Headcovering

[a pilgrim]

My wife and daughters started covering around 2000. We mostly fellowshipped up until that point in independent baptist churches. Once we started covering, (the wife and girls,) we started looking for other believers who did so also. We have been told that the covering is only a cultural thing, or just for the Corinthians. I wrote the following for
the brethren who consider the hair the only covering please consider:

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. I Cor. 11:16

Many who disagree with the covering on sisters seem to see this as the verse which UNDOES everything Paul just got done explaining. In other words, and I paraphrase:

But, if any man seem to be causing contention, i.e., division, trouble, etc., over this covering issue, don't worry about covering, it is not a custom we believer, neither do the churches of God." (Ug!)

This is a gross misinterpretation if we take the verse into context. Look at Pauls openning remarks in this chapter:

1Cor11:1Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
1Cr 11:2 ¶ Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.
1Cr 11:3 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.
1Cr 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having [his] head covered, dishonoureth his head.
1Cr 11:5 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.

Paul wants the readers to remember him, the giver of "ordained" things. I have thought about this from time to time and we can get hung up on our preconception of the word ordinance. Most say, the church has two, the Lord's Supper, and Baptism. But, that is not so. The ordinance, simply means, things that are ordained of God, or set in order. The headship teaching is one of the things that are ordained of God. Verse five shows what the Christian sister's part is in that ordinance.

1Cr 11:5 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.

Why, oh dear brethren, would Paul make such a bold statement, and then turn around several verses later and say, "Well, we actually don't follow this custom, neither do the churches!?!?!?!"

This is contradictory and confusion and God is not the author of counfusion. Yes, this is an ordained thing, and a custom. As I have said before, go to the Middle East, go to the Old Country, look at the chaste women...they cover, even if they are not Christian. It is ordained in the creative order. That is why it is/was practiced by so many cultures. Paul, through Holy Writ, ordains it to the Christian sister.

Furthermore, he confirms this is not just for the Corinthians, just as the Epistle to them is for ALL believers to consider.

1Cr 1:1 ¶ Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes [our] brother,
1Cr 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Clearly, this epistle is to them at Corinth and to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, and to all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ...

To deny this is to ignore plain scripture. So, is it the custom for believing sisters to cover, why yes, of course it is. Was it common? Indeed. To argue otherwise would be to cause contention, because the churches have no such custom of ignoring the headship order, and the sisters just throwing the covering to the wind.

I close my remarks with these from, 'Barnes Notes on the Bible,' a very conservative commentary trusted by many beleivers:

But if any man seem to be contentious - The sense of this passage is probably this: "If any man, any teacher, or others, "is disposed" to be strenuous about this, or to make it a matter of difficulty; if he is disposed to call in question my reasoning, and to dispute my premises and the considerations which I have advanced, and to maintain still that it is proper for women to appear unveiled in public, I would add that in Judea we have no such custom, neither does it prevail among any of the churches. This, therefore, would be a sufficient reason why it should not be done in Corinth, even if the abstract reasoning should not convince them of the impropriety. It would be singular; would be contrary to the usual custom; would offend the prejudices of many and should, therefore, be avoided."

We have no such custom - We the apostles in the churches which we have elsewhere founded; or we have no such custom in Judea. The sense is, that it is contrary to custom there for women to appear in public unveiled. This custom, the apostle argues, ought to be allowed to have some influence on the church of Corinth, even though they should not be convinced by his reasoning.

Neither the churches of God - The churches elsewhere. It is customary there for the woman to appear veiled. If at Corinth this custom is not observed, it will be a departure from what has elsewhere been regarded as proper; and will offend these churches. Even, therefore, if the reasoning is not sufficient to silence all cavils and doubts, yet the propriety of uniformity in the habits of the churches, the fear of giving offence should lead you to discountenance and disapprove the custom of your females appearing in public without their veil.

Bro. Ben

 

[Cactus Jack]

Ok, maybe I'm missing it, but what about men? I have wondered that from back when I observed Amish and Quakers (I think) and Jews. But I never could understand why they do it.

 

[a pilgrim]

Tradition. There is no instruction for men to cover, actually, they are told NOT to cover during prayer and prophesying. However, it brings up a good point. If the hair is the covering, and men are to pray and prophesy "uncovered," then should they shave their heads for these two functions?

 

[medieval_lady83]

I've started covering my head during prayer for about 2 months now. One day out of nowhere I had the thought that I wanted to learn about headcovering in Christian history, and that after researching, I would give it a try if I came to the conclusion that it was for today. Based on what I've learned, I do believe these verses are for today. The only thing that's been a little bit of a challenge is what to do about saying grace, especially if I'm going out to eat. I purchased some hats to wear, and I have some scarves, but they don't go with everything. At home it's not a big deal. But in the lunch room at work or in a restaurant, I'm wondering, how do I handle this?

