The Modesty Conversation: Who are we really dressing for?

This week, the Podly Women gather to talk about modesty: the good, the bad, and the complicated. Together, they reflect on the messages women receive in church spaces about clothing, bodies, and temptation, and ask how those teachings shape the way women move through the world while often assuming men’s responsibility for their own behavior. The conversation remains nuanced—can modesty still hold meaning apart from shame or policing?—and explores what a healthier, more honest approach to women’s bodies might look like.

Modesty teaching in the church lets men off the hook while asking women to carry responsibility for everyone else’s thoughts and behavior.

Modesty culture acquits men of sexual misconduct before they even commit it by placing the burden of blame on women.

As women, we can create a different culture for one another by empowering each other to see our bodies with more freedom, more dignity, and a more generous understanding of beauty.

Ezrica Bennett, a writer and graduate student at Claremont School of Theology, Oakwood University grad.

Natalie Bruzon, journalist, editor, and mom of two young kids, Union College grad.

Trudy Morgan-Cole, noted historical fiction book author and recently retired educator, Andrews University grad.

Makayla Mattocks, poet, editor, Oakwood University grad.

Ella Quijada, a writer and undergraduate studying science at Southern Adventist University