I can see rather clearly what led to the undressing of the modern world: Relying on common decency as the standard instead of God's Law, for one. No, this is not a theological debate, but I do rely on God's word instead of my own understanding, so please forgive me if I rather quote scripture than come up with my own petty thoughts.

Two basic biblical principles were pointed out in an older post (the "spirit of the law") that govern modern dress: The principle of purity, and the principle of love for the brethren. I would agree wholeheartedly with this, and would add that caution is important with any types of adornment, for even if I am not feeling "haughty" about jewelry and the like, it might still stir envy in the brethren, causing them to sin against the 10th Commandment.

Interestingly enough, however, the two examples for "technicalities of Levitical law" that were mentioned in the course of the argument - capital punishment for adultery and disobedient children, remaining outside the camp until evening if unclean - also pertain to exactly these principles, and their validity nowadays is denied. I would heartily disagree with that of course. The sacrificial laws have ended with Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, and the temple as a building is destroyed, which also would indicate that the professional priesthood is no longer necessary, but that's about it - Otherwise, God's Law stands unchanged, and if parents were held responsible for the way their (adult !) children behave within the community and towards the brethren, and were required to hand them over to the commmunity officials in order to put the evil away from among the brethren if need be, I suppose many people would be much much much more careful in what they teach their children and who else they will allow to interfere with that education.

Yes, my husband's house keeps the dietary laws as all of God's Law, though we do not eat kosher, as was implied. And yes, since it was mentioned, we do hold that biblical plural marriage is as valid today as it was in Abraham's and David's times.

Grace and Peace,
Talitha

 

Go back to the beginning and Part 2 and 3 here:

The One and Only Standard Part 1

The One and Only Standard Part 2

The One and Only Standard Part 3