Modesty: A fresh look at a biblical principle by Nan M. Pamer
Just today, I completed Pamer’s 47-page 1997 booklet on modesty. Although Pamer singles out the Apostolic Pentecostal, or Oneness Pentecostal, church as one that has held its ground and not conformed to the low moral standards of the world, she does a fine job of explaining why modesty is such an important–non legalistic– biblical principle that Christians should adhere to today. The chapters include:
1. “Is Modesty Legalistic?“– a look at why modesty is NOT legalistic. Legalism, as Pamer explains it, is the belief that “works merit salvation,” ie dress standards. Pamer defends the Apostolic Pentecostal churches with conviction, stating that modesty is misunderstood and can be a deterrent to immorality. She says, “We were hopelessly lost when Jesus Christ found us and saved us from sin, and we are forever indebted to Him. Because we love Him we endeavor to reflect Christ in everything we do, even in our outward appearance.”
2. “The Blessing of Distinction“–delving into why modesty, and the separation from the world that comes with it, is a blessing. Pamer claims that “the society that allows this deterioration of modesty takes something very precious from its young people.” Modesty and immorality are directly related, as “when modesty was thrown to the wind, immorality swept in like a flood.”
3. “An Old and New Testament Principle“–explaining that as Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), so is His desire for us to live a Christ-like life. Modesty is part of living Christ-like, according to Pamer, and can be found in both the Old and New Testament. Pamer gives the example of the Old Testament priests who were set apart by their apparel and connects this to 1 Peter 2:9, where the church is called “a royal priesthood…” (among other examples and connections). Pamer also addresses and warns against “the danger of overemphasis” where one “practices an outward dedication to God while allowing his heart to become a bulwark of nasty attitudes and hard feelings against others.”
4. “The End Results of Immodesty“–an examination of our world, as it is, and why immodesty has lead to immorality as an accepted societal institution. Pamer states that “When a society disregards modesty, it will have to pay a revolting price. Our generation is reaping devastating results because a principle of God has been laid down.” Using the testimonial confessions of serial killers Ted Bundy and Arthur Gary Bishop, Pamer explains the negative effects of immodesty: pornography, rapings, terrible diseases, and to the extremities of mass murders.
5. “A Call to Modesty“–a plea to live a life free in Christ, one that is modest and a reflection of Him. Pamer concludes her booklet with these words: “May we vigorously regain the ground that many have lost in the battle for modesty. Our children, our churches, and our nation need it desperately. We have a treasure in our grasp; let us never let it slip away.”
My Concluding Thoughts:
I definitely and highly recommend this book to parents, Christian youth workers, and teenagers. Whether you are part of the Apostlic/Oneness Pentecostal church or not, modesty is a biblical principle that, as Pamer states, has been thrown to the wayside and forgotten by most of the world. How you determine what is modest or not, or what you determine is modest, is not discussed in this booklet; however, Pamer’s discussion on modesty as a principle is very informative, intellectual, and GOOD! Her reliance on scripture as support is a major addition, versus some books that base Christian principles on human reasoning. Although at times, Modesty could be repetitive, its message is one that should be repeated. I will be keeping this book to reread and to share with others.
If you would like to buy Modesty: a fresh look at a biblical principle by Nan M Pamer, you can buy it used at Amazon.com. Click here!
If you would like to look at the other books I have on my book list for 2011, you can click here!
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