Is the Bible culturally outdated in regards to fashion?

Styles change. What may have been thought of as pertaining to a man in Bible times may not pertain to a man today, and the same with the style of women. For example, men in Bible times wore robes that look very much like dresses. A man in our western culture, at least, would look strange doing that.

Regarding how men and women dress, however, one thing is clear. A man should dress so that he looks distinctively male, and a woman should dress in a feminine way. It takes only one trip to the local mall to reveal how today’s clothing has blurred the lines between male and female. While some people deliberately dress to look like the opposite sex, many accomplish the same thing simply by wearing the latest fashions. Regardless of the intent, it contradicts Biblical principles regarding the distinctiveness of male and female.

God made us distinctly male and female. As such, He desires us to act and dress accordingly. While there are varying degrees of interpretation, the clear intent is for men to look and behave like men, and women to look and act like women.

God lovingly created you for a special purpose, and your gender is crucial to your fulfillment of God’s desired purpose. People live lifetimes searching for their identity and purpose. If you gratefully live as God made you, He will satisfy your searching and save you from a life of futility.


Taken from Adrian Rogers' weekly newspaper column. Used by permission. 2001, The Commercial Appeal.