Early Christian Beliefs About Modesty

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching

... part seems to be called the private part, because this part of the body ought to be used with more modesty than any other. For nature has allowed us to use food, and also lawful marriage, as much as is fitting and useful. And it has allowed us to desire the procreation of children. But whoever pursues these things beyond measure falls away even from what is according to nature, harming himself through relations that are against law. Above all, it is right that we should never use sexual intercourse with youths as with women. And so he who was made a philosopher by Moses says that seed must not be sown on rocks and stones, because it will never take root there or receive the generative power of seed. Therefore the Word through Moses most plainly commanded: "And with a male you shall not lie as with a woman. It is an abomination," Leviticus 18:22. In addition, the noble Plato, gathering from the divine Scriptures that one must also abstain from every female field except one's own, gave counsel from a law taken from there: "And you shall not give the intercourse of seed to your neighbor's wife, to be defiled with her," Leviticus 18:20. The seed spent with concubines is barren and

Tertullian, On the Apparel of Women Direct teaching

For where God is, there modesty is; there is sobriety her assistant and ally.

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

Let women, said he, adorn themselves with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with broidered hair, nor gold, nor pearls, nor costly array, but as becomes women professing chastity, with a good conversation.

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Supporting witness

Most admirably, therefore, the blessed Peter says, In like manner also, that women adorn themselves not with braids, or gold, or costly array, but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

...our riches. In his own words, he sets a proper limit for your clothing and ornaments. He said, "Let women adorn themselves with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or expensive clothing, but as is fitting for women who profess chastity, with a good way of life." 1 Timothy 2:9-10 Peter also agrees with these same teachings and says, "Let a woman's adornment not be outward, in clothing, or gold, or fine dress, but the adornment of the heart." 1 Peter 3:3-4 But if they also warn that women who are used to excusing their dress by referring to their husband should be restrained and limited by religious observance according to the Church's discipline, how much more right is it for the virgin to keep that observance? She has no excuse for adorning herself, nor can the deceitfulness of her fault be laid on another, but she herself remains guilty of it!

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

...that they have departed from true and divine worship. Lifted up, they have fallen. With their heads adorned, they earned dishonor and disgrace. Having put on silk and purple, they cannot put on Christ. Adorned with gold, pearls, and necklaces, they have lost the ornaments of the heart and spirit. Who would not hate and avoid what has been another person's destruction? Who would desire and take up what has served as the sword and weapon for another person's death? If someone died after drinking from a cup, you would know that what he drank was poison. If someone perished after taking food, you would know that what could kill when taken was deadly. Nor would you eat or drink what you had already seen had caused others to perish. Now what ignorance of the truth is this? What madness of mind is it, to want what both has harmed and always will harm, and to think that you yourself will not perish by the very things through which you know that others have perished!

Commodianus, Writings Supporting witness

...at the matrons should be like the ladies of the world. You surround yourself with gold, or with the modest silken garment. You cast the terror of the law from your ears to the wind. You pursue vanity with all the pomp of the devil. At the mirror you adorn yourself, with your curled hair turned back from your brow. And moreover, with evil purposes, you put on false medicaments. On your pure eyes you put stibium, with painted beauty. Or you dye your hair so that it may always be black. God is the overlooker, who dives into each heart. But these things are not necessary for modest women. Pierce your breast with chaste and modest feeling. The law of God bears witness that such laws fail from the heart which believes. For a wife approved by her husband, let it suffice that she is so, not by her dress, but by her good disposition. Put on only the clothes that the cold and the heat, or too much sun, require, so that you may be approved as modest, and show forth the gifts of your capacity among the people of God. You who were formerly most illustrious, give yourself the appearance of one who is contemptible. She who lay without life was raised by the prayers of the widows. She deserved

Tertullian, On the Apparel of Women Direct teaching

...That salvation—and not the salvation of women only, but of men also—consists principally in showing modesty. For since, by the introduction into us of the Holy Spirit, we are all the temple of God, Modesty is the sacristan and priestess of that temple. She must allow nothing unclean or profane to be brought into it, lest the God who inhabits it should be offended and completely forsake the polluted dwelling. But at present we are not speaking about modesty itself, because the divine precepts that press on us from every side are enough to enjoin and require it. Rather, we are speaking about the things that belong to it—that is, the way in which it behooves you to walk. For most women—and this very thing I trust God may permit me to rebuke in all, with a view, of course, to my own personal rebuke—either through simple ignorance or else through dissimulation, have the boldness so to walk as if modesty consisted only in the mere integrity of the flesh and in turning away from actual fornication. They act as though there were no need for anything outward besides this, in the matter of the arrangement of dress and ornament, the studied graces of form and brilliance. In their gait they

Tertullian, On the Apparel of Women Direct teaching

...to please by means of sensual attraction, all these things are rejected as frivolous, as hostile to modesty. For where God is, there is modesty; there is sobriety, her assistant and ally. How, then, shall we practice modesty without her instrumental means, that is, without sobriety? How, moreover, shall we bring sobriety to bear on the discharge of the functions of modesty, unless seriousness in appearance, in countenance, and in the general aspect of the entire man marks our conduct?

