Some guiding principles Workers have used in the past up to the present to formulate their traditions are:
(1) be separated from the world;
(2) be peculiar and different from the world and do not engage in things of the world;
(3) be modest, natural and moderate in all things;
(4) be different from other churches;
(5) be loyal to precedent, that which was “from the beginning;”
(6) be a good example, “lights in the world,” and “abstain from all appearance of evil.”
(1) BE SEPARATED FROM THE WORLD: Much importance is attached to being separate from the world, set apart and sanctified for the Lord. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate ” (2 Cor. 6:17). The 2x2s are discouraged from associating and socializing with worldly people as much as possible, citing: “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4) .
Some parents did not allow their children to have worldly playmates, school friends or attend group youth activities. Some could only play with professing children and siblings. Texas Sister Worker, Nita Bearden, said her brother was her only playmate. They took turns—he would play dolls with her and then she would play trucks with him.
Growing up in a professing home caused many children to be lonesome “lone wolves.” One lady wrote, “Growing up, I was taught to even be close friends with an outsider was showing a lack of understanding of why Paul asked ‘what communion does light have with darkness?’ (2 Cor. 6:14). I was unable to either make or even have friends who were more than acquaintances.”
The Workers told an eight year old boy that his school friends “are not your friends. Only kids who go to Meeting are your friends.” Some children had to sit it out at school while their classmates were taught square dancing or watched educational films, lest they be lured to the local cinema and dance halls. Their tradition of not being friends with outsiders, restricting children of 2x2s has caused untold, needless pain, hurt, bitterness and social ineptness for many children and adults. Fortunately, some wise 2×2 parents did not strictly enforce these restrictions on their children.
Their hostility to the world is obvious in many Workers’ sermons. Brother Worker James Patrick said, “If you are not a stranger here in this worldly atmosphere, then you are no pilgrim for the heavenly country” (Eagle Bend, Minnesota Convention, 1939).
Sam Jones, Overseer of Western Australia, said, “We are to be joint heirs, if we suffer with Him. The first step is to be called out by the gospel and receiving the spirit of adoption, and the next is fencing, enclosing. God’s work is done secretly and in quietness and stillness before Him—shut out from the bold, ignorant, inquisitive gaze of the scorning world. The reason that so many make little or no progress and never attain to an insight or understanding of the deep things of God is because of unwillingness to be enclosed and separated from the world…” (Australia, 1925)
(2) BE PECULIAR AND DIFFERENT FROM THE WORLD and DO NOT ENGAGE IN THINGS OF THE WORLD: In their early days, he newspapers referred to the new group as a “Peculiar Religious Sect.” From their very beginning, the Workers taught that God wanted His people to be outwardly “peculiar,” which was their interpretation of 1 Peter 2:9, “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” So the Workers deliberately made themselves peculiar and believed God approved of this behavior and further, that they would receive rewards in eternity for faithfully doing so.
Like the Israelites, the 2x2s have been careful to preserve their own peculiar identity wherever they live, which set them apart from their worldly neighbors. They aimed at being “dead to the world” and “in it but not of it.” Some considered being a “gazingstock” outwardly as a mark of a true Christian (Heb. 10:33). They pride themselves in being different and “unlike the rest.”
Some 2x2s think the word ” peculiar” means unusual, strange, odd, weird, and out of the ordinary. Their practice of disdaining “worldly” fads, fashions, entertainment, activities, etc. sometimes leads to being labeled a misfit, oddball, nonconformist, eccentric, etc. Overseer Jack Price encouraged, “We want to be a misfit in this world, but in God’s family we want to be a fitter-in.” The 2×2 witness is pitted in opposition to culture.
However, the word Greek translated as “peculiar” in 1 Peter 2:9 is (“peripoiesis,” Strong’s No. 4047) did not hold the meaning of “strange, odd or unusual,” as it does today. Most Bible versions translate this Greek word as “a people for God’s own possession;” or God’s special possession , (NIV). This verse is very similar to Deut. 7:6, “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.” Neither verse indicates God’s people are to be “peculiar” in a strange or odd outward manner.
