Comments on: The Modesty Survey Results http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/ reb•e•lu•tion (reb’el lu shen) n. a teenage rebellion against the low expectations of an ungodly culture. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:40:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.3 by: Lydia S http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-134789 Sun, 07 Oct 2007 01:47:37 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-134789 I really want to thank ya'll for this. It's answered alot of my questions. Really appreciate it! (: I really want to thank ya’ll for this. It’s answered alot of my questions. Really appreciate it! (:

]]> by: Jessie http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-109821 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 02:10:21 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-109821 <strong>Jessie...</strong> Usefull post. I learned so much. Thank you.... Jessie…

Usefull post. I learned so much. Thank you….

]]> by: Jill Manty http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-67566 Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:08:28 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-67566 I'm a Mom, and I think the survey was great. However, I'd also really love to see a survey on male modesty. I understand it's not the same issue, but I find so much of what young men wear to be disrespectful. It may not tempt the girls to immorality, but it does tend to communicate a lack of respect for self and others. I’m a Mom, and I think the survey was great. However, I’d also really love to see a survey on male modesty. I understand it’s not the same issue, but I find so much of what young men wear to be disrespectful. It may not tempt the girls to immorality, but it does tend to communicate a lack of respect for self and others.

]]> by: DanaeGrace http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-47649 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 19:21:40 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-47649 I too appreciate reading the results as they are a group opinion, and there was the odd point that I hadn't considered before. However, on the whole I wonder if it did itself miss the mark of modesty, as others have said. This has shown me the truth of how Titus 2 tells the older women to teach the younger to be chaste and discreet. Some of these issues, my mother has always told me, even if I didn't appreciate it or thing anything of it myself. It is sad that their are younger girls out there who aren't getting that teaching, but it is also sad that we younger ones have often not listened. Another thing that I haven't seen mentioned here at all (though I haven't listened to the messages, and I might have missed something) is God's view on what we all ought to wear. The articles on the more general subject of modesty were good, but I believe the Bible does tell us more and I hope the girls would put that above man's opinion. 1Tim.2:9 tells us to 'adorn ourselves in modest apparel'. Adorn, not just wear, but that which is going to make us look lovely. Rom. 12:1-2 tells us we can know what is the 'good and acceptable and perfect will of God' if we live our lives as a living sacrifice, submitted to Him. Ex. 28 tells us the priests were to wear breeches reaching from the loin to the thigh to cover their nakedness. The Greek word for 'apparel' here, is not the same as that used for men's clothing, but is 'katastole'. 'kata' meaning down and 'stole' being a robe. Men wore robes, yes, but they also girded them up when they were working (Job 40:7), which women didn't do -we are to leave them down. I too appreciate reading the results as they are a group opinion, and there was the odd point that I hadn’t considered before. However, on the whole I wonder if it did itself miss the mark of modesty, as others have said. This has shown me the truth of how Titus 2 tells the older women to teach the younger to be chaste and discreet. Some of these issues, my mother has always told me, even if I didn’t appreciate it or thing anything of it myself. It is sad that their are younger girls out there who aren’t getting that teaching, but it is also sad that we younger ones have often not listened.

Another thing that I haven’t seen mentioned here at all (though I haven’t listened to the messages, and I might have missed something) is God’s view on what we all ought to wear. The articles on the more general subject of modesty were good, but I believe the Bible does tell us more and I hope the girls would put that above man’s opinion.

1Tim.2:9 tells us to ‘adorn ourselves in modest apparel’. Adorn, not just wear, but that which is going to make us look lovely. Rom. 12:1-2 tells us we can know what is the ‘good and acceptable and perfect will of God’ if we live our lives as a living sacrifice, submitted to Him. Ex. 28 tells us the priests were to wear breeches reaching from the loin to the thigh to cover their nakedness. The Greek word for ‘apparel’ here, is not the same as that used for men’s clothing, but is ‘katastole’. ‘kata’ meaning down and ’stole’ being a robe. Men wore robes, yes, but they also girded them up when they were working (Job 40:7), which women didn’t do -we are to leave them down.