Tertullian, On Modesty Direct teaching

Modesty, the flower of manners, the honour of our bodies, the grace of the sexes, the integrity of the blood, the guarantee of our race, the basis of sanctity, the pre-indication of every good disposition;

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Direct teaching

For when a woman is destitute of modesty, chastity, and fidelity, she must of necessity be without virtue.

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

and chastity and modesty preserve the tenor of their glory.

Victorinus, On the Creation of the World Supporting witness

...r this purpose. And such moderation is always found to be close to religion, yes, so to speak, even related and akin to it. For luxury is hostile to holiness. For how can religion be spared by it, when modesty is not spared? Luxury does not keep the fear of God. Since pleasures hurry it on, it is carried forward to the sheer daring of its desires. For when the reins are loosened, it increases in the use of expense without measure, as if expense were its food, going beyond its patrimony together with its modesty. Or like a torrent rushing from the mountain peaks, it not only leaps over what opposes it, but carries along those very obstacles for the destruction of other things. Therefore these remedies were sought to restrain the intemperance of the people, so that as luxury was diminished, virtuous manners might increase. For what else did they deserve, than to be restrained from using all the displays of various meats, when they dared to prefer the vilest meats of the Egyptians to the divine banquets of manna, preferring the juicy meats of their enemies and masters to their liberty? They were truly worthy that the slavery they had coveted should pamper them, since the food that

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Direct teaching

...by doing so they would not keep the glory of chastity. But neither would a woman gain the virtue of modesty if she were not able to sin. For who would call a dumb animal modest, when after conception it resists the male? It does this because it must come into pain and danger if it allows him. Therefore there is no praise in not doing what you cannot do. But chastity is praised in a human being because it is not natural, but voluntary. Therefore faithfulness must be kept by each toward the other. Indeed, by an example of self-control, a wife must be taught to conduct herself chastely. For it is unfair to demand what you yourself cannot provide. And this unfairness has certainly caused adulteries, because women could hardly bear to keep faith when men did not show mutual love. Finally, there is no adulteress so shameless that she does not offer this reason for her faults: that by sinning she is not doing an injury, but paying one back. Quintilian expressed this very well: "A man who neither abstains from another man's marriage nor guards his own ignores things that are joined together by nature." For a husband who is busy corrupting the wives of others cannot remain devoted to hol

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching

Women must not smear their faces with the deceptive tricks of clever cunning. Instead, let us show them the adornment of self-control. First of all, the best beauty is spiritual beauty, as we have often said. For when the soul is adorned by the Holy Spirit, and filled with the bright charms that come from Him — righteousness, wisdom, courage, self-control, love of what is good, and modesty, than which no more lovely color has ever been seen — then bodily beauty too should be cared for: a well-shaped body and limbs, with a healthy complexion. Here the adornment of health is proper. Through it, the artificial image is brought over to the truth, in keeping with the form that God has given. But self-control in drink, and moderation in food, are effective in producing natural beauty. For these not only keep the body healthy, but also make beauty appear. For from what is fiery come gleam and sparkle; from moisture come brightness and grace; from dryness come strength and firmness; and from what is airy come easy breathing and balance. From these this well-proportioned and beautiful image of the Word is adorned. Beauty is the free flower of health. Health is produced within the body, whil

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching

Modesty and chastity are collars and necklaces; such are the chains which God forges.

Tertullian, On Modesty Supporting witness

it is the system of Christian modesty which is being shaken to its foundation — (Christian modesty), which derives its all from heaven;

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

... to mixed public baths? They offer to lustful, curious eyes bodies that are devoted to chastity and modesty. When they shamelessly look at naked men, and are themselves seen naked by men, do they not offer temptation to vice? Do they not stir up and invite the desires of those who are present, to their own corruption and harm? You say, "Let each person consider the attitude with which he comes there. My only concern is to refresh and wash my poor body." That kind of defense does not clear you, and it does not excuse the sin of lust and wantonness. That kind of washing defiles; it does not purify or cleanse the body, but stains it. You do not look at anyone in an immodest way, but you yourself are looked at in an immodest way. You do not pollute your eyes with shameful pleasure, but by giving pleasure to others, you yourself are polluted. You put the bathhouse on display. The places where you gather are more filthy than a theater. There, all modesty is taken off along with clothing. The honor and modesty of the body are laid aside. Virginity is exposed, to be pointed at and touched. So now consider this: when you are clothed, are you modest among men, when the boldness of nakedne

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

...ly practice of bathing in the same place with men, for the nets of the evil one are many. And let a Christian woman not bathe with a hermaphrodite; for if she is to veil her face and hide it with modesty from strange men, how can she bear to enter the bath naked together with men? But if the bath is set apart for women, let her bathe in an orderly, modest, and moderate way. And let her not bathe without a reason, nor too much, nor too often, nor in the middle of the day, nor, if possible, every day. Let the tenth hour of the day be the appointed time for such fitting bathing. For it is proper that you, being a Christian woman, should always keep away from curiosity that has many eyes.

