Two observations for the two cents I throw in - First, why do the dissenters seem to be the only ones willing to speak up and being acknowledged for casting a vote? If the ones who are in favor of Christians in thongs would own their value enough to express themselves and have their name on record, it would make for an interesting discussion.
Secondly, I would concur with Scarlet; folks are initially asking what's wrong with this outfit for public clothing, but I must ask "what's right about it?" Scarlet also raises another relevant issue from the way the question is worded, and it strikes me as funny, too. Seems to me to come under the heading of Christian Liberty, yes, Christian Liberty. What behaviors do we condone that honor God, and which ones squelch the Spirit? Seems to be an individual question of growth or maturity rather than a corporate decision. While some have expressed a concern for causing others, particularly men, to stumble, I wonder if we are looking at this question the wrong way. Instead of bearing or tolerating the weaker brother, as though we are the stronger, what are we doing to raise the standards without trying to legislate another "don't"? My fear is that we become more legalistic without intending to be when we prohibit clothing or mandate it.
A cultural thing, then, as one poster pointed out? When in Rome, eh? I don't know about that. I don't think I need become a drug addict to be among the chemically dependent, or contract AIDS to visit its victims inChrist's love, nor do I need to seek a beach where the clothing is optional, just because I can. My soapbox is getting long so I'll stop soon. Liberty is not just the power to do what we want, it is also the freedom not to do what we want, no matter how pleasing it seems. Yet the freedom to abstain from these comforts may only come from the Spirit Himself, and so I would suggest that any who would ask this question should not be asking other believers, but taking this question directly to God, through the Holy Spirit. Allowed? Probably. Profitable? Hmmmm, what does He tell you? and what does the Word tell you, also?
Thanks for reading my ramblings.
[ August 20, 2002, 08:59 PM: Message edited by: Sojourner ]