Heirbyadoption, thank you for clarifying. helpful.
Wayne, agreed regarding lib duplicity in messages of tolerance. in my life, that began in the 60-70's. the "flower children" who "loved everyone," while harboring plenty of hate for those not of their choosing. even as a young one i could discern that much.
Josh wrote:In my experience many people from the outside who are already Christians end up with us because as a woman with a head covering (for example) they will simply never be accepted/tolerated in a mainstream evangelical church. The same goes for other expressions like modest attire, avoiding TV/movies, etc.
i have had the opposite real life experience, and, on this forum, i've never noticed anyone posting about persecution for modest dress, or personal choice to not view tv, etc.
just the opposite. the few CM female forum members describe how they are treated with more respect in all settings because of their dress .. this extends to plain/conservative dress while in public or attending other churches. some describe they might feel a bit awkward to begin, but, possibly, after answering a few questions, are welcome and continue with the rest.
as well, some who are not CM members choose modest/plain dress, they may receive some questions, like, "are you Catholic?" .. but nothing like rejection or persecution.
now, if any attended churches with an attitude of demands for respect, or insistence that all conform to their thinking, i would expect this would cause waves. but, modest dress is typically found with humility of the wearers, respect for others, so, a non-issue. the best method to receive respect is to give it.
i find this reception to be similar to non-Christian religions with distinct dress standards/practices.
(true, presently, Muslim dress has been highly politicized, but, as Robert recently quoted, "this, too, shall pass.")
i find this reception the case with flamboyant dress, provocative dress, casual dress, et al. (in churches i'm familiar with.) years ago, this would not have been accepted. today, it hardly raises an eyebrow.
i have not visited a CM or plain fellowship; on this forum, i have been told by CM's, visitors are not held to individual church standards for dress or other.
in my life, i see no persecution over modest dress. more likely, the opposite.
others have different experiences.