]]> by: Amanda Howell http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-47067 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 17:40:16 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-47067 Rebekah, I just had to agree with what you said. I have had some of the same questions in my mind as well. I think it would be one of the greatest compliments if a guy told me he appreciated my decision to be modest. It's definitely not an easy path. I was glad to learn though that I am respected for my modesty. I don't have any Christian guy friends or any for that matter like most girls seem to have, so I didn't know how much I am respected for my decision. I do have two teenage brothers, but they have never told me what they thought of girls' clothes/modesty, let alone mine. Perhaps because I never asked:) Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I agree with what you said and I appreciate it. God Bless Rebekah,

I just had to agree with what you said. I have had some of the same questions in my mind as well. I think it would be one of the greatest compliments if a guy told me he appreciated my decision to be modest. It’s definitely not an easy path.

I was glad to learn though that I am respected for my modesty. I don’t have any Christian guy friends or any for that matter like most girls seem to have, so I didn’t know how much I am respected for my decision. I do have two teenage brothers, but they have never told me what they thought of girls’ clothes/modesty, let alone mine. Perhaps because I never asked:)
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I agree with what you said and I appreciate it.

God Bless

]]> by: Rebekah http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-46956 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 05:06:23 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-46956 Thank you to each and every guy who completed the modesty survey! It is interesting to hear what guys my age have to say about modesty. I liked how one guy said modesty shouldn't be about "do's" and "don'ts" but instead about the heart. My youth pastor often says the more you love God, the more you will want to do things that please Him. I have found this to be true in my own life, because the more I fall in love with Jesus, the less I have a desire to dress immodestly. (As my friend and I tell each other, "Modest is hottest!") I believe that modesty should never be about rules; instead, it should be about pleasing God with every area of our lives. If Christian guys are wondering if there are any girls left who will dress modestly, Christian girls are wondering if there are any guys who will respect that quality. It has surprised and saddened me to learn how many strong Christian guys I know prefer girls who are sexy over girls who are modest. Sometimes I wonder if Christian guys really value modesty, why don't they act like it? Why do they give all the attention to girls who dress immodestly? My mentor has told me guys "play with" or flirt with girls who are immodest, but they want to marry a girl wtih character and integrity. I wonder why many Christian guys flirt around with immodest girls when they want to marry a girl who is modest and respectable. (I know not all Christian guys do that; I have some great guy friends who respect girls who are modest and I am so thankful for them. I just wish more guys would be like them!) I want to dress modestly 1.) to honor God and 2.) so I don't cause guys to stumble or lust. But sometimes it is a struggle to stand firm for my convictions when so many guys seem to prefer girls who are immodest. I believe we Christian girls should take the responsibility and dress in a way that honors God. And when we do, it would be so refreshing for Christian guys to tell us they appreciate our decision to be modest (it's definitely not an easy choice to make, especially in America today.) Thank you to each and every guy who completed the modesty survey! It is interesting to hear what guys my age have to say about modesty.
I liked how one guy said modesty shouldn’t be about “do’s” and “don’ts” but instead about the heart. My youth pastor often says the more you love God, the more you will want to do things that please Him. I have found this to be true in my own life, because the more I fall in love with Jesus, the less I have a desire to dress immodestly. (As my friend and I tell each other, “Modest is hottest!”) I believe that modesty should never be about rules; instead, it should be about pleasing God with every area of our lives.
If Christian guys are wondering if there are any girls left who will dress modestly, Christian girls are wondering if there are any guys who will respect that quality. It has surprised and saddened me to learn how many strong Christian guys I know prefer girls who are sexy over girls who are modest. Sometimes I wonder if Christian guys really value modesty, why don’t they act like it? Why do they give all the attention to girls who dress immodestly? My mentor has told me guys “play with” or flirt with girls who are immodest, but they want to marry a girl wtih character and integrity. I wonder why many Christian guys flirt around with immodest girls when they want to marry a girl who is modest and respectable. (I know not all Christian guys do that; I have some great guy friends who respect girls who are modest and I am so thankful for them. I just wish more guys would be like them!)
I want to dress modestly 1.) to honor God and 2.) so I don’t cause guys to stumble or lust. But sometimes it is a struggle to stand firm for my convictions when so many guys seem to prefer girls who are immodest.
I believe we Christian girls should take the responsibility and dress in a way that honors God. And when we do, it would be so refreshing for Christian guys to tell us they appreciate our decision to be modest (it’s definitely not an easy choice to make, especially in America today.)

