As a consequence, safe standards are worked out using biblical principles which aid in maintaining testimony by establishing safe boundaries away from the precipice of sin. The convictions developed in recognition of sinful self surrender personal freedom. Taboos, however, are usually imposed upon someone else by one who thinks he needs it. Sometimes the authority figure does not even keep his own taboo. This of course undermines the legitimacy of the taboo and other teachings of the taboo-giver, many of which may be good.
Convictions allow a measure of toleration for others who differ.
Taboos demand conformity. Because convictions are personally developed and automatically lead to humility and meekness, a person of convictions feels more comfortable living his beliefs than trying to impose on someone else what God has given him. Every organization, whether it be the Marines, IBM, a church, or a Christian school has some type of standards which are necessary to insure institutional identity, acceptable performance and behavior, and equity. It is important for any Christian school to have an identity distinct from public schools and even other Christian schools, A goal of most fundamental Christian schools is to reflect in the student body outward symbols of holiness and purity. In our society, for example, a neat, clean, well-kept appearance is often considered consistent with godliness, Hence, Christian schools which desire to communicate this quality to the world develop dress and hair standards to meet these goals.