Abstract
Clothing has been shown to have a quantifiable effect on the perceptions of research subjects in a variety of contexts. This study seeks to establish whether this general principle applies to Christian evangelism. While subtle, the study finds that the wearing of a clerical collar leads to measureable differences in the rate at which specific sorts of people approach an evangelist to discuss religion. Wearing a collar increases the rate of engagements with men and nonChristians, relative to wearing business casual clothing. Conversely, wearing a collar leads to fewer engagements with women and Christians. Possible explanations and applications of this disparity are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Curry, E. A. (2016). The Practical Effects of Clerical Clothing on Evangelism: A Quantitative Study. Great Commission Research Journal, 8(1), 104-114. Retrieved from https://place.asburyseminary.edu/gcrj/vol8/iss1/7
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Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