]]> by: A Sister in Christ http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-46922 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 02:34:50 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-46922 I am so grateful for all of the effort that has been put into the Modesty Survey. I am blessed to have a brother and a dad to help me, but I can see that these questions, even though some are no-brainers to me, can be real concerns of girls who do not have guys to help them in this area. Thank you!!! Just a comment for all of the ladies who expressed concern about the overly explanatory questions and answers: like Alex said, these were girls asking the questions. All of us girls are different, and some may have questions where others would not. Some girls (and I can relate, even though I didn't send in questions) may have gotten really excited, and sent in any question they could think might possibly at some point be a bit of a problem. Who knows, maybe these girls have got "hoof-in-mouth" right now about their questions! ;-) All of the guys are different, too. I noticed some text responses were quite legalistic, others didn't really care, and still others were like my brother, who was kind of grossed out by some of the questions. :-) It all comes down to the heart, which is what I found most encouraging in this survey. Many of the guys said "yeah, I agree, but in most cases, if the girl is acting like this, or doing that, then it's not okay." It's a heart issue with the guys as well, and they have some responsibility. They can conjure up all kinds of thoughts toward a girl in an ankle-length burlap sack if they want to. We can't please everybody, girls, but we can please God. If you are confused about what is appropriate, then talk to God about it; He'll listen! If you ask Him, He will change you from the inside out. Okay, well, congrats if you actually made it through this novel I just wrote! God bless!! I am so grateful for all of the effort that has been put into the Modesty Survey. I am blessed to have a brother and a dad to help me, but I can see that these questions, even though some are no-brainers to me, can be real concerns of girls who do not have guys to help them in this area. Thank you!!!

Just a comment for all of the ladies who expressed concern about the overly explanatory questions and answers: like Alex said, these were girls asking the questions. All of us girls are different, and some may have questions where others would not. Some girls (and I can relate, even though I didn’t send in questions) may have gotten really excited, and sent in any question they could think might possibly at some point be a bit of a problem. Who knows, maybe these girls have got “hoof-in-mouth” right now about their questions! ;-) All of the guys are different, too. I noticed some text responses were quite legalistic, others didn’t really care, and still others were like my brother, who was kind of grossed out by some of the questions. :-)

It all comes down to the heart, which is what I found most encouraging in this survey. Many of the guys said “yeah, I agree, but in most cases, if the girl is acting like this, or doing that, then it’s not okay.” It’s a heart issue with the guys as well, and they have some responsibility. They can conjure up all kinds of thoughts toward a girl in an ankle-length burlap sack if they want to. We can’t please everybody, girls, but we can please God. If you are confused about what is appropriate, then talk to God about it; He’ll listen! If you ask Him, He will change you from the inside out.

Okay, well, congrats if you actually made it through this novel I just wrote! God bless!!

