Of course I would be very pleased if the world around us became less polarized to opposing views that we hold.

Adam, I’m embarrassed to say that I’d never made that connection. But I think you may be right.

Anyway, for a hoot, go read Gospel Principles by Joseph F. Smith and listen to the evils of displaying calves of women.

My wife has wondered out loud on several occasions how the early latter-day saints managed to have as many children as they did, given the — um — attractiveness of the womens’ garment.

Modestly is like other boundaries, though, in that it works better at separating ourselves out from the general culture then it does at separating us from conservative evangelicals and Catholics. Sabbath observance, marrying young and having kids, and even modesty, are all only partial barriers with respect to these groups. They simultaneously separate us out from the mass but align us with other separatist elements within the mass.

The Word of Wisdom frankly is a bit the same way. Preachers were railing for years about Demon Rum before we got firm about him. The Word of Wisdom became mandatory about the time the Temperance Movement got Prohibition passed.

There were some unique features that did distinguish us, of course, viz. the prohibitions against tobacco and coffee and tea, especially the latter two. I still get pretty weird looks for the latter or the instantaneous, oh, you must be Mormon.

You make a very good point here. I hadn’t thought of formal gear for chicks. Even the relatively modest gowns don’t cover garments.

I don’t know where you live, but I’m guessing it’s in the northern latitudes. Non-endowed women wear considerably less clothing at all ages in the summertime down here.

Also consider the problem of eveningwear. I can’t think of a single instance in which I’ve seen an evening gown that would be suitable for garment-wearers on a non-Mormon.

Kaimi–

As for slutwear, didn’t you hear? Modesty is the new black.

Also, this does not have to be an obvious thing. Biblically speaking circumcision was such a boundary. But you wouldn’t know who was or was not participating by them walking down the street.

If we assume as the Post asks us to that polygamy was such a boundary and is now replaced by the WoW, we can consider what things may replace the WoW. I would imagine that as temples become more abundant in all corners of the world where the saints have gathered that temple attendance and recommend worthiness would be the next logical step.

This may incorporate the WoW but will extend to circumstances of modest dress AND action. Yes modesty is more than just physical appearance. It would also include p0rnography, honesty, adherence to existing covenants and personal testimonies. These would be inward boundaries that LDS saints would know separates them from the world and the external boundaries would be seen by the world only by those who know LDS do or don’t adhere to such things.

In my example there are a few things that are don’ts but I would also say that boundaries would be inclusive of the things we DO as well. This could lead to religious affirmation in a world that is becoming increasingly secular. LDS may be asked to publicly and vocally proclaim the gospel when the world around us wants us to keep silent.

Theologically the term takes on a different meaning. We talk about boundaries of appetites and desires, which the Lord has set. These may be more or less visible and may or may not constitute a social boundary. We also talk about distinguishing marks on God’s people, but these also are not the same as boundaries in the social scientific sense, since God’s purpose in making his people distinctive and special is not (or not only) cohesion of the community, preventing ‘free-riding’, etc., but indeed saving the whole world.