A guideline Workers use to assess whether a contemporary “new thing” is appropriate for a 2×2 is to apply Paul’s caution to “be not conformed to this world” (Rom. 12:2). Many 2x2s regard much of the outer appearance, activities and entertainment engaged in by outsiders as “worldly.” An outsider is called a “worldly person.”
For 2x2s, the term “the world” includes all other religions, Christian denominations, sects, churches and religious celebrations. It also takes in everything not sanctioned by the Workers; e.g. all groups of people, ministers, churches, religions, entertainments, secular music, foods, sports, dancing, smoking, swearing (taking the Lord’s name in vain), drinking alcoholic beverages, premarital sex, TV, movies, various hobbies, charities, professions, traditions, customs, along with colorful, fashionable, trendy or bold clothing. Kathleen Lewis wrote:
“The Workers perceive worldliness as a fashion or activity. But the true meaning is ‘secular,’ or ‘temporal,’ referring to a philosophy of life that views man and the world as being the apex of the universe, while denying the existence of God. Worldliness is an ‘outlook,’ not a ‘look.’ It is atheism, secular humanism, self-centeredness and sensuality” (The Church without a Name, p. 165).
A high priority for 2x2s is that they “do not do as the World does,” and that they “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15). The basis for some restrictions has been that something was “too worldly” or “we don’t follow the fads, styles, fashions of the world,” or “we follow the fashions of the world afar off” or “we don’t bring the world into our home.” Getting too close to the world might tempt 2x2s to leave their Church. They believe some left the 2×2 Church because they “loved the World and wanted to be a part of it.”
Ken Paginton, Overseer of England/Madagascar, encouraged, “You young folks, don’t be afraid to be different from the world. When we are living for Christ in a world that is so un-Christlike, we tend to be different…If you are trying to follow that noble youth of Galilee, there is nothing to be ashamed of” (2nd Masterton, New Zealand, 1990).
Jack Carroll, Overseer of Pacific Coast territory said, “Are the daughters of Zion more worldly this year than last? Is the world, its habits, customs and fashions more attractive, or are you governed by modesty, economy and neatness?” (Olympia, Washington Convention, 1942). Jack also suggested, “We can examine our own hearts….Am I becoming more worldly and less godly or more godly and less worldly? It isn’t easy for God’s people to break with the world and its attractions,” (Urack, Germany, 1952).
Eldon Tenniswood claimed if one does not look different from everyone else, they are not a Christian. The Workers’ goal is for 2x2s to be, ” obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14).
A look at their history shows that the Workers have lagged far behind in accepting new things, especially in the areas of apparel, entertainment and media. While their traditions have evolved, the changes have occurred too fast for some and too slowly for others. They can’t be current. Normally, the Workers wait until a worldly fashion is almost or is totally out of style, before it becomes acceptable for 2x2s to do, wear or have it. On the other hand, Workers have welcomed and implemented some new things or modern conveniences and technology—the exception being those bringing worldly media into their homes (TV) and in some areas, radios, stereos and cassette players.
(3) BE MODEST, NATURAL AND MODERATE: Another guideline Workers use is moderation. They encourage members to stay in the middle of the road, not walk too close to the edge or side, not to stay on the periphery. Do not be a drifter. Brother Worker Eddie Cornock said, ” God wants to see His people a sensible, God-fearing, plodding people, keeping in the middle of the road” (Powell, Wyoming Convention).
Brother Worker Dellas Linaman said, “This Kingdom of God has borders and those borders are to be respected…Are you on the border? Are you on this side of the border or on that side of the border? Or do you leave no question in the mind of anyone that you’re well inside the Kingdom? It’s dangerous to dwell on the border…Are you living on the borders of this world—sometimes in the Kingdom and sometimes out? Temptations are on the border” (Pretoria, South Africa, 2003).
The Workers believe in letting “your moderation be known unto all men” (Philippians 4:5). Modesty and moderation are terms used in connection with the dress code for 2×2 women, who a re expected to wear ” modest apparel” (1 Tim. 2:9). Workers view following their prescribed dress code traditions as a measure of Godliness, a litmus test for virtue, an index of character and a sign of obedience to the Workers and to Jesus.
Rules of Propriety, also known as the Laws of Decency, regarding how much of the human body it is proper to display vary depending on culture and customs. Major civilized countries have legal standards of modesty. Ken Paginton commented, “We are living in such a world of extremes, an immoderate and immodest world. That is not our standard. Our standard is modesty and moderation” (2nd Masterton, New Zealand Convention, 1990).
