I've never assoiciated a choir robe with imitating the papacy. Nor baptismal robe either for that matter.

A robed protestant in the pulpit, ought to have a robe, a demeanor, a message that is discidedly Biblical & not papal. A shepherd/sanctuary priest/Bible character's robe(s) would send a different message.

That might be a good added thread . What do clothes & robes stand for ?

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Edward F. Sutton

Wouldn't the purpose for wearing a robe make a difference?

If it is to set someone above another, it would be wrong, but we wear a robe to be baptized, is that the same thing?

I have become used to seeing a speaker dressed like the rest of the congregation, and to see one in a garish robe would not 'feel' right.

Need more input, I guess.

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Is what you're living for worth Christ dying for?

Gerry B.

I can see why a person being baptized should or would wear the appropriate robe for such a purpose, however, what is the purpose for wearing a choir robe?

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In His Love, Mercy & Grace

Daryl Fawcett :)

Choir robes are probably more for a uniformity than for any other purpose. By dressing alike, the listeners are less likely to pay attention to individuals and more to the music. Even choirs who don't wear robes will usually have some sort of dress uniform, i.e., all the same color, or the same dress for women and coats for the men.

Robes on those standing in the pulpit always reminds me of this quote from Great Controversy:

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About this time there arrived in Prague two strangers from England, men of learning, who had received the light and had come to spread it in this distant land. Beginning with an open attack on the pope's supremacy, they were soon silenced by the authorities; but being unwilling to relinquish their purpose, they had recourse to other measures. Being artists as well as preachers, they proceeded to exercise their skill. In a place open to the public they drew two pictures. One represented the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem, "meek, and sitting upon an ass" (Matthew 21:5), and followed by His disciples in travel-worn garments and with naked feet. The other picture portrayed a pontifical procession--the pope arrayed in his rich robes and triple crown, mounted upon a horse magnificently adorned, preceded by trumpeters and followed by cardinals and prelates in dazzling array. {GC 99.3}

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Even so come, Lord Jesus
Linda

The work of instruction in proper dress must commence with the raising up of new churches and the baptism of new converts; it should actually begin in the baptismal classes.

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When a church has been raised up and left uninstructed on these points, the minister has neglected his duty and will have to give an account to God for the impressions he allowed to prevail. Unless correct ideas of true worship and true reverence are impressed upon the people, there will be a growing tendency to place the sacred and eternal on a level with common things, and those professing the truth will be an offense to God and a disgrace to religion. They can never, with their uncultivated ideas, appreciate a pure and holy heaven, and be prepared to join with the worshipers in the heavenly courts above, where all is purity and perfection, where every being has perfect reverence for God and His holiness. (5T 500:1).

Those who are shepherds of the flock should impress upon the people the importance of acting upon right principles in eating, drinking, and dressing. They should warn the people to forsake every practice, restrain every appetite, that endangers health and life. (6MR 66:2).

One of the points upon which those newly come to the faith will need instruction is the subject of dress. Let the new converts be faithfully dealt with. Are they vain in dress? Do they cherish pride of heart? The idolatry of dress is a moral disease. It must not be taken over into the new life. In most cases, submission to the gospel requirements will demand a decided change in the dress.

There should be no carelessness in dress. For Christ's sake, whose witnesses we are, we should seek to make the best of our appearance. In the tabernacle service, God specified every detail concerning the garments of those who ministered before Him. Thus we are taught that He has a preference in regard to the dress of those who serve Him. Very specific were the directions given in regard to Aaron's robes, for his dress was symbolic. So the dress of Christ's followers should be symbolic. In all things we are to be representatives of Him. Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness, modesty, and purity. But the word of God gives no sanction to the making of changes in apparel merely for the sake of fashion, that we may appear like the world. Christians are not to decorate the person with costly array or expensive ornaments.

The words of Scripture in regard to dress should be carefully considered. We need to understand that which the Lord of heaven appreciates in even the dressing of the body. All who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed the precious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparel will express the truth of the gospel. (6T 96:1,2,3).

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Even so come, Lord Jesus
Linda

All should watch out for the new converts, remembering that they are but babes in Christ.

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The principles of the Christian life should be made plain to those who have newly come to the truth. Faithful, christian men and women should have an intense interest to bring the convicted soul to a correct knowledge of righteousness in Christ Jesus. If any have allowed the desire for pleasure or the love of dress to become supreme, so that any portion of their mind, soul, and strength is devoted to selfish indulgences, the faithful believers should watch for these souls as they that must give an account. They must not neglect the faithful, tender, loving instruction so essential to the young converts, that there may be no half-hearted work. (Ev 268).

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Please note that it states "tender, loving instruction." Babies drink milk. They don't eat meat until they have grown some teeth. Most new converts are unlikely to be ready for all of the dress reform message at once. This is one time to remember, especially, that concerning the health portion of dress reform, it is of minor concern, compared to temperance and diet. Many may have difficulty with just dressing simply, plainly and modestly and removing their jewelry. They may not be ready yet to give up blue jeans and sweatsuits. But a positive Christian example will be noticed.

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"We are." said the inspired apostle, "made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." All heaven is marking the daily influence which the professed followers of Christ exert upon the world. My sisters, your dress is telling either in favor of Christ and sacred truth or in favor of the world. Which is it? Remember we must all answer to God for the influence we exert. (4T 641:4).

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A positive example will lead others to question what they should do, and little by little they can be led into all facets of dress reform, some more quickly than others, depending on their rate of growth in the Christian life. Let us, then, set a right example and seek God for wisdom that we might be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

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Even so come, Lord Jesus
Linda

I like what I read in another forum, therefore, I am reposting here what I read there.

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Have you notice that if we just teach Jesus to people how they change. How their attire changes. We don't have to preach clothing, jewlery or any other do or don't to people. Just preach Jesus who died for me and you and its amazing how people change. And they may or may not change to how we think they should but they will change according to how the Holy Spirit convinces them they should.

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This makes sense to me, however, can or will the Holy Spirit convict them about something that they may possibly be ignorant about without us being His instrument?

Just wondering.

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In His Love, Mercy & Grace

Daryl Fawcett :)

As they get to know Christ and continue study, they notice things and ask questions.

If we present the truth as they are able, they accept it.

We need to open the word to them, if we don't, how will they learn?

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Is what you're living for worth Christ dying for?

Gerry B.

I've been practicing dress reform for nearly 9 years now. I don't preach it to people, I don't tell other women how they should dress and how their clothing is not proper. I don't shun those who don't dress as I believe a modest SDA woman should. (I say that because I have known people who have made dress and diet the main focus of their religion.) I just live what I believe. A couple of weeks ago a young lady at church ask me why I never wear pants and what the Bible and SOP says about it. I gave her a simple, short overview, mentioning that I had researched it and had put what I found in a manuscript. The next Sabbath she asked me for a copy of what I had, which I have copied and given to her. I will now leave the rest up to her and to God.

When someone asks, I answer, but I don't make it a theme of conversation. God eventually brings each person to each point when they are ready to accept it.
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Even so come, Lord Jesus
Linda

[This message has been edited by Linda Sutton (edited August 09, 2000).]

Wow Linda, that is one of the most refreshing testimonies I have heard in a long time! Jesus paid for freedom of choice with His life and then religious people too often run around trying to take it away from people. Why not post your manuscript here or email it to me?