gcdonner wrote:
What biblical principle is in view with black cars? We tend to forget that initially, black was about the only color available...talk about conformity to the world.
The principle in focus originally was simplicity and an active effort to not show pride. The development of the "black car" standard varied among the various conferences. When cars first came out, some of the more conservative conferences discouraged or forbade car ownership. As cars became more common, some of these conferences began to allow car ownership, but members were instructed not to purchase the newest styles or luxury models, and to purchase the more economical touring cars rather than closed sedans. Sometime around 1920? or so, I don't remember the exact year, the new touring cars began sporting white curtains, and hardtops or closed sedans began to be allowed, again provided they were not luxury models, with older models still being encouraged. Any chrome trim was to be removed or painted black.
A wide variety of automobile colors has been available from the time horseless carriages were first introduced. Henry Ford popularized the color black. He developed an asphalt-based baked enamel which worked well with his assembly-line method of production; hence the popular low-cost models were often black.
The focus on simplicity in vehicle choices has unfortunately been clouded among some (many?) in conservative churches today. Comments are heard which indicate that some think dark vehicles is a way of demonstrating non-conformity. Audis and BMWs with shiny paint jobs make one wonder if the owner considered the principle of simplicity when he went car shopping.
For me, the question now becomes, what kind of a statement will I make when I purchase a car? Am I more concerned about how my brothers and sisters in Christ will interpret my choice, or about my own reasoning regarding what is simple or what is worldly? If I purchase a white car, I can be positive that conservative people around me would see that as a repudiation of their values and of my upbringing. I do not know of any reason that I should chose
not to purchase a dark colored vehicle. Dark vehicles are readily available and on average don't cost more than light colored vehicles.
Note that this does not necessarily apply to the concern raised by the OP regarding NMB people joining a conservative church. In the churches I tend to circulate among, a new member wouldn't necessarily be expected to replace their vehicle immediately just because it's the wrong color, but when it wears out, the replacement would be expected to be in line with standards.
