Old Knock Wardrobe: Dressing for Services

(Sorry that it has been so long since my last post.  I took to summer off to work on other projects--namely my children and a failed garden.)

I must admit that this summer’s weather has definitely caused The Old Knock to lower his own standards in dress for most occasions.  (Not that Old Knocks in general are known for fine dressing.)  However, there is one occasion in which I have done my best to stand firm: the Church Service.  We find ourselves in a time when Churches are attempting to be as welcoming and comfortable as possible—an idea which I whole-heartedly support.  I feel that, for too long, the doors of the Church have appeared shut to too many people who did not fit a certain type.  However, there is something to be said about dressing a bit more formally on Sunday.

Growing up, I was taught that it was important to look one’s best for Services, because it showed respect to our Lord.  I think this is a fine explanation—although it may cause an immature believer to feel that one must “dress up” in order to be acceptable to the Lord, which is never the case.  It is merely showing Him that these ceremonies are important enough to us to be sure we are turned out well.

But there is another issue that I think supports a more formal attire for Church services.  When I put on a collared shirt, coat and tie, I am, to be honest, less comfortable.  A tie is not a comfortable thing—make no mistake.  I am not likely to take a nap in my jacket and buttoned-up shirt.  Wearing these things forces my body—and mind—to focus.  After all, we are “spiritual animals.”  What affects the body affects the mind.  (Which is why we have always been taught to get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast before attending a service.  Why, after-all, do many Churches today offer coffee before entering a service?)

Now, dear reader, please do not mistake me—our Lord will accept us whether we are wearing a three-piece suit or flip-flops.  Our attire does nothing to make us more pleasing to Him.  However, I feel that it does influence the way we feel and, thus, impacts our preparedness to worship.  Think about it.

Worship Old & New

Sorry I haven't posted in quite awhile.  Life gets in the way.  Here is an excerpt from one of the books I've been reading, Worship Old & New by Robert E. Webber.  I will probably be quoting from this book and author quite a bit in future posts.  He very clearly sets out many of my thoughts on religious practice and is informing my view on historical Christian worship.

"Because worship is the enactment of an event, the organization of worship is not left to the whim of creative people or community consensus.  Rather, it is rooted in the historic meeting that has already taken place between God and his people.  This meeting, enacted by God's people, is the organizing principle of worship.  Therefore, the overriding feature of biblical enactment is the representation of history.

The Old Knock and Religion

Jean-Léon Gérôme's L'Éminence Grise

This is a topic that most Old Knocks would refrain from discussing in a public forum such as this.  That is not to say that the Old Knock is reticent to discuss matters of religion.  In fact, for many, it is a topic to consumes many of their waking hours.  However, please remember that the Old Knock is a retiring sort, who prefers to avoid any type of spotlight (which makes this blog ironic indeed—until one understands that the author never really thought anyone would read it!)

(A point of clarification may need to be made here.  While an Old Knock could, theoretically, come from anywhere on the globe, it should come as no surprise that, for the most part, the Old Knock type is European in origin or extraction.  The name itself comes from a derivation of a nickname for C.S. Lewis’s tutor.  Because of this, the average Old Knock will find himself or herself coming from a Christian origin by default, if for no other reason.  This is by no means absolute, but on average it does tend to play out.  It should also not be taken for granted that this means that Old Knocks are necessarily devoutly religious, merely that their background tends to come from a European Christian society.)

All this said, there may be some broad observations that may be made in regards to the Old Knock’s religious views. 

First and foremost, the Old Knocks love and reverence for historical tradition informs his or her approach to matters religious.  Many an Old Knock takes pleasure and comfort in the solid traditions of the past.  Knowing that there is a unifying tradition of rites, linking believers together around the world and across the centuries, is a comforting thought indeed.

Along these same lines comes another important aspect of the Old Knock’s approach to religion: the picking over of the minutiae of practice.  Typically, these arguments tend to be historical, not spiritual in nature—which is why many Old Knocks feel safe to impose their opinions on others. 

If brave enough, this Old Knock may begin addressing more of these topics in coming posts, but only if the dear readers will kindly correct him when he stumbles.