Well, I was just reading a post in one of the blogs I regularly read, and I saw that she had written on the topic of head coverings. I started wearing a head covering during worship last fall, so I thought I'd reply to her post, even though -- poor thing! -- she didn't ask me to! So in a spirit of humility, and not trying to say that I've got anything figured out, I would like to explain why I wear one.
I agree with her -- a head covering is not "commanded" in the Bible, per se. However, if I am to take Scripture literally, then I must admit that 1 Corinthians 11 says I should wear a head covering IF I want to pray or prophesy in the context of the local church, otherwise I am dishonouring my "head" and that it is a shame.
But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. (1 Cor. 11:5-6)
Yes, head coverings were a custom in Old Testament times. We can see examples of this in Genesis 24:64-65, Numbers 5:18, and several places in the prophets. Were they necessarily a custom in Corinth? Not all scholars agree. An interesting view on this is written about here.
She writes that veils are something that hide, that separate, that cover. I agree! Yes, the vail (KJV spelling) in the temple was to separate us from a holy God, because of our sinfulness. This veil was torn when Christ, our passover Lamb, spilled His blood (Matt. 27:51). Today, we don't need that veil because we have direct access to God through Christ.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)
But the reason given for covering our heads in 1 Corinthians 11 is not the same context as free access to God through Christ. Paul gives several reasons for head covering:
1. To show proper honor to our God-given authority.
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (1 Cor. 11:3)
Christ showed authority to His head, His Father. (See John 14:10-13 as just one example.) When we pray or prophesy without showing the chain of authority to which we willingly submit, we are giving dishonor to our head -- our husbands. I believe God enjoys object lessons; we are children, and we need visible, tangible reminders of His ways. (Examples: Deuteronomy 11:16-21, Exodus 12 with Passover, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 with the Lord's supper, among many others) Some women may be able to show proper honor and respect without heeding the object lesson, but I've found it's much easier with it on my head.
2. To show that I am made in the image of man.
For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. (1 Cor. 11:7-9)
This isn't something I'd want to get too dogmatic about, but I do find it interesting that this is what Paul says. (Different opinion? Send me a comment.) Notice also what Genesis says.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)
3. Because of the angels
Paul also writes that someday we will judge angels. I believe angels are watching us. If we are not willing to submit to God and to our husbands, why should we be deemed competent to judge angels someday?
4. To show marital interdependence
Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. (1 Cor. 11:13-15)
I find it very interesting that head coverings are still normal for most women in cultures around the world today. I find it interesting that even here in the United States, head coverings were normal, especially in church worship, until only a few decades ago. I don't believe we should lightly cast away 5 millennia of traditions, simply because it isn't the custom now. Rather, we should ask why it was the tradition. Could it be that, as you research this issue, you'll find that the tradition was based on a careful understanding of Scripture? I'll let you do your own searching on this, as I have.
In the blog I was reading, the author mentioned that Paul did not wish to be contentious about this issue:
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. (1 Cor. 11:16)
I don't believe that the King James Version is inspired of God (although I do believe God's Word is inspired in its original texts), so I'd like to note on how others have translated this verse:
- But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. (NASB)
- If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God. (NIV)
To me, though, none of these arguments are the reason I started to cover my head. To me, this is not a social or cultural issue; nor is this solely an issue of submission (since I know a few Godly women who are submissive to their husbands yet do not cover their heads). To me this is an issue of the authority of Scripture. Covering my head is not politically correct. It is not "church" correct, either. I'll look a little odd, won't I? (Not necessarily; I agree with the conclusion this author comes to.)
When the Bible says to do something, will I obey? This is a question I have been asking myself repeatedly in many areas over the last year. Sadly, I've often had to answer, "No, Lord, I'm not obeying." To obey makes me "peculiar" (1 Peter 2:9), and it requires laying down my own will.
Do our churches obey the last half of 1 Corinthians 11? Then why is the first half a "cultural issue"? If the first half is "not for today," then what about every other verse in the Bible? Can I explain away all of those, too? Get out your scissors! Let's cut out everything that we don't like! Snip, snip...
So, while I may not understand and I often don't like it, I will choose to obey. I am praying that my obedience in this outward, obvious thing will prompt others to ask me why I'm doing it!
