A biblical theological evaluation of John Wesley’s view of modesty in dressing and adornment

Abstract

This study is a biblical theological evaluation of John Wesley’s view of modesty in dressing and adornment. In his writings, Wesley distinguishes between modesty in the dressing and adornment of kings and government officers, and ordinary people. He favors kings and government officers, dressing and adornment with expensive clothes and jewelry. But, he disfavors ordinary Christians dressing and adorning themselves with fine clothing, gold, silver, and other costly jewelry. The study examines Luke 7:24-25, 1 Tim 2:9-10, 1 Pet 3:3-4, and other Scriptures he uses to support his distinction of modesty in dressing and adornment. In conclusion, the study shows that Wesley’s modesty distinction between kings and government officers, and ordinary people is not biblical. This is because even though the Bible indicates that Christians may wear distinctive clothes based on gender, function, and climate, all people should observe principles of modesty, decency, and inner beauty and avoid all expressions of selfishness, pride, extravagancy, harlotry, and idolatry.