 

[Catherineanne]

I've started covering my head during prayer for about 2 months now. One day out of nowhere I had the thought that I wanted to learn about headcovering in Christian history, and that after researching, I would give it a try if I came to the conclusion that it was for today. Based on what I've learned, I do believe these verses are for today. The only thing that's been a little bit of a challenge is what to do about saying grace, especially if I'm going out to eat. I purchased some hats to wear, and I have some scarves, but they don't go with everything. At home it's not a big deal. But in the lunch room at work or in a restaurant, I'm wondering, how do I handle this?

It is not appropriate for us to draw attention to our devotions, therefore just begin by asking the Lord to cover you with his Grace.

That is more than adequate as an alternative, as long as your intention is to do the right thing.

 

[medieval_lady83]

If the teaching is for today, then the idea is simply to be obedient, without drawing unnecessary attention to myself. The idea of asking God to cover me with his grace seems nice, but not exactly fulfilling the command.

 

[Catherineanne]

If the teaching is for today, then the idea is simply to be obedient, without drawing unnecessary attention to myself. The idea of asking God to cover me with his grace seems nice, but not exactly fulfilling the command.

I think the command to pray in secret is sufficient here. Unless you are going to wear a hat all day every day, then putting one on to pray makes praying itself far too visible. As with any other act of devotion, if it becomes visible, then it is done for men, not for God.

Therefore, the only solution is to remain uncovered at least some of the time, and to accept that just as he hears the prayer that no-one else hears, so he sees the intent to obey that no-one else sees.

Remember; my grace is sufficient for thee. In other words, with that Grace, we need nothing more.

 

[coachboyd1982]

We practice it at church only. If you read through 1 Corinthians, many times the Apostle Paul uses the phrases, when you come together, or when you assemble, do .............. This letter was meant to teach what to do when you meet together, and how a church should be run. Because of this, the ladies in our church wear it when we have services. Now, I also believe that we are free in Christ, as was taught earlier in the same letter. If there are ladies who wish to wear it all the time, great! If that helps you focus on God more to wear it all day, wonderful! It just seems nice to see other Christians following this ordinance, and not just us.

 

[ptomwebster]

Are there any head covering ladies here? I would love to connect and talk!

Do you have any idea why Paul was telling women to cover their heads?

 

[JRSut1000]

1) the head of woman is man
2) For the sake of the angels

 

[Andrew12]

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[Freedom&Light]

I wear a wide headband as a headcovering and symbol of authority on my head. The Lord knows that is why I do this, and I happily tell others if asked. Most people just think I like headbands. I talked to my dad about it and studied the scriptures, and believe I am fulfilling the intent of 1 Cor 11.

 

[a pilgrim]

Whenever we examine a text we need to avoid some natural tendancies.

1. To culturalize a teaching if it is a clear "general teaching" under New Testament thought. The scriptures will make it clear if it is a "local" issue.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15

2. To make it a heart issue, i.e., "God knows my heat..." The heart is unreliable, we must trust the scriptures.

"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered." Prov. 28:26

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jer. 17:9

"Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word." Psalm 119:169

So, was Paul just speaking to those at Corinth? What saith the scriptures:

"Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:" 1 Cor. 1:1,2

You see, these teachings were general because these were issues and tendancies that needed to be dealt with in any congregation anywhere that's why he said this epistle was to, ". . . all that in every place. . . " That's us, too.

God cares that his creation makes an honest representation of what he made. he made men to men and women to be women. Many cultures have attempted, (and somewhat succeeded,) to erase the lines between sexes and their rolls in home and society. This is a very important issue and men and women of God need to seek where they are to be and be there for the testimony of Christ.

"For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels." 1 Cor. 11:10

So, what's with that? Because of the angels? Power on their head? You've got to admit, that's probably one of the more obscure passages on the topic. Is it important? Yes! What do the angels do when they come into the presence of God?

"Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly." Isaiah 6:2

When the angels are int he midst of God, they cover their faces. His holiness is unapproachable. We are called unto holiness. Because of the indwelling Spirit of God, we are always in his presence and you, dear sisters, always have the power of his presence. You are to cover.

Now, it's another topic, but some, (myself included,) would say this is a secondary external covering, i.e., cloth covering, however, we'll leave that to another discussion and suffice it to say, that the long hair is the natural covering God gave you.

