All of the responses are helpful and insightful.
Sometimes it seems that asking what is modesty is a lot like asking what is sin amongst those who are not Torah observant. Meaning that without the Torah, sin is just what each individual feels in their own heart. Like how at the very end of the book of Judges, it says "every man did what was right in his own eyes." (sorry if not exact- going from memory) It seems like this is what we also do with modesty in everyone doing what is right in their own eyes. Without the law, sin can be drinking, dancing, smoking, polygamy, eating meat, and many other things different denominations try to impose on people that can't be backed up by scripture. But- when you turn to the Torah, you find exactly what sin is. Because sin is the transgression of the law. So, to modesty, I guess I'm wondering for women's sake, how do we find the concrete agreeable answer to what is modesty? On judgment day, what one woman is condemned for will another receive a pass on because it was her cultural norm? If nudity is a cultural norm does that make it right? ( As in tribal customs, those who hear the Gospel and convert)- should they stick to their nudity as a cultural norm in their modesty commanded by scripture? For women who really want to be modest, it seems very difficult because there is no line drawn in the sand.
In one church setting you are modest, in the next they are condemning you for your makeup, or choice of hairstyle, or pants, or dress length. and heal size... it goes on and on. If you say my husband approves of this they may snear and still mark you as one dressed as a harlot. It's very hard to concretely find the 'IMAGE' of a "Christian" woman because it changes across the board. Take Muslims for example, you can spot them by dress. Yes, they have different levels of coverage within their faith but overall, those who wear hijab states to all what they are. Sometimes in public, when I vail, people think I am Muslim. Anyways, this is getting long, but any answers to this is helpful. I'm been studying modesty for a while and seem to go in circles as there is no concrete answers and I feel like I'm on the spinning wheel like how I felt before I became Torah observant and used to ask, "What is sin?" Now, because of the law I know what sin is. But, in modesty, I do not....