]]> by: Amanda Howell http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-46834 Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:35:21 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-46834 I just wanted to say thank you so much! I was greatly encouraged. Most of it I had known to some extent, but it was great to know how you guys felt about it. I must say I agree with Laura Leigh, it is hard to find modest clothing! I started speech last fall and I needed a suit/jacket and it took me a long time to find one that was modest. I have been sewing my own clothes for at least 4 years and my mom made them for me before that. I stopped wearing pants at seven of my own choosing, I didn't at that time know how well it would encourage and benefit others. You have encouraged me to continue in the way I dress and have made me more aware of ways I can keep my fellow brothers in Christ from stumbling and improve my walk as a Christian. Thanks again so much. Alex and Brett, may God bless you and keep up the good work. Your blog has greatly encouraged me. Please never stop pleasing Him, just knowing that there are young men out there serving the Lord is so encouraging. You helped me over come my fear of public speaking, thank you so much. Now I'm part of a speech group and I pray that God may use me there, to even touch one life would be a blessing. But I'm getting off track. Thanks again for the modesty survey. I do have a question though. I have heard and seem to often hear talk about modesty for girls, but what about the guys? Guys aren't exempt from modesty. The list may not be as long, but I strongly believe that there is such a thing as modest clothing for guys. Am I the only one in thinking this? I can't thank you enough as you probably can tell:) God Bless! In Christ, Amanda I just wanted to say thank you so much! I was greatly encouraged. Most of it I had known to some extent, but it was great to know how you guys felt about it.
I must say I agree with Laura Leigh, it is hard to find modest clothing! I started speech last fall and I needed a suit/jacket and it took me a long time to find one that was modest. I have been sewing my own clothes for at least 4 years and my mom made them for me before that. I stopped wearing pants at seven of my own choosing, I didn’t at that time know how well it would encourage and benefit others. You have encouraged me to continue in the way I dress and have made me more aware of ways I can keep my fellow brothers in Christ from stumbling and improve my walk as a Christian. Thanks again so much.
Alex and Brett, may God bless you and keep up the good work. Your blog has greatly encouraged me. Please never stop pleasing Him, just knowing that there are young men out there serving the Lord is so encouraging. You helped me over come my fear of public speaking, thank you so much. Now I’m part of a speech group and I pray that God may use me there, to even touch one life would be a blessing.

But I’m getting off track. Thanks again for the modesty survey. I do have a question though. I have heard and seem to often hear talk about modesty for girls, but what about the guys? Guys aren’t exempt from modesty. The list may not be as long, but I strongly believe that there is such a thing as modest clothing for guys. Am I the only one in thinking this?

I can’t thank you enough as you probably can tell:) God Bless!
In Christ,
Amanda

]]> by: Kristin http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-46708 Thu, 22 Feb 2007 05:04:10 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-46708 I would just like to say that, girls, there are bras out there that eliminate bounce. You might have to look real hard, try some on or even get some specially made but it is most definitly NOT impossible to do. Also, to whoever said that the text responses were "graphic", read the Bible. The Holy Word of God uses some pretty shocking language, particularly in Song of Solomon as was previously mentioned and somewhere in the Samuels it talks about a rape that occured between a step-BROTHER AND HIS SISTER!! (I'm too tired to look it up right now but if you really want to see it for yourself then let me know) CL - Yes, we girls really are clueless when it comes to how guys think. How are we supposed to know if a guy struggles with barefeet or not unless we ask him? This was the whole intent of the survey and I can't believe how angry people are getting about it, especially girls. Yes, I'll admit that when I first read the survey I was more than a little shocked by how some of the guys phrased things but you know what? Guys are like that. Some were gentler and used politer terms which I was impressed but most were blunt and to the point which impressed me as well. My little brother took the survey and, allowed me to preview any pictures he looked at so it wouldn't cause him problems. Most were ok but some I didn't show him and, rather, described the image in a way he would understand and then he would answer the question. He also signed the petition and I am so impressed that he would show LOVE to me, his sister, and strange girls he doesn't even know just to help them to help him. I absolutely ADORE the survey and I am going to print it out and save it for my personal reference to look at again and again and again. This is a precious resource and I'm not going to disregard it because some things were "offensive" or the "language was crude." I thank the guys who came out of their comfort zone to tell us how we could help them. They really put themselves out there and I hope they know that MOST all the girls really appreciate it and wouldn't give to much thought to the (negative) comments. As a parting note, I encourage all of you girls who had problems with the survey to read the petition, scroll down the names that are still being filled out, and read the text responses to the Open questions. Particularly the men's responsibility and difference between what is attractive and what is not. I would just like to say that, girls, there are bras out there that eliminate bounce. You might have to look real hard, try some on or even get some specially made but it is most definitly NOT impossible to do.

