As a Jehovah's Witness, doesn't it get tiring wearing dress clothes so often? Especially for the children?

Question

My neighbors are Jehovah's Witnesses - I observe them leaving for their services dressed up all the time. Even their kids are dressed like they're leaving for a day at the office. I admire their respect for their religion, but at the same time I wonder how much time it must take to get ready several times a week.

Answer 1

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Almighty God does not require particular attire. However, they believe that wearing 'dress clothes' demonstrates the dignity which befits ministers of the true God.

(1 Timothy 2:9-10) I desire the [congregation] to adorn themselves in well-arranged dress, with modesty and soundness of mind... in the way that befits women professing to reverence God

Learn more:
http://jw-media.org/people/worship.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/

Answer 2

I don't mind dressing up for the meetings and the ministry; it shows my respect for Jehovah and for the occasion. However there are only 5 meetings each week so there are plenty of times for me to be in street clothes.

It also depends on what type of people your neighbors are. Some people just like to be dressed up a lot while others aren't. It's whatever is most comfortable for them.

I also try to get things ready well in advance so it doesn't take too much time to get ready anyway.

Answer 3

I just wanted to say that I really respect those who dress modestly and respectfully. I think that it sends a great message to others about the people's real priorities (not the priorities that they may speak of but the ones that they live by). I don't know much about Christian denominations but I live near a few families that are Holiness Pentecostal and I enjoy seeing them show so much reverence---especially when doing so isn't always convenient. That really says a lot about them and their faith---and they don't have to say a word.

To the person above me, I am a neo-pagan. But I don't feel that children who aren't exposed to pagan practices are abused. And I think children in general could use a little less commercialism in their lives. If someone doesn't want to instill those values (pagan traditions and commercialism) in their children, I respect that. Why can't you respect that too?

Answer 4

Well, I will tell you as a child that was fun for me, because those meetings and conventions were really the ONLY time I ever got to wear anything new, or get my hair done, etc... So most of the kids think it's enjoyable. But sitting through the BS while wearing dress clothes on the other hand, I could have done without.

Answer 5

I grew up as a witness. First, makeup is totally allowed, as are jewelry and many other things that people have misconceptions about. We are encouraged to be modest though. So the grooming would be respectfu, tasteful and not draw undue attention to oneself. As to the clothing, i never had a problem with dressing up and even now find it nice to know how to go to a more formal occassion without having to wonder about it being appropriate. I learned that from going to meetings when i was young. And the extra few mintues it takes to get pantyhose or a suit on is really not that big of a deal. I mean literally a total of 5 min extra... besides, in general life i prefer to look my best and have my children look their best over all as it shows self respect too.

Answer 6

Children have to get dressed in something, why not nice clothes? They go with their parents because JWs respect children and doesn't think they should only be taught Bible Stories. No, they will not understand what they are learning, no more than they understand why 1+1=2 in the beginning, but eventually they will. BY the time they reach the age of understanding, they have a good basic understanding of the scriptures. As for letting them choose for themselves whether to go or not, as a person says above, I assume that should apply to all things, like going to school, or even wearing clothes in the first place.

Though I'm not not a witnesses, for cause that had nothing to do with the various ways anti-witnesses groups have tried to get me to say over the last 24 years, I remember growing up and getting my first full suit.

My grandmother, a non-witness, bought me a double breasted suit. A little fancy for the Kingdom Hall, but it was nice. I grew out of it in less than six months. From me it went to Neil Schanessy, who was my age but smaller. He wore it for less than six months and out grew it. From him it went to another boy our age, Kevin something or other. He wore it for a few months and and outgrew it. From there I don't know where it went. Four years later, Neil and Kevin were four inches taller than me. Young Neil was a bit of a rebel, drove a dirt bike and sometimes with police in pursuit. His mother was a witness, but not his father. These days I think he is a circuit servant.

The one thing of note is the lack of $1000+ suits. When the Baptists were here for a conference, one of the vendors was selling $5000+ suit. He sold out all but a rack that was stolen. That was how I learned about the cost of the suit, from the police report on the news. At least JWs wear suits meant to show their respect for God, not to out shine other members.

Answer 7

They dress in regular clothes most of the time. The only time they're dressed up is 3 times a week for their meeting and that's only for about 1-2 hours. And when they're in field service(knocking on doors) which lasts however long they stay out. But it's not that annoying. I used to be one.