~Anne
Comments
Mar. 4, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by audreys
Very good rebuttal. I agree.
Audrey
www.homefullofboys.blogspot.com
Mar. 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by tami lewis
AGREED!! i always wonder why we follow the 2nd half of the chapter but not the first!
i too wear a headcovering for church. :)
Mar. 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by tami lewis
oops! i forgot to add my blog link www.agodlyhomemaker.blogspot.com
Mar. 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by FollowingTheAncientPaths
Excellent post. Thank you. I have been covering full time for a year and a half (maybe two years now?). I have to say that I feel "naked" without it, my family seems to feel the same (even at midnight when I have to get up with one of the kids), and that I can't imagine not covering now. Covering was a decision I wrestled with for a very long time before I decided to follow the conviction my heart had been feeling. I have been nothing but blessed since!
Again, great post and thank you for sharing it. :)
Blessings ~
Lisa
Mar. 13, 2008 - Thank you ever so much!
Posted by Becky Kelly
Hey Anne!
I was just checking out your website today and discovered your blogging sites. Thank you for this particular post. We are actually talking about 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 next Monday in my Pauline class. Our subject is Paul and his views on women. Thank you for these words. I may just have this site up on my computer on Monday when we're talking about this subject.
I pray things are going well for you! Your kids are getting so big!
Mar. 25, 2008 - Headcovering
Posted by littlebearuk
Shalom!
If you're interested, I run a very low volume Messianic group at yahoo for ladies who cover or are considering covering. It started out originally as a group for the UK but I think now we have at least an equal amount of American ladies too! You'd be most welcome to join, and it would be great if you'd consider copying your post on covering to the group!
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/headcoveringUK/
x
Shoshana
Apr. 15, 2008 - Following the New Testament word for word
Posted by kerrcl
I found your blog via the random blogger this morning. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on head coverings. I have a few questions for you - something to think about.
1) What is required for salvation? This is the biggest issue where people like to pick and choose which verses to follow. "then what about every other verse in the Bible? Can I explain away all of those, too? Get out your scissors! Let's cut out everything that we don't like! Snip, snip..."
2) What do your husband and your sons wear? Using your argument of tradition, then men should be wearing robes and what can generally be described as dresses. By inspiration, Paul gave us the answer to covering our heads in I Cor 11:15 - But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering- Paraphrasing what you said, we must take the entire New Testament into consideration when we address issues, not individual verses. Paul is telling us in the verses preceding verse 15 that women do indeed need to have their heads covered and that not doing so is disgraceful and then he tells us what covering to use - our hair.
Thank you for your insights. I enjoyed reading them.
Jul. 12, 2008 - Your March 2008 headcoverings post
Posted by Kathy Aprile
Anne, I agree with your conclusion! My personal belief is God says we are to "cover" our heads at all times, not only when praying or prophesying in public worship. It was what O.T./N.T. Godly women did, to honor their "head," (husband) authority (a dad), and God (final authority) "because of the angels." This is confirmed in several places in God's Word and by a link to "bible-researcher." It's my personal conviction. I do not press it on others. Thank you so much for sharing, Anne! ~ kasawisdom@gmail.com
Jul. 12, 2008 - Your March 2008 headcoverings post
Posted by Kathy Aprile
Anne, Read more comments to your post. To those who oppose headcovering, the key to understanding I Corin. 11, verses 4-7, 10, 13, 15 is in looking up the original Greek words used for each word for "covered" or "uncovered" or "covering." And "power on her head because of the angels" (in verse 10) should be thoughtfully studied by all of us. Words do matter! Greek is very specific. Jewish and Greek customs in clothing, at the time of Paul's writing must be studied, also. The context for this passage may be that Paul was correcting the believing women who were using a pagan cult religious practice of "uncovering" their heads and standing up and speaking aloud in a public worship situation -- this was against God's commands! Paul chose to remind everyone that women are under the authority of husbands, who are under the authority of Messiah, and Messiah is under the authority of God. Believing women should show honor to their rightful authorities. If both evil and good angels "notice," then we should think about how our lives, as women, will be affected by our choosing to "cover," or not to "cover," with an attitude of meekness, humility and Godly, Biblical modesty. kasawisdom@gmail.com