Should Churches Have a Dress Code?

Better enunciation might eliminate some unfortunate mix-ups. (“It’s Song of Solomon, not Thong of Solomon!”)

Most true Christians will not object to someone being a tad relaxed or laid-back, but laid-back soon degrades into downright gelatinous!

(“Never mind the communion tray. I think I’ve still got some crumbs from last time in my PJ bottoms. Yum.”)

I was a generation too late for the “ubiquitous hat era” and I gradually got away from neckties a decade or so ago; but I do try to shave, pick out a decent shirt and don some non-distressed slacks. I acknowledge that more free-spirited people are focused on “sticking it to the Man.” Of course, if the Man is a kindly old double-amputee veteran, the chip on the shoulder loses some of its appeal. (“Thanks for your service…and the birthday card…and the job referral…but the Cheech & Chong shirt stays, Greatest Generationer!”)

I’m not making excuses for the easily tempted, but some attention-seekers routinely distract from important lessons with their provocative attire. The minister is making a point about Noah and the Flood, while half the menfolk are wondering how to make it Rain Dollar Bills for 40 days and 40 nights.

Ideally, congregations should welcome even the most inappropriately dressed visitors. And visitors should err on the side of caution.

Let’s put our rancor and insecurities in the garbage heap.

Hey, there’s also a 1958 Montgomery Ward catalog in the garbage heap!

“Yeah, that pelvis looked like it was about to get too much action from a Hula Hoop! Can’t be too careful!”

*Sigh*

Danny Tyree welcomes email responses at tyreetyrades@aol.com and visits to his Facebook fan page “Tyree’s Tyrades.”