My sister Taylor brought up a fascinating discussion that I'd like to weigh in on. If you'd like to read her opinions and the articles that were the catalyst please read her blog. The discussion about gender inequality in our Church as well as the often contentious discussion of pants vs skirts is certainly compelling. I want to preface my opinions on this matter as first and foremost my opinions. I would assume that if you're reading my blog you're interested in my opinions on things so please remember that opinions are like mouths everyone has one. Second and equally important I was not raised in the Church therefore my opinions come from completely different life experiences.
I want to start with the idea of gender inequality in the Church. I have to say that while one Mormon feminist made several compelling points about why she feels there is serious gender inequality in the Church I couldn't disagree with her more. First the men in our Church treat women with such respect and caring it's amazing. Second I'm married to a Mormon and he treats me better than any other man has in my life. Part of why he does this is because of how he was raised. He has the great example of his Dad and how he treats Mom. He also has five amazing women who have made sure he knows how to treat a woman.
While perhaps there is some gender inequality somewhere in the Church I can't say that I've ever felt it from any of the brethren in the Church. If I've ever felt judged or placed on unequal footing it was from the sisters in the Church. This actually leads me to the second discussion point the topic of pants at Church. Many Mormons that I've met have pretty strong opinions on the topic. I know that many women in our Church feel that wearing dress pants to Church is disrespectful or less reverent than wearing a skirt.
I have to disagree on that point. Since I was old enough to decide if I was going to Church I've had a single condition: I can wear pants. While I respect that many women were raised to wear a skirt or dress on Sunday just because I wasn't is not a critique on my reverence or commitment to the Gospel. I genuinely feel that when we as women accept our differences and embrace the individual adaption portion of the Gospel we'll find that we feel so much more free. How can we be focused on helping others and coming closer to God if we're more concerned that the women two rows over is wearing a pants suit instead of a skirt? If we want to address gender inequality and other problems we encounter we have to be willing to look at our own behavior first. I can't pull a splinter out of your eye if there's still a log in mine.
Well that's my opinion and I'd love to hear other's opinions. I think this is an interesting and important discussion to have.
I don't think that I've ever judged anyone as less reverent or disrespectful because they wear pants to church. My choice to always wear a skirt or dress comes from the feeling that I want to wear my very best at a time when I am making and renewing covenants with my Heavenly Father. Since the chapel is where I do that each week, I also refrain from wearing casual clothes there at any time -- not just Sunday. I try not to step into the chapel wearing anything that I feel is disrespectful to the Lord and His house. If you, or anyone else, is more comfortable making that weekly connection wearing slacks I have absolutely no problem with that. And I definitely would not look down on you or anyone else who makes that personal decision. I simply welcome anyone who has a desire to come and be a part of worshiping! My only problem with someone wearing slacks would be if they were doing it for political statement purposes. THAT would be totally inappropriate in my opinion. But I know that's not at all what you are talking about, so no worries! :)
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