Tommy Gamble, Overseer of Ireland, said, “I thought of the fashion of Heaven—an ornament of a meek and quiet spirit …modest apparel. That means that the women would hide themselves in their clothing and not display too much of the flesh ” (Rochedale, QLD, Australia, Dec. 2006).
The dress code for 2×2 women is to be modest, moderate and also peculiar . However, “peculiar” by definition is not moderate—it is extreme. Some Workers view moderation as “not dressing to get attention.” Yet, the old-fashioned, peculiar appearance of some 2×2 women causes them to stand out and draws attention to them, which is far from moderation. Just check out some old group photos of 2x2s taken in the 1950s and 1960s which appear very much like the 1920s.
A Brother Worker said that due to the women’s appearance, he had no trouble recognizing the 2×2 Friends who came to the airport to pick him up. The 2×2 women’s similar dress and hairstyles serve as marks of group identity, much like some group’s uniform. If it had been a male 2×2, how would the Worker have picked out his ride? A sign may have been necessary. It has been said that professing men are “known by their spirit” while professing women are known by their appearance. While 2×2 males dress similar to their Co-Workers, 2×2 women are expected to dress like their grandmothers, and doing so was “the outward sign of the inward work,” and identified the wholehearted.
This is not witnessing for Jesus—it is advertising, or the world calls “branding.” Branding is what identifies a product or a service and sets it apart in an easily recognizable manner. True witnessing is telling somebody about Jesus. There is a big difference between an image and a message. Some give more attention to conserving the peculiar image than conveying the message.
Even after Jesus became well known, He was able to get lost in a crowd, which would not have been possible if he had dressed peculiarly and if His apparel and appearance had not been similar to that of the common man. However, except for their very early days, the dress of 2×2 men has not caused them to stand out peculiarly in the world. Not so for the 2×2 women!
Titus 2 addresses the subject of “sound doctrine.” It provides instructions for manifesting behavior showing “sound doctrine” in the lives of Christian men, women, young and old as well as servants ” that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things,” (Titus 2:10). The 2×2 Sect fronts their group with their women outwardly being adorned peculiarly. There is nothing in this chapter that indicates this was what Paul meant.
Brother Worker Dellas Linaman said, “People that adorn the Gospel help us to preach the gospel. We need you. We need that adornment. Not leaving questions in people’s minds, ‘Are you in the border, on the border, outside the border or where do you stand?’ We like to see a clear sign that you are well inside. I don’t like this thing of wondering, ‘Are they professing or are they not?’ I like to see things clear” (Pretoria, South Africa, 2003).
Because Queen Victoria preferred the natural look, it became the style during the Victorian Era ( 1837-1901) , during which the 2×2 Sect began. Through the years, the Workers have continued to promote nature and the natural look for 2×2 women as though it were a standard and command of God. It was not—it was Queen Victoria ‘s preference.
They believe a woman professing godliness should be satisfied with her God-given natural appearance, and should be pleased and happy to wear her face “au naturel.” Beauty enhancements are scorned, and t hey disapprove of women using cosmetics to possibly bring more attention to them, thus feeding their vanity. “Beauty is vain” (Prov. 31:30). If they were consistent in promoting the natural concept, 2×2 women’s hair would be worn as it naturally falls—hanging down loose.
Eldon Tenniswood, Overseer of California , et al. advised that “women adorn themselves in modest apparel. Modesty is the most becoming to every woman. A woman is only cheating herself when she adorns herself immodestly. Modesty is not shabbiness, but it is sensible, sane, and becoming. ‘With shamefacedness’ …this simply means with a modest face, a natural face and sobriety…not a butterfly effect but a serious and steady effect. This is what is becoming to every woman…There is the acceptable modesty for all times, and it is always that which is in line with the plain and simple modesty that is becoming. Not with broided hair…not with ornaments that wouldn’t belong in the hair, fancy hairpins and the likes, or gold or pearls…these ornaments in the hair or elsewhere are not necessary. It says not with them, but with good works. A modest woman adorned with good works is what pleases God” (1982 California Young Peoples Meeting).
