I go to church and people look at me pretty funny, I do wear black and have black nails too, but it is only when I am curtious to them that they realize that I am not an evil person. People are actually surprised when I bring up going to church. Is image really all that important? I thought that its whats on the inside that matters...when is society going to get over stereotypes? Should I resent the fact that I dont look like I believe in God- or just be comfortable with who I am and not care about how people look at me, just ignore it completely. I am not going to change my faith or my image- I am just looking for some insight on this issue.
2007-01-07 12:35:14 · 18 answers · asked by Gaz 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Honestly, I know goths of all religious affiliations. It's got nothing to do with that, as you know. The people at your church are probably just not used to it. They'll get to know you and I think you're performing a public service, here. In getting to know you, the people at your church may just rethink some of their preconcieved ideas regarding goths.
This is key to all unusual people- it's important to be the best whatever you are that you know how to be, because then, when people find themselves thinking some unflattering blanket generalisation about goths/gay people/ pagans/ satanists/ people of various races/ vegans or whatever, they'll remmember that they've met a very good and decent person who fell into that slot. If this happens enough, it'll wear down the stereotypes that people use to categorize the people they haven't met yet.
If people outside of your church are surprised that you go to church- it isn't that they're surprised youre Christian, they're surprised you're a regular churchgoer. If you're a young person, that's not all that common. A lot of jobs prevent it, or people party on saturday and want to sleep.
2007-01-09 06:33:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're 100% right, your image is not what's important; your faith in God is.
Again, though, take this within reason. Obviously this can get extreme: people might decide to show up nearly naked, or wear something Satanic, etc. Just use some common sense, but above all, think about the effect you might have on other people. I'm not saying that goth is evil at all. I'm just saying that as a general rule, keep a mental note of what effect the things we do and say have on others, even the way we dress. It's just simple respect and courtesy for others.
God bless.
2007-01-07 21:17:07 · answer #2 · answered by Danny H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If You have been Saved, and Love The LORD, who cares how you dress !!???!!
In the Church I am an Associate Pastor, some times our Young Girls will dress inappropriately. I'm talking about those low hung tight pants, and shirts that don't come all the way down their Stomachs. These are supposed to be, "Normal Church Girls", raised in Church.
I'll bet you, in your Goth attire have more cloths on then them. I had a few questions about Goths, but talking to Goths here has helped me understand better. Dress as you Please. Worship The LORD,they'll see your witness, and the people in your Church will come to understand as well.
God Bless You !
Minister
2007-01-07 20:50:19 · answer #3 · answered by Minister 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Truly, if someone has a problem with the way you are dressing and looking, they simply need to get to know YOU better.
The Apostle Paul did not worry himself with what people thought about him physically. In fact he went out of his way to try and relate to all men so that he might have chance to reach some and save them for Jesus.
1st Corinthains 9.22
I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
If looking goth helps you get closer to people in the "goth" way of doing things so then you can talk to them about Jesus, then so be it.
Just because you look that way doesn't affect your relationship with Jesus. yes we are to seperate ourselves from this world (Romans Chap 12) but Paul is speaking morally in our choices and lives. Seperate ourselves from sin.
Jesus Loves No matter what you look like.
No matter where you come from.
and no matter what you dress like on sunday morning.
Romans 10.9-11 "9 If you use your mouth to say, "Jesus is Lord," and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. 10 We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we use our mouths to say that we believe, and so we are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disappointed."
Jesus will not let you down, girl.
Hope that helps some
Jesus Loves You
(at some point I'm sure you will feel like leaving the goth dressing behind, but you take your time on that. Jesus can use no matter what you look like.)
2007-01-07 20:48:56 · answer #4 · answered by revshankumc 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I experimented with different looks when I was younger too. It’s okay to do.
Yes, people do judge you based on how you look and whether that’s right or wrong it is something you’ll have to except. You’ll find that in order to accomplish some of the goals you want to in life, you will have to dress the part. It may not be fair, but it’s true. You are young though, right? So don’t worry to much. Like I said, I think it is a good thing to experiment with your style and have fun! :-) (although I do think religion is illogical – I had to throw that in)
2007-01-07 20:42:33 · answer #5 · answered by A 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When they look at you put on your biggest SMILE and nod hello to them. It does not matter what your wearing on the outside, it matters that you believe in Jesus, let them see your faith with your smile.
Old saying but so true: Don't judge a book by it's cover.
God Bless you and Keep you in all you do.
2007-01-07 20:42:43 · answer #6 · answered by Jo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you even know what Goth is? Really? It was an Eastern European Germanic tribe that inhabited the now Romania area. They are known for their architecture and becoming very catholic after continuous run ins with the Romans. (Hence, the current name.) Their flag was Orange with black cross.
2007-01-10 02:33:07 · answer #7 · answered by dww32720 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God loves you , and so should his people, no matter what you dress or look like. Do you just like black that much? You do realize, that you associate yourself with the goths, right? That said, it should not matter, if that is really just how you want to dress, etc. It is your heart that matters. :)
2007-01-07 20:41:59 · answer #8 · answered by oceansnsunsets 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe people will never see what Jesus sees in you..As long as you know He loves you and He sees your heart thats all that matters...Keep going to church and let the Lord do the work in you He has set before you...
2007-01-07 20:47:47 · answer #9 · answered by I give you the Glory Father ! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can only be who you are if you are true to yourself. Ignore those people.
Who among us "looks like they believe in God"? Jim Bakker's son looks like a punk rock bass player who's been sleeping in an alley for days, but he's very devout in his Christian faith.
2007-01-07 20:37:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