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

...eeping, and mourning, when from the first day of his sin he goes every day to the public baths with women? He feeds at rich banquets, is swollen with costly delicacies, and the next day belches out his indigestion. He does not manage his food and drink in a way that helps the needs of the poor. How can a man who walks with a cheerful and happy step be mourning for his death? And although it is written, “You shall not mar the figure of your beard,” Leviticus 19:27, he plucks out his beard and arranges his hair. Is he now trying to please anyone when he displeases God? Or does that woman groan and mourn who has time to put on costly clothing, but not to think about the robe of Christ that she has lost; to receive expensive ornaments and finely made necklaces, but not to grieve over the loss of divine and heavenly ornament? Although you dress yourself in foreign garments and silk robes, you are naked. Although you decorate yourself excessively with pearls, gems, and gold, yet without the adornment of Christ you are ugly. And you who dye your hair, at least now stop in the midst of your sorrows. And you who darken the edges of your eyes with a line of black powder, at least now wash

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...letely innocent. You are not guilty of the act itself, but you are guilty in this way: through your adornment, you led the woman to desire you. For you are the cause of her being moved in this way, and by lusting after you she became guilty of adultery with you. Yet you are not as guilty, because you did not send for her, though she was ensnared by you, nor did you desire her. Since, therefore, you did not give yourself over to her, you will find mercy with the Lord your God, who has said, "You shall not commit adultery," and, "You shall not covet." For if such a woman, by seeing you or by meeting you at the wrong time, was struck in her mind and sent to you, but you, as a religious man, refused her; if she was wounded in her heart by your beauty, youth, and adornment, and fell in love with you, you will be found guilty of her transgressions, because you were the cause of scandal to her, Matthew 18:7, and you will inherit a woe. Therefore pray to the Lord God that no harm may come upon you on this account. For you are not to please men in such a way as to commit sin, but to please God so as to attain holiness of life and share in everlasting rest. Do not make more beautiful that

Novatian, On the Jewish Meats Direct teaching

...ose. And this kind of self-control is always found to be close to religion, or rather, so to speak, related and akin to it. For luxury is hostile to holiness. How can religion be left unharmed by luxury, when even modesty is not left unharmed? Luxury does not keep the fear of God, because while pleasures drive it on, it is carried along into the mere boldness of its desires. For when the reins are loosened, it grows without limit in spending, as if expense were its food, and it exceeds its inheritance along with its modesty. Or it is like a torrent rushing down from mountain peaks. It not only leaps over what stands against it, but also carries away those very obstacles, to destroy other things. Therefore these remedies were sought to restrain the people's lack of self-control, so that as luxury was reduced, virtuous behavior might increase. For what else did they deserve except to be kept from using every kind of rich food, when they dared to prefer the lowest meats of the Egyptians to the divine banquets of manna, choosing the juicy meats of their enemies and masters over their liberty? They truly deserved that the slavery they had longed for should indulge them, since the foo

Origen, Commentary on Matthew Supporting witness

Now connect with the man seeking beautiful pearls the saying, “Seek, and you will find,” Matthew 7:7, and also this, “Everyone who seeks finds,” Matthew 7:8. For what are you seeking? Or what does everyone who seeks find? I dare to answer: pearls, and the pearl possessed by the one who has given up all things and counted them as loss. About this Paul says, “I have counted all things as loss, that I may gain Christ,” Philippians 3:8. By “all things” he means the beautiful pearls, so that he may gain Christ, the one very precious pearl. A lamp is precious to people in darkness, and there is need of a lamp until the sun rises. The glory in the face of Moses is also precious, and I think the glory of the prophets is as well. It is a beautiful sight, by which we are led in so that we may be able to see the glory of Christ, to which the Father bears witness, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” Matthew 3:17. But what has been made glorious has not been made glorious in this respect because of the glory that surpasses it, 2 Corinthians 3:10. And we first have need of the glory that can be done away with, for the sake of the glory that surpasses it. In the same way,

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

..."They are daughters of each other. One of them is called Simplicity, another Guilelessness, another Chastity, another Intelligence, and another Love. When you do all the works of their mother, you will be able to live." I said, "I would like to know, Lady, what power each one of them has." She said, "Hear what power they have. Their powers are arranged by each other, and they follow each other in the order of their birth. For from Faith comes Self-restraint; from Self-restraint, Simplicity; from Simplicity, Guilelessness; from Guilelessness, Chastity; from Chastity, Intelligence; and from Intelligence, Love. So the deeds of these are pure, chaste, and divine. Whoever gives himself to these, and is able to hold firmly to their works, will have his dwelling in the tower with the saints of God." Then I asked her about the ages, whether the end was now coming. She cried out in a loud voice, "Foolish man! Do you not see that the tower is still being built? When the tower is finished and built, then the end comes. And I assure you, it will be finished soon. Ask me no more questions. Let you and all the saints be content with what I have called to your remembrance, and with my renewing