SuzieQ9109

I am a sixteen year old female and i wanted to see how Christian parents feel about their daughters wearing shorts. My parents don't care what I wear as long as I don't look like a slut. But I do know that others feel differently. For example, I go to a christian school and some people were going to a trip to Spain. My friend was going and she told me that the teacher wouldn't let girls wear shorts. The teacher's reason was , "you don't want to cause a man to sin". Which is true but a girl can't make a man sin. Girls can cause a man to be tempted but not sin. Besides Spain is a hot country and I think it's unfair to make girls suffer in the heat of the scorching sun. Besides, the boys were allowed to wear shorts. Boys and girls should be treated equally.
I also know that shorts can be too short on girls. But they do make shorts that go almost to our knees that are also in fashion for the summer. Why couldn't they be allowed to wear those? How do you feel?

Pastor Gary

SuzieQ - It is a travesty that a "Christian" teacher would limit the apparel options of students in that particular manner. There are some denominations that restrict youth clothing for economic and other bona fide reasons, but this seems to be taking it too far based upon poor understanding of scripture. There is NOTHING in Biblical reference concerning this EXCEPT a couple issues that are sometimes USED inappropriately to do exacttly what this teacher - possibly in ignorance - is doing.

Deuteronomy 22:5 (KJV) pertains to the SAME SITUATION as described in Leviticus 18:22 (KJV).

In Deuteronomy 22, the 'clothing' mentioned is not actually apparel. It comes from the Hebrew language translation and means that a woman should not take the place of a man in that 'act'. It is a Hebraism and is a characteristic usage of the descrtptive nature of the Hebrew language to get a point across.

In fact, even if the teacher in question is using that verse incorrectly - what did MEN wear in the days that Deuteronomy was written?

SKIRTS!

That teacher should be spoken with by the elders and even the parents concerning proper scripture usage. If it is ONLY that teacher that would impose the restrictions and is NOT a POLICY of the school, then it is ONLY that teacher who needs educating, not the denomination.

violet

adoptivemommy

Sweetheart, I think you are a smart girl ! You are very right about the fact that a girl can cause a man to be tempted but not to sin! When we sin it's us that does the sinning and we can't blame others for our decision. I will also say that boys and girls should definately be treated equally. It's one thing to ware "dasy-duke" short, short shorts that leave nothing to the imagination, which would be wrong, and it's another to ware shorts that are tasteful, at or right above the knee and that are a little loose. Specially in such warm wether. So go ahead and ware your shorts and have a great time on your trip.

Laura

__________________
Forgiveness is His Signature!

violet

smellycat

i wear shorts but in my own house for comfort.or in summer when it,s hot.no problem.were is the apostraphy on the computer.is it only below on computers.

violet

smellycat

im an equal rights guy.i hide my legs from ladies so not to corrupt them.gotta have a laugh now and again lol.

violet

Mark

Suzie,

This is a very difficult problem to get a good understanding of. First, let me state that I am a Christian School principal. Second, my wife works with an organization that funds projects around the world, particularly in third world countries. She was recently in Africa and talks with people from around the world on a regular basis. (Her boss is in England and we live in PA, USA.)

Now, from a Christian School principals perception - we must set boundaries. Everyone loves to be critical of those boundaries, but absent of such boundaries everyone is angry! Everyone wants our Christian children to be conservative, but few are willing to teach, train and uphold boundaries. In my 20 years in Christian schools I have never had a group of high school students who have not complained about dress codes, not matter how lenient they are! It seems to be a developmental stage high school students go through. Not wanting limits in general.

Second, when we as American Christians go overseas, we are perceived as very "loose" and "sensual." Very short shorts are often viewed as a sign that a young lady is "advertising" that she is willing to have consensual sexual relations. This is not true in the US and much of Europe, but it is still true elsewhere. When my daughters have traveled to South America they have been required to wear very long wrap around skirts (which by the way they have reported are cooler than shorts or pants!)

Finally, I have learned over 20 plus years of working with students, that your friend may or may not be relaying to you how the "short rule" was or was not presented to her. What you have heard is most likely what she took away from the presentation, but it may not be - likely is not - what was presented. Your job as friend should be to encourage her to understand the rule and figure out how to live within the rule or make a proper appeal.

Hope that helps. I know a missionary who did work with Muslims for years. She told me that it was easier to raise Christian kids where there were less choices. When her family returns to the States she feels like all she does is say "no, no, no." "No" to certain movies and TV and music and clothes and statements and gestures, etc.

God bless,

__________________
Mark Strohm, Jr.
Thrifty Times