The overreaction of some people, sects, and denominations based on their knowledge of Christian ladies wearing trousers and other related garments is due to misinterpretation of scriptures and legalism. The misinformation that makes them view Christian ladies wearing trousers as victims of evil and at the same time would end up in hell. The excessive justification has been that God spoke against it, and finally, people in the dressing attire are due for hellfire after leaving this world. However, the truth is that, to make a mountain out of a molehill is dangerous without a proper biblical exegesis and recommendations. Emotions and opinions can not dictate whether a Christian Lady wearing trousers is going to hell for putting on the attire. In fact, changes over time and in various places ought to be considered to strike a balance.
In Deut 22:5 “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” The Bible verse became a controversial verse and a basis to prescribe women who wear trousers as sinners and are therefore deemed for hellfire. However, this Bible verse prescribed a dressing code for gender distinction. There is the foreknowledge of God that a weird age is coming where men would be dissatisfied with being men, and having operations to become women. They are not merely dissatisfied, they have to take pleasure in wearing dresses and make-up, making disorderliness and junk out of the natural law of order. The whole idea would be motivated by lesbianism and homosexuality, a condition of affecting to be one of the opposite sex and seeking to be one of the opposite sex. Women who are trying to be men and men who are trying to be women. God wants the distinction of sexes and their apparel to be kept up for the preservation of everyone’s benefit. Nature teaches the discrepancies between genders. For example, the hair, 1 Cor 11:14-15, “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.” There must be respect for the code given by God.
But, today, things have gone in another pattern. One thing we must come to agree on is that if a culture does not agree with a particular clothing system, another would agree to it. Though we are not Christians passionate about the cultures of men but the dictates of God. There are some fundamental patterns that people from all the regions and races in the world exhibit. The pattern of appearances gives room for the pattern of apparel worn by the genders. Another element that influences the appearance of genders is time. How do men appear in Continent A and in Continent B? How do men appear in the 18th and the 21st century? Yet, one link that Christians must not miss is the voice of God. The directives. The proper model for a Christian lady should be.
Is There a Garment Called a Trouser In Historical Israel?
The Historical context of Deuteronomy 22:5, in ancient Israel, garments were fluid, but the distinction was likely about cultural identification to prevent cultic cross-dressing or confusion over gender roles (which were highly structured at the time). The word garment in Hebrew is ‘Keli’, meaning vessel, implement, or attire. At the time, there were no trousers. Trouser was not a garment in Israel. The prohibition is clear. Not the literal structure of leg coverings, which did not exist at the time.
Today, women’s trousers are specifically made for women. In one way or another, there is still the maintenance of gender distinction as men may not purchase women’s trousers, except for those who are trying to manipulate their sexes. What God is concerned about is the way we appear and frown at the manipulation of the original being of the person. A very grievous sin.
How Should A Christian Lady Appear?
Christianity is more than living a moral life. It is a higher moral standard of life inspired by the Holy Spirit. In that life is modesty, decency, and sanity. 1 Tim 2:9, “In like manner also, that women adore themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.” Here, primarily, the heart attitude must avoid drawing undue attention to oneself through extreme fashion clothing, expensive, and or revealing clothes.
A pair of loose-fitting, non-revealing trousers can be significantly more modest than a short skirt or a low-cut dress. The focus should shift from what is worn to how it is worn. How does it glorify God? While trousers are acceptable in many churches, they are still a stumbling block for some conservative denominations. Is trouser wearing a stumbling block? Yes, to some. In Galatians 5:1, there is liberty for Christians. But the liberty of Christians leans on love and conscience. There is liberty of Christians over man-made doctrines and or principles. There is freedom in Christ Jesus. Yet, not to be committing sins but to live in alignment too and not in bondage.
When Trousers Wearing For Ladies Began
Trousers as utility began for women due to necessity and practicality during World War II. For some tasks, the attire was convenient. Meaning that from the 19s to the 20s, trousers became reclassified as an unisex dress. Fashion had the trousers with distinctions. In fact, in many parts of Asia and the Middle East, women had clothes similar to trousers. There is the traditional clothing for women includes garments with separate leg coverings (like shalwar or similar pants). The taboo is often a Western/denominational invention.
Ultimately, clothing choices are tied to culture and community. The Bible has never condemned adapting practices to promote unity and avoid offense, rather than rigid adherence to a non-essential custom. But every Christian must remain loyal to Christ if there are conflicting parts of culture with the way of Christ.
Four Things To Know About A Christian Lady Wearing Trousers
For many women, especially those in ministry, physical jobs, or active mothering roles, trousers offer comfort, safety, and freedom of movement that dresses/skirts do not.
In climate-affected areas and cold climates, trousers are a practical necessity for warmth and health. God created humans to be practical.
Focus on Mission, arguing over clothing risks distracting from the Great Commission. Energy spent enforcing a dress code could be better used serving the community or spreading the Gospel.
A woman who wears trousers in one church may be perfectly accepted, while in another, she may feel judged. No lady is going to hellfire because they wears trousers. People would go to hellfire for refusing the life of Jesus Christ in them. People who go to hellfire are there for not accepting that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior. Accepting Jesus Christ makes us see what is right from wrong in all aspects and not merely from our perspectives.
