In the 1700’s Puritans were fond of formal, stern worship services. In many churches, in the sanctuary, men and women sat on opposite sides from each other. Silence was demanded—to the extent that Puritans appointed a “Tithing Man,” who carried a “Tithing Rod” during worship. Its purpose was to awaken anyone caught dozing.The Tithing Rod was long and usually had a feather dangling from the end—I once saw a facsimile of a Tithing Rod with a ceramic doorknob dangling from the tip. If the Tithing Man caught a man sleeping in church (apparently women didn’t sleep in church), he took his Tithing Rod and tapped the offender on the head—sometimes not so lightly. (But that ceramic doorknob could really awaken someone!)
Church etiquette evolved greatly over the years. Until WW II Sunday dressy attire had been the norm. Quiet reigned in the sanctuary. “Sunday Clothes”—for country folks that meant the best you have. Church was the primary social opportunity for most folks. Therefore, social gatherings developed around church; ”Dinner on the Grounds,” Homecomings, and Revival meetings (usually lasting a week or more), funerals and weddings served as primary social opportunities.
The Sunday-dress-up-for-church was from the cultural norm of “presenting your best for God.” A secondary motivation of social palavering; folks needed to get together to chat, visit, share news and enjoy fellowship with others. Concern grew that dressing up for church raised a barrier to people who did not have “Sunday-best” clothes, so more casual dress crept in. In the past few decades attire for attending church has changed dramatically.
The “Tithing Rod” evaporated from worship services centuries ago. So have many other standards—including pot-belly stoves, spittoons, and gender fences down the center aisle of the sanctuary. When someone whines “Church isn’t the same anymore!” I tend to think how glad it isn’t. I am glad we have become more reasonable about theologically trivial matters..
Ancient prophets, as well as Jesus, decried folks making worship of God a mere showcase. The prophet Amos went so far as to say God “hates” the religious festivals and solemn assemblies. When Jesus was challenged by religious leaders for abusing the Sabbath.He pointed out that human beings are more important than customs for customs’ sake. The Apostle Paul went to some length calling Christians to give up pretense and to present ourselves to God just as we are.
Maybe we don’t need someone with a Tithing Rod to rap us on the head to wake us up—not literally. But we do, I’m convinced, need at least inner promptings to remind us the God is God—that God loves us just as we are; our fellow human beings need that assurance too. Scriptures as well as the Church fathers and mothers, often gave reminders that God looks at our heart not our costumery—outer appearance. Jesus put priorities clearly; Put God First!
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023
Excellent column, Willis! I grew up in a conservative Southern Baptist church in a small town. The only churches there were Baptist and Methodist. We wore our “Sunday best” clothes. My father was the church treasurer for years, and often had to add from our family to “make ends meet.” Times have changed!
Thanks Dottie! The Deepstep Methodist Church was not that strict, of course! But my grandfather’s Uncle was adamant about too things: 1) the King James Bible ONLY! and 2) Kneel to pray! (He took very literally the NT passage where Jesus called attention to the the Publican who “Stood” to pray. Of course Uncle Lon totally missed the point.