Sometimes we’re warned about certain practices simply because they weren’t mentioned in the Bible. Here is an extract from a recently posted concern about a Roman Catholic priest wearing a particular garment called a dalmatic:
- The dalmatic was not from the Bible.
- The dalmatic was not an original garment that deacons wore.
- The source of the dalmatic came from worldly society.
- People had concerns about the dalmatic because it was considered to be effeminate.
- The dalmatic became associated with imperial politicians, including emperors.
- Because of its ties to politics, it was adopted by pontiffs and bishops.
- During the time of Emperor Constantine, it was adopted for use by deacons.
In cases like this, I like to play word substitution. With a little tweaking to items 5 to 7, here is what we get if we replace “dalmatic” with “necktie”:
- The necktie was not from the Bible.
- The necktie was not an original garment that deacons wore.
- The source of the necktie came from worldly society.
- People had concerns about the necktie because it was considered to be effeminate.
- The necktie became associated with politicians, including presidents.
- Because of its ties to the French, it was adopted by men as formal attire.
- During the time of Herbert Armstrong, it became required for use by men attending services.