancy clothes, I believe God will honor him wearing the better of whatever he has.

I tend to dress up somewhat for morning service, not as much for evening services. Sunday mornings are dress slacks and at least a nice polo. I used to wear suits, but I really don't have any that fit anymore. I need to buy a new one. But I don't think it's necessary to wear suits unless I'm doing something special. On the occasions that I've spoken or led music, I will wear a suit or sport coat.

For evening services, I will typically wear nice jeans and a polo.

Winter sees me in sweaters most of the time, but I have some nice sweaters.

Agreed. It is the attitude of the heart that matters. However, I do believe in looking my best when I go to church (just not in a dress). It's an outward expression of my heart's desire to give Him my best.

) What do you have against dresses? :tapfoot2

 

[deewee]

Regarding dress code in church...I don't think it's so much about what we wear, as it is showing respect for who's house we're in. If a person can't afford fancy clothes, I believe God will honor him wearing the better of whatever he has.

I tend to dress up somewhat for morning service, not as much for evening services. Sunday mornings are dress slacks and at least a nice polo. I used to wear suits, but I really don't have any that fit anymore. I need to buy a new one. But I don't think it's necessary to wear suits unless I'm doing something special. On the occasions that I've spoken or led music, I will wear a suit or sport coat.

For evening services, I will typically wear nice jeans and a polo.

Winter sees me in sweaters most of the time, but I have some nice sweaters.

Agreed. It is the attitude of the heart that matters. However, I do believe in looking my best when I go to church (just not in a dress). It's an outward expression of my heart's desire to give Him my best.

) What do you have against dresses? :tapfoot2

I don't look good in them...lol.

 

[ShoeDiva]

Regarding dress code in church...I don't think it's so much about what we wear, as it is showing respect for who's house we're in. If a person can't afford fancy clothes, I believe God will honor him wearing the better of whatever he has.

I tend to dress up somewhat for morning service, not as much for evening services. Sunday mornings are dress slacks and at least a nice polo. I used to wear suits, but I really don't have any that fit anymore. I need to buy a new one. But I don't think it's necessary to wear suits unless I'm doing something special. On the occasions that I've spoken or led music, I will wear a suit or sport coat.

For evening services, I will typically wear nice jeans and a polo.

Winter sees me in sweaters most of the time, but I have some nice sweaters.

Agreed. It is the attitude of the heart that matters. However, I do believe in looking my best when I go to church (just not in a dress). It's an outward expression of my heart's desire to give Him my best.

) What do you have against dresses? :tapfoot2

I don't look good in them...lol.

pft! You just need to find the right style for you! Obviously a shopping trip is in order.

 

[deewee]

Regarding dress code in church...I don't think it's so much about what we wear, as it is showing respect for who's house we're in. If a person can't afford fancy clothes, I believe God will honor him wearing the better of whatever he has.

I tend to dress up somewhat for morning service, not as much for evening services. Sunday mornings are dress slacks and at least a nice polo. I used to wear suits, but I really don't have any that fit anymore. I need to buy a new one. But I don't think it's necessary to wear suits unless I'm doing something special. On the occasions that I've spoken or led music, I will wear a suit or sport coat.

For evening services, I will typically wear nice jeans and a polo.

Winter sees me in sweaters most of the time, but I have some nice sweaters.

Agreed. It is the attitude of the heart that matters. However, I do believe in looking my best when I go to church (just not in a dress). It's an outward expression of my heart's desire to give Him my best.

) What do you have against dresses? :tapfoot2

I don't look good in them...lol.

pft! You just need to find the right style for you! Obviously a shopping trip is in order.

LOL. You'd get a gold star if you could find a dress that looked good on me! I've got 3 maxi dresses hanging in my closet that are ridiculous looking on me.

 

[ShoeDiva]

Regarding dress code in church...I don't think it's so much about what we wear, as it is showing respect for who's house we're in. If a person can't afford fancy clothes, I believe God will honor him wearing the better of whatever he has.

