By Thy Words

[Soloist]

The general premise still seems anti standard though so I repeat the question. What standards are you okay with a church imposing?

FYI, the church we're members at now has standards. We don't hear them preached across the pulpit, and I don't miss that. I frankly don't recall what the standards all are, I do know there is room to challenge or totally disagree with them and you won't get threats of church "punishment." Frankly, our standards are basically suggestions, and I wasn't used to that. So I asked about it. Our leadership said the way they view it is that standards are for the weakest members. If someone gets way off track, they can be pointed to the guideline and told, "Hey, friend. Here's actually what we expect. So some cooperation would be appreciated." I wasn't used to that concept. Not sure if it's right or wrong, but its our reality.

So... are you fine with the church teaching a dress length? a sleeve length? or do those cross the line? Also did you agree to uphold the standards you don't know?

[Signtist]

So when we joined 5 years or so ago, our leadership went over the faith and practice with us. We were asked if we agreed. There was one or two that I told them I can't promise to uphold. They asked me what my position was on those. After I explained, the bishop said, "That seems acceptable. I don't think we're that far apart." And we moved on to the next point. I had no idea what to expect, because past experience didn't allow for any variation. After we were done going through it, he asks, " So is two weeks from now ok for you be taken in as members?" I guess we agreed, even tho we disagreed. It would be safe to say we agreed on the principles, but were given latitude on the exact application.

[steve-in-kville]

We don't hear them preached across the pulpit, and I don't miss that.

Not really part of this discussion but I'll add this: sometimes we put so much effort into looking like a good Mennonite that we forget what it is to be a good Christian.

[Soloist]

We don't hear them preached across the pulpit, and I don't miss that.

Not really part of this discussion but I'll add this: sometimes we put so much effort into looking like a good Mennonite that we forget what it is to be a good Christian.

Personally, I believe that if you agree to uphold something, it becomes part of Christianity. This could easily be a discussion on if a church should have extrabiblical standards or if the "fence" got raised too high.

[Signtist]

So... are you fine with the church teaching a dress length? a sleeve length? or do those cross the line?

I'd rather they taught against skinny jeans! I don't think our church has dress length or sleeve length requirements. If we do, I've never heard of it. My wife says we don't. I don't see a need for it, actually. The church where I grew up used to complain dresses were too long. But also socks were required for modesty. I don't know. That just seems a little counter productive.

[steve-in-kville]

We don't hear them preached across the pulpit, and I don't miss that.

Not really part of this discussion but I'll add this: sometimes we put so much effort into looking like a good Mennonite that we forget what it is to be a good Christian.

Personally, I believe that if you agree to uphold something, it becomes part of Christianity. This could easily be a discussion on if a church should have extrabiblical standards or if the "fence" got raised too high.

I see your point. My reply wasn't directed toward anyone specifically, BTW.

[Soloist]

So... are you fine with the church teaching a dress length? a sleeve length? or do those cross the line?

I'd rather they taught against skinny jeans! I don't think our church has dress length or sleeve length requirements. If we do, I've never heard of it. My wife says we don't. I don't see a need for it, actually. The church where I grew up used to complain dresses were too long. But also socks were required for modesty. I don't know. That just seems a little counter productive.

sort of side stepping the question. Are you fine if a church sets a standard "cape" dress length?

[Signtist]

Are you fine if a church sets a standard "cape" dress length?

I struggle to see a cape dress as being a requirement. But since you ask....

I'm fine with a church setting whatever standard it decides to.

I'm fine with a church saying, you may not drive a car. I'm fine with a church saying you may not drive a tractor more than 5mph. I'm fine with a church saying you may smoke cigars but not cigarettes.(ok, not really, but I'm not gonna stop them either) I'm fine with a church setting standards on sock colour, beard length, no beard, beard required but no mustache and a bazillion other things. I just choose not to attend there.

Would I be fine if MY church set a standard on dress length? Is that your question?

[Signtist]

Like I said before, if churches who have somewhat cumbersome standards could have them AND show what a relationship with Jesus and each other should look like, a lot less people would get hurt.

King James Bible
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

[Sliceitup]

We don't hear them preached across the pulpit, and I don't miss that.

Not really part of this discussion but I'll add this: sometimes we put so much effort into looking like a good Mennonite that we forget what it is to be a good Christian.

Personally, I believe that if you agree to uphold something, it becomes part of Christianity. This could easily be a discussion on if a church should have extrabiblical standards or if the "fence" got raised too high.

Ahhh… but this becomes problematic when membership is seen as synonymous with baptism and your vows to Christ. Because then leaving the church is also seen as not upholding your vows.

And it really messes with people’s minds to say that extra rules are now part of Christianity just because you agreed to them. Because then what happens when your faith grows and your understanding of Christ is no longer the same? Are you then forsaking Christ if you no longer follow those original rules you agreed to?

It’s one thing to have extra biblical rules. But when you make no allowance for people deciding to no longer follow those rules and still be followers of Christ then that’s spiritual abuse.