Also, to whoever said that the text responses were “graphic”, read the Bible. The Holy Word of God uses some pretty shocking language, particularly in Song of Solomon as was previously mentioned and somewhere in the Samuels it talks about a rape that occured between a step-BROTHER AND HIS SISTER!! (I’m too tired to look it up right now but if you really want to see it for yourself then let me know)

CL - Yes, we girls really are clueless when it comes to how guys think. How are we supposed to know if a guy struggles with barefeet or not unless we ask him? This was the whole intent of the survey and I can’t believe how angry people are getting about it, especially girls.
Yes, I’ll admit that when I first read the survey I was more than a little shocked by how some of the guys phrased things but you know what? Guys are like that. Some were gentler and used politer terms which I was impressed but most were blunt and to the point which impressed me as well.

My little brother took the survey and, allowed me to preview any pictures he looked at so it wouldn’t cause him problems. Most were ok but some I didn’t show him and, rather, described the image in a way he would understand and then he would answer the question. He also signed the petition and I am so impressed that he would show LOVE to me, his sister, and strange girls he doesn’t even know just to help them to help him.

I absolutely ADORE the survey and I am going to print it out and save it for my personal reference to look at again and again and again. This is a precious resource and I’m not going to disregard it because some things were “offensive” or the “language was crude.” I thank the guys who came out of their comfort zone to tell us how we could help them. They really put themselves out there and I hope they know that MOST all the girls really appreciate it and wouldn’t give to much thought to the (negative) comments.

As a parting note, I encourage all of you girls who had problems with the survey to read the petition, scroll down the names that are still being filled out, and read the text responses to the Open questions. Particularly the men’s responsibility and difference between what is attractive and what is not.

]]> by: Alex Jordan Harris http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-45842 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 04:59:32 +0000 http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2007/02/the-modesty-survey-results/#comment-45842 <b>Kay:</b> Thank you for your clearly articulated point. In answer to your question, I think we guys are to blame for the increase in the number of things that are potential stumbling blocks... We've let our sisters down in many ways and I am so sorry for that. I know the guys who took the survey (and all of those who signed the petition) are fighting to be real men who honor, serve, and cherish their sisters in Christ. With that said, I think it is good to bear in mind that we cannot really say with certainty that all of the things you mentioned were not a problem in the past. We don't have any way of measuring. Regarding the perceived intention of the guys as accusing girls of being intentionally seductive with things like bra straps showing and shirts riding up, I cannot recall a single guy saying anything that would imply that. I'm sorry if anything caused you to feel that way. One final thing that everyone should remember: It was the <b>girls</b> who came up with the questions that made up the survey, not the guys, nor Brett or me. If any of the guys had come up with a modesty survey, you had better believe that the questions about jewelry and makeup and lip gloss and glitter lotion and different kinds of swimsuits and shirts and skirts and pants and slips <b>never</b> would have been included. The purpose of the modesty survey was to facilitate the answering of questions girls were asking. Kay: Thank you for your clearly articulated point. In answer to your question, I think we guys are to blame for the increase in the number of things that are potential stumbling blocks… We’ve let our sisters down in many ways and I am so sorry for that. I know the guys who took the survey (and all of those who signed the petition) are fighting to be real men who honor, serve, and cherish their sisters in Christ.

With that said, I think it is good to bear in mind that we cannot really say with certainty that all of the things you mentioned were not a problem in the past. We don’t have any way of measuring.

Regarding the perceived intention of the guys as accusing girls of being intentionally seductive with things like bra straps showing and shirts riding up, I cannot recall a single guy saying anything that would imply that. I’m sorry if anything caused you to feel that way.

One final thing that everyone should remember: It was the girls who came up with the questions that made up the survey, not the guys, nor Brett or me. If any of the guys had come up with a modesty survey, you had better believe that the questions about jewelry and makeup and lip gloss and glitter lotion and different kinds of swimsuits and shirts and skirts and pants and slips never would have been included. The purpose of the modesty survey was to facilitate the answering of questions girls were asking.

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