Why do United Pentecostals wear dresses and skirts?

The United Pentecostal Church is noted for its unique theological stances, such as not subscribing to the concept of the Trinity. Established in 1945, this Oneness Pentecostal congregation also adopts certain customs that diverge from mainstream Christian practices. One striking characteristic is the conservative dress code for women, who are seen exclusively in dresses and skirts. This has piqued the curiosity of many: why is it that United Pentecostal women only wear these specific types of attire?

United Pentecostal women opt for skirts and dresses as they view such garments as manifesting female modesty and sanctity. The long skirts and dresses accentuate the difference between the genders and underscore a woman’s femininity. According to United Pentecostal doctrine, this style of clothing emphasizes the virtue of modesty more effectively.

So, why exactly do women of this denomination only wear dresses and skirts? What are the modesty guidelines for United Pentecostal women? Is there a belief that skirts and dresses have some divine quality? And what are the repercussions for flouting these sartorial norms? Read on to explore these questions further.

Why Do United Pentecostal Women Solely Wear Skirts and Dresses?

Central to the practice of United Pentecostal women exclusively wearing skirts and dresses is the conviction that such attire embodies both sanctity and modesty. While other Christian groups might question their Christian authenticity due to varying theological beliefs, including rejecting the Trinity, United Pentecostal women maintain that their choice of clothing separates them from secular society and aligns them with divine precepts.

Moreover, United Pentecostals view this specific dress code as maintaining the distinction between male and female roles as delineated in the Bible, specifically in the Genesis creation account. They interpret scripture to mean that blurring gender distinctions through clothing is inappropriate.

Citing Genesis 1:26-27 and 2nd Deuteronomy 22:5, United Pentecostals argue that long skirts and dresses reinforce the natural, God-given division between males and females. Therefore, they consider this manner of dressing as spiritually justified and societally responsible.

United Pentecostal Dress Standards for Women

United Pentecostal Church’s guidelines on women’s attire are grounded in scriptural teachings concerning external appearance. They posit that long skirts and dresses epitomize modesty and consecration.

In addition to skirts and dresses, United Pentecostal women are generally not permitted to wear makeup or jewelry, except for wristwatches and wedding rings. The dresses must also eschew low necklines and must not be sleeveless. Tight clothing is not acceptable, and the cutting of hair is also discouraged.

Paul’s teachings in 1st Corinthians 11:14-15 are used to argue against the altering of a woman’s hair, advocating that a woman’s long hair serves as a natural covering and should thus be preserved.

Are Dresses and Skirts Considered Sacred by United Pentecostals?

While the Bible does not explicitly declare long skirts and dresses as sacred, the United Pentecostal Church interprets passages from Paul and Peter as endorsing such attire as both modest and in line with the teachings of godly living. They contend that wearing these garments is an outward sign of internal sanctity and a way to be set apart from worldly influences.

While it’s true that people outside their faith also wear similar attire, United Pentecostals argue that those individuals are adopting their standards, rather than them imitating secular society.

Consequences of Defying United Pentecostal Dress Codes

Women who do not comply with the United Pentecostal dress guidelines are deemed to be sinning. While these specific rules might not have direct biblical underpinning, non-compliance is considered a serious spiritual breach and a reason to question someone’s Christian integrity.

The core of these guidelines is the belief that the attire should be modest and not provoke inappropriate thoughts in men. Therefore, not adhering to these sartorial norms is viewed as causing others to sin.

However, these stringent regulations have been critiqued by various Christian scholars and theologians as outdated and excessively restrictive. They argue for a more balanced approach, emphasizing that inner virtue is more critical than outward appearance. Detractors often refer to Proverbs 31:30 and 31:25 to challenge the United Pentecostal focus on clothing, suggesting that true reverence for God comes from the heart, not the hemline.