Christian Dress Code during Online Worship

Abstract

Churches in Indonesia have been conducting online worship for more than a year (2020-2021). Research done by Indonesia Preaching Ministry has shown that only around 20% of the church members faithfully follow the worship service from beginning to end. Christian attitude while attending online worship is also problematic. Some Christians are cooking, and others are lying on their bed while attending online worship. Another problem is the dressing code for Christians who attend online worship. How should Christians dress themselves during online worship would be the research question of this article. This article uses exegetical theology as a research method. And the main argument of this paper is that, while the Bible sufficiently attends to the dressing code of the people of God (Deut. 22:5; Ezek. 44:17; 1 Cor. 11:6; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:3-5); 1 Cor. 11:4-7 could be the most relevant starting point for ethical-theological discussions on the matter. It exhorts Christians to dress appropriately not just for the sake of others but as an expression of honoring God when participating in worship. Toward that goal, this paper will be written under this sequence: first, it will present the context of the Corinthian church; second, it will elaborate the interpretation of 1 Cor. 11:4-7; third, it will seek to apply 1 Cor. 11:4-7 to the present context; then conclude.