God had an angel who covered his awesome glory, but in pride he fell:

"Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire." Ezk. 28:14

That was Lucifer, the bright and shining one. So his presence, as it was represented in the tabernacle was duplicated as follows:

Exodus 25
[17] And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.
[18] And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
[19] And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.
[20] And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
[21] And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
[22] And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

There they are, God's annointed, (for service) cherubs, covering his awesome glory. Sister, your LONG hair is a glory, it is "a" covering. I'd encourage you to wear it to his glory and search and see if he's have you wear a secondary covering of testimony.

Bro. Ben

 

[Miss Elly]

If a piece of cloth could save you, there would be millions of Muslims and africans going to heaven. I thank God that his sacrifice on the cross was all that was ever needed. I don't doubt that some christian folks who practice the "covering" will make it to heaven, but it sounds like a rule some man made up.

 

[medieval_lady83]

Covering your head during prayer isn't about salvation. It's about obeying a teaching found in the New Testament, that Paul said was being practiced by every Christian community. I understand if people wonder whether or not this applies to us today. But rest assured, most headcovering Christian women are not expecting a piece of cloth to get them into heaven. I have read a lot of information on the subject, including forums, blogs, books, testimonies, online communities, etc, and not one of those women has indicated that they see headcovering as essential to salvation. They just believe that the teaching applies to today, so they do it out of obedience. Simple as that.

 

[Jerushabelle]

I've started covering my head during prayer for about 2 months now. One day out of nowhere I had the thought that I wanted to learn about headcovering in Christian history, and that after researching, I would give it a try if I came to the conclusion that it was for today. Based on what I've learned, I do believe these verses are for today. The only thing that's been a little bit of a challenge is what to do about saying grace, especially if I'm going out to eat. I purchased some hats to wear, and I have some scarves, but they don't go with everything. At home it's not a big deal. But in the lunch room at work or in a restaurant, I'm wondering, how do I handle this?

Covering your head during prayer isn't about salvation. It's about obeying a teaching found in the New Testament, that Paul said was being practiced by every Christian community. I understand if people wonder whether or not this applies to us today. But rest assured, most headcovering Christian women are not expecting a piece of cloth to get them into heaven. I have read a lot of information on the subject, including forums, blogs, books, testimonies, online communities, etc, and not one of those women has indicated that they see headcovering as essential to salvation. They just believe that the teaching applies to today, so they do it out of obedience. Simple as that.

Amen Sister! As far as the lunchroom and restaurant is concerned, I have found that it is easy to hold my husband's hand with my left hand and cover my head with my right hand. Works well, honors God and my hubby and does not make my obedience a "look at me" sort of thing.

 

[Catherineanne]

Amen Sister! As far as the lunchroom and restaurant is concerned, I have found that it is easy to hold my husband's hand with my left hand and cover my head with my right hand. Works well, honors God and my hubby and does not make my obedience a "look at me" sort of thing.

I think the attitude behind such covering, and behind wanting to find out what God wants for us, is important and commendable.

Whether we decide to cover or not, the important thing is to ask ourselves how we show in our lives our obedience to God. This may be one way, or we may decide that it isn't. What matters is that we are trying to seek his will for our lives, rather than taking the attitude that we know best, and can decide everything.

Women have a lot of responsbility in life, and I certainly would not advocate abdicating all of these responsibilities and behaving like children, but I think it is right to seek God's will first, whatever else we have to do.

 

[a pilgrim]

It has to do, (also) with the Lordship of Christ. Is he Lord of all? If so, and the head covering is one of his (N.T.) commands, then it's not just going to be a shrug of the shoulders on judgment day. If, he is not Lord of all in the Christian life, (which is obsurd to even consider,) then you're back to the Book of Judges and everyone doing that which is right in their own eyes, which ended up in chaos and bondage. . . a picture of 21st century Christendom.

What if? That's a question I'd like to post. Just what if it was EXACTLY what the Lord wanted you sisters to do, you know, putting that silly little piece of cloth on your head. What if it wasn't silly at all. Then what. Just for a moment, pretend and think about it that way. What would you do? Obey? What about your friends and family? What about society? What about people at church?

What about the Lord?

 

[busdriver72]

I think Romans 14 and the "law of love" would apply here. Though I personally don't think it is an absolute necessity that your head be covered, if it is how you express you love and faith to the Lord...if you are attempting to be obedient and honoring to Him...then we are to not judge you in that....nor are we to try to talk you out of doing it.
Though I think you have the freedom and liberty to NOT do it....you have the freedom and liberty TO do it...and we should all defend your right to do it.
Speaking of the Mennonites....I once lived a community where there were many Mennonite folks. We loved them....did business with them...they would attend specal events at our church and we would attend special events with them. I never found them judgmental of us, nor did they come across as thinking they were better than anyone else.

 

[a pilgrim]

Well put, sis. Thank you for a good spirit!