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When looking at these old messsages, it's interesting (I hope) to ponder areas where any of us, in attempting to translate God-given principles into practical instruction, will err toward cultural prejudices, or ways in which we might express truth in terms that won't work with other generations or other cultures. I wonder how well my teachings and convictions would play in 50 years? And will the palatability be based on my own expressed biases or the biases of anyone who later reviews my thoughts, if anyone did? I agree (with Steven) about the pants, of course, and the way some of WCK's thoughts sound today. It's clear to me in my place and time in the world that a woman isn't "dressing like a man" in wearing pants, though I can see that being a much more difficult area of interpretation when WCK was talking about it. The Bible does condemn "cross-dressing" A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this. Deut 22:5 NIV That passage seems to be about transvestites, not about a particular style of clothing, but it may have been intended also to complement an overall attitude that men and women are not the same. In any case, even while disagreeing with the application, it isn't hard to see how it would be perceived during a time when clothing styles and other aspects of gender roles went through some major readjustment. Also, the fact is many things Ketcherside said in these lessons sound quaint or odd now, even when they are on target. The very way we say things has changed a lot in the last 50 years, and we've become much more wary about giving offense in many areas, for good or ill. It's interesting to note too how the debate has progressed, in terms of male and female roles, acceptable dress, etc. Every change leads to more change, again, for good or ill.
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