Answer 8

Some people have no sense of occasion, especially these days when jeans and trainers are the required uniform - for everything. I say, "Three cheers!" for people who get dressed up now and again. I knew a German lady who always dressed up to go shopping in the High Street, giving as her reason, "Other people have to look at me!"

Mind you, a while back all the JW women wore hats to the Kingdom Hall and "in the field" (that's going door-to-door to the uninitiated). And the men wore hats round the doors, with highly polished shoes and brief-cases. No JW man could give a talk from the platform without suit, shirt and tie! The hats have gone the way of the world, and I detect a distinct toning-down in dress when on the doors. It's my guess that the whole dressing-up thing is pure American sociology and came into vogue with the advent of JW President Nathan Knorr. After all, they had the Mormon missionaries to vie with. Me? I'm just glad to be in a church where people dress according to their means and seek to worship God in spirit and in truth, not in suits and in accordance with others' standards.

Answer 9

I can't answer for your neighbors or any other of Jehovah's Witnesses.

However, for my family, it isn't tiresome at all. I have a 3yr old girl and a 7 yr old girl. They start looking for what dress they are going to wear HOURS before it is necessary.

They get a kick out of picking dresses that "match" each other or me. Sometimes, they want to help daddy pick out his tie.

If for some reason, we are not going to make it to that particular meeting, we get a stern lecture, part of which is due to the fact that they want to dress up and part due to missing their friends and saying hello to the elderly ones that always take an interest in the little ones.

No issue what so ever around here.

Answer 10

Absolutely not! Jehovah's Witnesses show proper respect & honor in their decorum and dress, for their God, Jehovah.

Jehovah's Witnesses want their appearance to be respectful, as a witness to their neighbors. Of the highest importance, however, Jehovah's Witnesses make sure their attire is the best possible, since they are representing and worshiping the Most High and Sovereign Lord of the whole universe! What would you wear if you were invited to meet the President? Would you wear unkempt clothes, underwear, or a bikini? No doubt, you would not. Should we not then wear the best we can when we worship the Highest and Most Powerful Person in the universe, our God, Jehovah.

First, the Bible encourages us to be clean, both in our body and in our clothing. In his Law to ancient Israel, Jehovah set out requirements regarding cleanliness. Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, but principles embodied in it are still valid. (John 13:10; Revelation 19:8.)

Of course, we do not all dress alike. We are not expected to. People have different tastes, and this is quite proper. But Bible guidelines should always be applied.

The apostle Peter showed that even more important than hairstyles and outer garments is apparel associated with “the secret person of the heart.” (1 Pet. 3:3, 4) When our hearts are filled with love, joy, peace, kindness, and faith that is solidly based, these will become to us spiritual garments that truly honor God.

Third, the Bible urges us to consider whether our appearance is well arranged. At 1 Timothy 2:9, mention is made of “well-arranged dress.” While the apostle Paul was referring to the attire of women, the same principle applies to men. Something that is well arranged is neat and orderly. Whether we have much materially or not, we can have a neat appearance.

Fifth, in deciding what is appropriate, we keep in mind that “even the Christ did not please himself.” (Romans 15:3.) Jesus’ foremost concern was the doing of God’s will. Jesus also put helping others ahead of personal convenience. The apostle Paul set out the principle: “In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling.” (2 Cor. 6:3.)

I can also speak from experience, since I was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Rather than being a burden, it is a privilege to represent the Most High God, Jehovah. Of course, Jehovah's Witnesses do not wear suits and ties 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. However, they make sure their dress gives a favorable impression from others and one that is befitting of servants of Jehovah.

If you would like further information, why not speak to your neighbors who are Jehovah's Witnesses? I'm sure they would be glad to tell you why wearing respectful attire is important for servants of Jehovah.

Or visit http://www.watchtower.org

Answer 11

We dress up when attending our meetings to show respect to God and his house. We dress up when preaching about his kingdom for the same reason. No it doesnt get tiresome to show respect.
My son wears nice pants and dress shirt to the meetings and sometimes a tie (hes 3 next month). It teaches young kids respect for certain occasions. Then again there is nothing wrong with throughing on sweat pants after along day and just relaxing :)
Thanks for the question.

Edited for commenter below me - my child is not mistreated for not celebrating a pagan drenched holiday like Christmas. He is not mistreated at all. I love my child very much, I would give my life for him and find it very surprising that people would think that because we dont lie to our children about santa claus or put up a tree and give gifts to each other to celebrate what was it again????
I got lost in all the other stuff.
I buy my child gifts all the time. I take so much offense to that statement. My child is not mistreated.