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To: GretchenEE
Although I don't approve of revealing clothing styles, and am long past the age where any immodest dress on my part would tempt anyone, I merely wanted to point out to you that I think you are focussing too much on outward appearance.

The clothes the Bush daughters are wearing are NOT barebacked; both are wearing cover-ups. The skirts are long. It is not their fault that the wind whipped the skirts against their bodies.

I think there is a place for discussion of appropriate dress. I also think that people are being WAY too critical of these outfits. And I think that there is a fine line which you are drawing over your atiitude.

After all, you think you are right because of the Holy Spirit. The Taliban think THEY are right. But both of you are blaming women, which was my point.

If I were to discuss Demetrius' daughter, I could point out that this is not necessarily considered a modest dress. In 1910, it would have been considered scandalous. It would not be acceptable in most Muslim countries. In fact, as late as 1955, it would have been considered way too short.

Standards of decency vary from country to country, and from time to time. Paul admonished women not to wear gold in church, nor to wear their hair uncovered.

I think it wise to not look so much at the external, but rather the heart, and it seems to me that these are two good girls who went to church and visited the wounded.

Instead, you and a couple of others are nit-picking their dress. I don't think this is right.

I have often read your posts with respect, but on this one I must disagree. I am sure we will come to agreement on other matters, but on this one I must part company.

617 posted on 04/12/2004 2:07:11 PM PDT by Miss Marple
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To: Miss Marple
It would have saved a bit of bandwidth and effort had I enumerated all the flesh exposed that the guys were asking that the ladies cover, but I didn't, and I have tried to explain that, and it's still not being noted, but it's not the backs of the twins' dresses, or the ladies in church, that is the sole problem.

"I think it wise to not look so much at the external, but rather the heart"

Men do look at the outward appearance, what else can they do?, and it can obscure the heart and the good works.

"you think you are right because of the Holy Spirit. The Taliban think THEY are right."

I must say it shocks me that you've compared the teachings of Christ and the indwelling guidance of the Holy Spirit on an equitable level with the Taliban.

God's Word admonishes women to dress discreetly. It doesn't demand burkas (sp?). It doesn't lay out any hem lengths, draw patterns for style, etc., but the tenor of Scripture calls us to keep from causing another person to sin, in any category, so far as we are able. The Apostle Paul said he would rather not eat meat if it caused someone to stumble. "But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." (1 Corinthians 8:9)

"Standards of decency vary from country to country, and from time to time."

Indeed, which is why I look at (based on feedback I've gotten from a number of men on the subject in the past): "How is a man going to react to this? Will it stumble him?"

"you and a couple of others are nit-picking their dress."

I'm not nitpicking their dresses. I don't think Jenna chose appropriate attire for the two occasions. Jenna's dress doesn't pass the "doesn't stumble" test; Barbara's dress does pass, IMO, and I really would not even take issue with the type and mix of fabric she chose.

Indeed, we parted company on this one, as we have on similar, earlier threads, but I continue to look forward to your posts.
819 posted on 04/12/2004 4:16:24 PM PDT by GretchenEE (Want to see more US soldiers stay alive? Drench them in prayer!)
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