Given the recent furore recently concerning religious belief and outward appearance, I thought I’d drop my tuppence worth into the mix.

In general, I think people should be allowed to wear whatever they want to work, as long as it is appropriate for the job. If an item of clothing is dangerous, it is inappropriate, and should not be allowed. If a job requires communication, an item of clothing shouldn’t hinder that. Conversely, communication shouldn’t be distracted by clothing or the lack thereof. (It would be difficult to communicate properly with someone wearing a veil, and similarly with someone wearing just their underwear.)

As for the Christian point of view, ‘Christian clothing’ and any other ‘Christian’ apparel is an oxymoron. Whoa, you may say – doesn’t that sound a little too puritanical? Is it possible one can show one is a Christian by wearing a cross? Well, I would say no, on two counts.

Firstly, anyone can wear anything. You could be an atheist and wear a cross, especially when it’s fashionable. You could be a Christian and wear a hijab – the bible doesn’t forbid wearing a modest scarf. The main line of thought from a Christian point of view can be typified by Peter’s letter.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewellery and fine clothes.
1 Pe 3:3

Now this particular command is to Christian wives, as can be seen if you read the whole chapter, but the spirit of the law is that clothing should be modest. This reflects the general teaching that Christians should be wise and in so doing be humble. Anything else concerning clothing is up to the wearer.

Secondly, as can be inferred from the quote from Peter’s letter above, is that people should know you are a Christian, not from what you wear, but from your behaviour.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.Mt 5:16

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. Jas 2:18

The bible is clear that the mark of a Christian is that they do what their Lord commands.

We need the light of the world in our hearts, that we may be lights to others. We need faith in Christ that we may be clothed in righteousness.

…put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:24