Ask Derek the Cleric: Socks and sandals?

Derek answers an important fashion question: is wearing socks with open-toed sandals still the summer dress code for Christian men?

A jolly pertinent question bearing in mind the recent spell of clement weather we have enjoyed in this fair isle but one that will certainly hit a 'raw nerve' as far as my good lady wife is concerned.

Whilst I endeavour to be 'cutting edge' in certain matters (we now have an overhead projector at St.Cliff's added to which I am seriously considering replacing the 'dial-up' facility on my computer with something called 'broadband') when it comes to my wardrobe I am perhaps not quite as 'with it' as perhaps she would like.

That said, it is not for the want of trying.

Once, in a bid to be 'all things to all people' I adorned my personage with one of the ubiquitous W.W.J.D. bracelets in an attempt to denote complicity with the youth of St.Cliff's.

My downfall was assuming it to be some sort of rubbery (and stretchy) 'trendy' clerical collar and only after all but choking myself to an inch of my life was I duly enlightened as to its intended location on the human form.

Thus you will not need to be Sherlock Holmes to conclude that fashion sense and this humble clergyman are not particularly well acquainted.

It will come as no surprise also to discover that the 'raw nerve' I mentioned at the outset is none other than the 'fashion crime' alluded to in your question.

In my defence, if it were not for the painful pedal affliction of bunions I would be more than prepared to consider forsaking the comfort of wearing ankle socks with my summer sandals if it lessened my good lady wife's embarrassment at my choice of seasonal attire.

That it is a condition which St.Cliff's prayer ministry team has yet to 'crack' leaves me with little choice once again as to my summer footwear options.

I trust that my answer (whilst no doubt offering little solace to those who would prefer such iconic Christian stereotyping to be cast into a certain fiery lake) is of some help.

I note that whilst the question you raised is an indication that our views on this matter perhaps differ somewhat I am heartened by the fact that you did not ask as to my opinion on whether or not Christians should adorn the rear windows of their automobiles with the ever-popular rainbow-coloured 'fish' badge.

I can only conclude that your silence on this matter indicates that whilst we may be at odds as to the matter of dress code we can at least agree upon the 'highway code' for Christians.

Onward and upward

Derek

Post Scriptum: Whilst I would not claim to be the Jean Paul Gaultier of Christian fashion you will be pleased to know that I have dipped my be-socked toe into this heady world and you can now purchase a tee-shirt with my visage upon it.

Derek the Cleric is the fictitious creation of award-winning writer and illustrator Andy Robb. Find out more about Derek the Cleric (and Andy Robb) on Derek's Website.