My husband is a Jehovah's Witness and it seems as though he has to portray a certain image in order to attend the Kingdom Hall and be accepted. He has not been baptized but because he was raised as a Jehovah's Witness he attends the Bible studies, goes the to the Kingdom Hall and has his one-on-one study with one of the Elders.
He wears a suit every single time he goes to a function. Why can't he wear a nice long sleeved shirt with a nice pair of slacks and dress shoes (basically without the jacket)? When I asked him he said that's just what Jehovah's Witnesses do. But why? Does it really matter?
I believe that everyone should dress nicely to go to the house of the Lord, but does that mean women have to wear dresses or dressy jackets with skirts and men have to wear suits? Besides the fact that Jehovah's Witnesses don't celebrate holidays, it seems as though they have a lot of requirements that have nothing to do with religion or God.
2007-10-21 05:32:29 · 5 answers · asked by Hoping he will bless me with #1 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
My inlaws are Jehovah's Witnesses and have been for years. However, they (my mother inlaw especially) always seem to make an exception to certain things. For example, my mother inlaw will buy her grandaughter gifts for her birthday but give the gift to her a few days before or after her birthday. When she tells us about it she'll say, "I bought ___ a pair of pearl earrings for her birthday but you know we don't do birthdays so I gave them to her a week ago.". Either that or she'll say "I bought ___ a pair of pearl earrings and I'm going to give them to her after her birthday.".
During Thanksgiving time, they won't cook the traditional dinner. They make it a point to eat a hotdog or hamburger on that day, but a week or two prior or two weeks after they will have the traditional dinner. Turkey, ham, dressing, sweet potato pie, etc. As a matter of fact, I asked my mother inlaw when we were going to have our "holiday" dinner this year. She is in agreeance of having it.
2007-10-21 05:36:47 · update #1
Again, I agree that everyone should dress nice and presentable to go to God's house. It is definitely the respectful thing to do, but to EXPECT someone to wear a suit everytime they come to the Kingdom Hall is not right in my opinion.
Yes, some of the churches have slacked on their dresscodes, however, what you wear to church or to the Kingdom Hall is not going to affect you on judgment day. It's not going to strengthen your relationship with the Lord. It's not going to get you into Heaven. It's not how you look on the outside, it's where your heart is and whether or not you live by the word of God.
You can worship the Lord in jeans and a clean t-shirt. Although I wouldn't wear that to church, maybe that's all some people have. Don't discourage the less fortunuate from coming to church or the Kingdom Hall because they can't dress nicely. Do whatever it takes to get people to seek the Lord and get right with Him.
2007-10-21 05:44:23 · update #2
No, no particular attire is required, although it should be modest, clean, and dignified.
In the United States, Canada, and Europe, most men wear a suit with necktie.
2007-10-21 09:23:06 · answer #1 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness and we never really had to dress a certain way. I do know that the men were not allowed to have beards. Mustaches were ok, but not full beards and the elders, when they spoke, wore suits and were dressed nice. But the rest of the men and women wore normal skirts and slacks and nice tops.
2007-10-21 05:43:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What would you wear if you were to represent the President?
From what I understand, Jehovah's Witnesses where suits or respectful dresses (the women) because they are representing the creator of the universe. They recognize that in doing so they should wear what is recognized in their respective countries as proper professional attire. Why? Because as ambassadors for their God, they feel that dignity and proper representation are important.
2007-10-21 05:41:12 · answer #3 · answered by Tim 47 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
its just more respectful to look nice. if he went in jeans and a dirty t-shirt he would be treated the same and welcomed just as much (maybe more since he's obviously making an effort). jackets certainly are not required, but brothers that give parts or handle responsibilties are expected to wear them. it really just comes down to showing respect for God's house. sad how so many churches have really slacked on their dress code.
also we enjoy time off for holidays and discounts on turkeys as much as anyone. and as far as gifts for birthdays, i'm sure she's just proud of her child for making it another year. my birthday was yesterday and although i didnt get any gifts it was kinda exciting, both to me and my relatives. (i'm 22) they might keep the excitement long enough to eventually get me something.
2007-10-21 05:39:26 · answer #4 · answered by buddy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a mark of respect to dress decently, at least in clean cloths. But, if you want to participate in prayers or in the assignments, then you must appear properly attired. After all, when you represent God, it is a business.
2007-10-21 08:04:21 · answer #5 · answered by Initial contact 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