Jehovah's Witnesses – Why?

Question

Look, I try to stay out of the business of other faiths and denominations, but this really got to me.

Why do you make your people go around in dress slacks and long-sleeve dress shirts when the heat index is 100+?

I spend a lot of time outside in the heat of summer. I know what it’s like. It’s no fun even in shorts and barefoot.

What would be so terrible about nice shorts and a nice short-sleeve shirt?

As far as I know, Christ and his followers dressed in the custom of their day. They didn’t go out of their way to look different.

Yes, I felt sympathy for this poor guy who came to my door, and maybe that’s what you want? I don’t know. It just doesn’t seem right when it’s so hot out.

But don’t you make it my business when you come to my door? What if the poor guy passed out from heat exhaustion on my doorstep?

Answer 1

The brother had a choice of wearing long OR short-sleeves.
At least he did not have a dress jacket on... that was smart.

You have a good point...
I am a J.W. I am perfectly happy dressing for the weather, but I am a female. I admit the guys seem like they are so hot with their collars buttoned up to their neck & with the tie & all.

Answer 2

Jehovah's Witness dress in a dignified manner when engaging in their formal ministry, but the decision about exactly what constitutes appropriate attire is an entirely local (and, of course, personal) decision. In no locale are long sleeves required for the formal ministry of Jehovah's Witnesses.

In many areas, Witnesses do forego neckties and long pants even in the formal ministry. Again, the matter is a local one.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_07.htm

Answer 3

hhhmmmmm, how to answer this one. as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and a regular pioneer (i spend 70 hours a month in the ministry/ door-to-door) yes there are times when the heat is unbearable and i wish we were in shorts, however, our dress and grooming is a reflection on our heavenly father, Jehovah and his name.. We do not want to give any “cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault with.”—2 Cor. 6:3.
Our whole purpose in going door-to-door is following the example of Jesus. He went to the Jews. The Jews had their own religion, but in many ways it had turned away from the Word of God. (Matthew 15:1-9) All nations have religions of some kind, whether so-called Christian or non-Christian. It is vitally important for people to hold beliefs that conform to God’s own Word, and the efforts of the Witnesses to assist them in doing this constitute a showing of neighbor love.
So yes, it may be hot, but wisdom would dictate whether or not someone would continue during the hot part of the day. I personally try not to be out in the heat of the day, and some wear long sleeve to protect themselves from the sun, and actually long cotton helps keep the body cool. And if we lived in the islands then shorts and sandals would be accepted, but we dress according to local custom for the work we are involved in. Dress that is too casual would detract from our message. The whole point is our message, it might be to your benefit to take a minute to hear what that message is. We are not seeking sympathy, only a listening ear. If you take the time to listen, you wont be disappointed. And perhaps invite us in out of the heat or offer some cold water, it would be greatly appreciated! :)

Answer 4

Some people may wear long sleeves to protect
themselves, from the sun or other elements.

Our brothers in the Christian Congregation do and
can wear short sleeves, that could have been his
personal choice.

Our work is a dignified work ( Matthew 24:14) Shorts
is out of the question.

Answer 5

Hello....

I am a female and I dress for the weather.... I wear a skirt and shirt... Most of the time no stockings with sandals.... My husband on the other hand, he does wear his suit pants to show respect the message we bring, and his dress shirt. He does not have any short sleeve shirts. He just does not feel comfortable in them. There are some brothers in our congregation that do wear short sleeve shirts, it is just what they feel comfortable with.

Answer 6

No one is making anyone do anything they dont want to be doing!!
We dress respectfully,as we represent our God,Jehovah.
The brother could have worn a short sleeve shirt if he had wanted to do.
If it where too hot for him he didnt even have to go out.But out of love for Jehovah he obviously didnt mind nearly as much as you did!

Answer 7

I live in Arizona and wear long sleeves all year around.

Why because as one of the few born in Arizona, I know what skin cancer can do.

I have my doctor burned things off my face and arms twice a year, if I want to or not.

Thanks for your concern it is very thoughtful of you.

.

Answer 8

first they are not made to wear long sleeves. second it is more presentable to wear a suit instead of looking like a hoodlum coming to someones door to talk about the bible. next in Jesus day they did dress differently, but so did people back in the 70's. that has no factor over what we do now of days. and lastly no we are not looking for sympathy we are looking for those who earnestly want to know about the bible as we are commanded to do at Matthew 24:14- to preach and make disciples out of all the nations.

Answer 9

It is their choice to dress just as it is your choice to believe in them.

Just let them be. Offer them water or lemonade as a kind gesture of one human being to another, but you do not have to accept their religion.

Answer 10

They do not believe in showing off their bodies, I know they can't wear shorts but I wasn't aware of the shirts. They believe in their religion and that makes them happy, so we should at least be happy they are happy!! Do not feel sorry for them, that is what they want to be, and they enjoy who they are. They are a very happy religion, and from what I have seen, a very intelligent religion as well. Maybe not what I believe but I respect them.