by steve2 29 Replies latest jw friends
Go to jw.org right now friends and you will see a young male JW witnessing in a rural setting with publication in hand and - take careful note - wearing a crisply-white open-neck shirt. Bring out the carnival, light the lights: The organ ization is kicking itself into an ongoing casualization of its rank and file.
In the 1960s through 1980s I know brothers who dared to attire themselves sans ties who were reprimanded or worse.
Different country, different rules? I was in Hawaii in the mid 90’s and we did “beech witnessing” and I was allowed to take my dress shoes and socks off, and my tie with the top button open while witnessing on the beech.
I think anyone would look just plain stupid in a full suit and tie in an Hawaian beach for any reason don't you?
We were asked if we could be more lay back and go to the doors after work perhaps and in our work clothes so the householder felt more comfortable. This was asked from our co right from the stage. Or if we're on our way home from somewhere and we're not in our service clothes but are still looking presentible, could we do a few doors before turning in for the night.
Their really changing a whole lot of stuff. If they continue, they will get what they asked for.
Definatelyt different area different rules. The same also applies to those who go to other contries and are allowed to wear the local regallia.
Here in Brazil JW's can use polo shirts in field service. No problema!
Australians have done that before and were in the literature in shorts and open shirts
I asked my mom why they still insist on sisters wearing dresses and skirts, because that is outdated now. Many people find the dresses and suits intimidating and don't answer their door. She was adamant:"We believe in looking our best when we're out in service."
I said, well I look my best in a nice slacks suit and heels, so why would I have to wear a dress then? Well, maybe finally, they're figuring out that dressing a little less starchy, formal and outright silly and inappropriate might get more doors to open.
10 years ago I was in a third world caribbean country and I went out in service wearing my sandles, no socks, and no tie. This has been the norm for quite so time. Canada still has the strict tie rule, even when it it extremely hot.