I tend to dress up somewhat for morning service, not as much for evening services. Sunday mornings are dress slacks and at least a nice polo. I used to wear suits, but I really don't have any that fit anymore. I need to buy a new one. But I don't think it's necessary to wear suits unless I'm doing something special. On the occasions that I've spoken or led music, I will wear a suit or sport coat.

For evening services, I will typically wear nice jeans and a polo.

Winter sees me in sweaters most of the time, but I have some nice sweaters.

Agreed. It is the attitude of the heart that matters. However, I do believe in looking my best when I go to church (just not in a dress). It's an outward expression of my heart's desire to give Him my best.

) What do you have against dresses? :tapfoot2

I don't look good in them...lol.

pft! You just need to find the right style for you! Obviously a shopping trip is in order.

LOL. You'd get a gold star if you could find a dress that looked good on me! I've got 3 maxi dresses hanging in my closet that are ridiculous looking on me.

I seriously bet I could find you something you would love! Dresses are way more forgiving than pants, you just have to find the right style for your body. Maxi dresses are actually a hard style to pull off.

 

[deewee]

Regarding dress code in church...I don't think it's so much about what we wear, as it is showing respect for who's house we're in. If a person can't afford fancy clothes, I believe God will honor him wearing the better of whatever he has.

I tend to dress up somewhat for morning service, not as much for evening services. Sunday mornings are dress slacks and at least a nice polo. I used to wear suits, but I really don't have any that fit anymore. I need to buy a new one. But I don't think it's necessary to wear suits unless I'm doing something special. On the occasions that I've spoken or led music, I will wear a suit or sport coat.

For evening services, I will typically wear nice jeans and a polo.

Winter sees me in sweaters most of the time, but I have some nice sweaters.

Agreed. It is the attitude of the heart that matters. However, I do believe in looking my best when I go to church (just not in a dress). It's an outward expression of my heart's desire to give Him my best.

) What do you have against dresses? :tapfoot2

I don't look good in them...lol.

pft! You just need to find the right style for you! Obviously a shopping trip is in order.

LOL. You'd get a gold star if you could find a dress that looked good on me! I've got 3 maxi dresses hanging in my closet that are ridiculous looking on me.

I seriously bet I could find you something you would love! Dresses are way more forgiving than pants, you just have to find the right style for your body. Maxi dresses are actually a hard style to pull off.

You got that right! Put some flowers around my neck and I'd look like I was wearing a moomoo!

 

[ShoeDiva]

Regarding dress code in church...I don't think it's so much about what we wear, as it is showing respect for who's house we're in. If a person can't afford fancy clothes, I believe God will honor him wearing the better of whatever he has.

I tend to dress up somewhat for morning service, not as much for evening services. Sunday mornings are dress slacks and at least a nice polo. I used to wear suits, but I really don't have any that fit anymore. I need to buy a new one. But I don't think it's necessary to wear suits unless I'm doing something special. On the occasions that I've spoken or led music, I will wear a suit or sport coat.

For evening services, I will typically wear nice jeans and a polo.

Winter sees me in sweaters most of the time, but I have some nice sweaters.

Agreed. It is the attitude of the heart that matters. However, I do believe in looking my best when I go to church (just not in a dress). It's an outward expression of my heart's desire to give Him my best.

) What do you have against dresses? :tapfoot2

I don't look good in them...lol.

pft! You just need to find the right style for you! Obviously a shopping trip is in order.

LOL. You'd get a gold star if you could find a dress that looked good on me! I've got 3 maxi dresses hanging in my closet that are ridiculous looking on me.

I seriously bet I could find you something you would love! Dresses are way more forgiving than pants, you just have to find the right style for your body. Maxi dresses are actually a hard style to pull off.

You got that right! Put some flowers around my neck and I'd look like I was wearing a moomoo!

:spitchick
We do need to get you a dress!


Sorry for the hijack LisaC.