Seventeen years ago, a reporter from Newsday (a local newspaper based in Long Island, NY) asked me and other clergy, “Is it okay to wear religion on your sleeve?” She meant literally, and included other clothing as well. She shows examples in the article, such as a shirt that pictures a seated cross-legged Buddha with the legend, “Buddha is my om boy” underneath. Another shirt shows a picture of Mary with a halo and the words, “Mary is my homegirl” between her hands which are both making a thumbs up. Another shirt portrays what appears to be an abstract figure with “Proud Muslim” superimposed on it. All of the clergy supported the idea, especially for youth, as a way for them to communicate their religious beliefs and connect with their religion in a positive way.
I gave a positive spin on it too, but addressed two possible issues with it. This is what I said in 2005: “For me, the answer is a simple yes, as long as the religious content does not incite hatred. Perhaps the wearer wishes to integrate religious symbols into everyday public wear as an effort to bring God up close and personal. Since this seems not only harmless but desirable, then why might some people object to religious clothing? Because there is the danger that God is being trivialized. However, I don’t think that is the intent of the wearers.”
Here is what I’d like to add now: An interesting related question is why people want to comment on religion this way. Yes, intimacy is a part of it; after all one’s clothes are next to the skin. It is interesting that some of the wearers such as the ones mentioned, want to feel that a religious figure like the Buddha or Mary can come down to our level and be more relatable. The humor too, is a way to have a more playful relationship with God and less of an intimidating distant one. But I think too, especially the young want to test some boundaries. After all, clothes are public as well as intimate. Another picture shown in the article was of a cap with the word, “Jewcy” written on it. Sure this expresses some pride in being Jewish, but it does um “flirt” with Jewish sexuality. And I remember seeing someone in person who was wearing shoe laces that said, “Jesus saves”. Yes, God may be everywhere and anywhere, but I wonder if my Christian readers find it disrespectful on some level, or demeaning or trivializing regarding such a holy message. What if the shoes become untied and the wearer steps on their laces? How seriously can I take that message?
My point is that the wearers are questing after what their religion means to them. They are probing what needs to be challenged in it to deepen that meaning. They want their religion to be relevant to the times, which are less hierarchical and more informal than in the past. Think about those necklaces with crosses, Jewish stars, and Muslim crescents and stars that have been worn in the past. Those are tame in comparison and pose far less threat to conventional religion beyond hinting to others that they should consider becoming more religious, ideally in the same flavor.
Do you display religion on your person? If so, describe it. If not, why not?
offbeatcompassion 