(4) BE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER CHURCHES: Some Workers’ decisions regarding church practices have been based on what is or has been done by other Christian churches, which they refer to as “false churches.” They pride themselves in being different from other churches. “We’re not like other churches that were started by men.” Sometimes, the sole reason for the 2×2 Church not to do something is to “try to be as unlike other churches as we can.” They sometimes defend a decision on the basis of “No, we don’t do that—that’s what the false churches do.” Or, “That’s too much like the false churches.” Many Workers’ sermons include a comparison between the 2×2 Church and “false churches.”
Some examples where the Scripture is silent and the 2×2 Sect has chosen to be notably different from other Christian churches are: they do not publish any books or literature (except for a hymnal), nor do they have a creed, mission/belief statement, rule book or internet website. They do not have a headquarters; do not advertise on radio or television; do not collectively organize or participate in charity programs, hospitals, orphanages, food banks, food kitchens, etc. They do not dedicate infants, teach children on their own level or hold Sunday schools. They do not celebrate Christmas or Easter religiously. In Fellowship Meetings, they sing acapella (without musical accompaniment) and do not spontaneously call out “Hallelujah,” “Praise the Lord” or “Amen.” Up until around the 1970-80s, a swinging bell on a pole was used to announce Convention meals and Meetings. These were discontinued, possibly because historically, bells have been associated with religious rituals and are used to call communities together for religious services.
Howard Mooney, Overseer of Oregon, said, “about the ‘amen’…This is something we have been very reluctant about because the holiness people have overdone it. In trying to be as unlike them as we can, we have sometimes transgressed the other way” (Elders Meeting, Portland, Oregon, April 5, 1960).
(5) CONSIDER THE PRECEDENTS: A precedent is something said or done that may serve as an example or rule to authorize or justify a subsequent act of the same or similar kind; a person or thing that serves as a model. A Worker remarked, “Status quo prevails over everything else.” Some precedents appear to be set in stone. Many were simply the way it was “from the beginning,” or the way things have “always been done,” or the way an older worker instructed, as in “Uncle Willie used to say…”
The conservative styles up until the Roaring 1920s during the Victorian and Edwardian Eras were adopted by the early Workers, and in some areas, remain the way 2x2s still do things. Their resistance to change and rejection of new things is evident in their dress peculiarities. The women are often viewed as old fashioned to the point of being dinosaurs.
(6) BE A GOOD EXAMPLE, a LIGHT and ABSTAIN FROM THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL: The 2×2 Sect believes they are supposed to hold a higher standard than the world around them. Many 2×2 traditions regarding conduct are for the sake of appearance. What will people think? What will people say? Will it be a good example? Will it lower the standards of the kingdom? Will it serve as a light to others? ” Walk in the light as He is in the Light,” (1 John 1:7). “Ye are the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). 2x2s must hold a higher standard than the world: “except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:20).
Jesus only mentioned being an example twice in the New Testament (John 13:15 and Mat 1:19).
One of their chief aims is to be noticed by not being like any other church group. Rather than being impressed to be like Jesus, some children are given the idea that they need to be, first and foremost, “unlike the world.” That was the only way they knew to “be a good testimony” to others and to show that we were the only people on earth who were living right.
The Scripture instructs to “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22), but the definition of “evil” may differ from person to person. Jesus was not afraid of the appearance of evil concerning the traditions of his day. He shocked people right and left .
Eldon Tenniswood said, “Some of our people who once took a little wine became alcoholics. The world uses it so much. I feel it is best to avoid all appearance of evil” (California Young People’s Meeting, 1982).
From a Baptism Handout for NSW, Australia: “The Lord has always laboured to make His people different. We are intended to be different in spirit, different in appearance, different in our manner of life. This is what makes us shine as lights in the world around us (Philippians. 2:15)…Our only hope of being a light is by being different.”
GUIDELINE SUMMARY: The above are some of the guiding principles Workers frequently take into consideration when forming their traditions and unwritten rules which will be discussed below under the following headings: Outward Appearance, Entertainment, Marriage, Home, Meetings and Conventions. But first, a little background history.
Source: Excerpt from History of 2×2 Traditions on Telling The Truth website:
https://tellingthetruth.info/history_articles/rules-history.php