The Main Point
Background, Context, and Text
The Traditions
Symbolism
Authority
Not the Hair
Shorn, Shaved, Shamed
Angels
Prayer
Even Nature Itself
Woman's Glory
Paul's Amazing About-Face?
Ancient Culture
Spiritual Gifts
All the Time?
What and How?
Biblical Woman
DOES IT MATTER?
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
Links
Baptism
To the Christian Newly Born
The Sabbath
Hi Joyce,
ReplyDeleteThe teaching of head coverings has only recently come to my attention, it was previously something I knew nothing about and this is not practised in the majority of churches in Ireland. There are still some small denominations where women wear hats during church (berets). During ‘lockdown’ God has been at work in me and transforming me spiritually. I want to honour God and therefore since reading these verses I have been earnestly seeking. I believe the teaching you have given and had been shown that same understanding. My only question is: if I am praying on my own or with my husband or children or at a prayer meeting or in small group or with other women (all of which are outside the Sunday church service) should I be wearing a head covering? And the same question for when I am singing songs of worship to God during my quiet time or in the home? Thank you for any clarity you can give me on this.
God bless,
Emma
Hi Emma,
DeleteThanks so much for your comment -- it is great to know other women are seeking the true meaning of this scripture. I cover my head during the worship assembly on Sunday, and also during corporate Bible study on Wednesday evening, Ladies' Bible class Tuesday morning, my own individual private Bible study/ hymn-singing at home throughout the week, and my own private prayers. I do not cover my head at any other time.
My reasons are this: The passage directly says when "praying or prophesying". Prayer is not limited in the passage to any specific time or occasion, and therefore it must simply mean whenever I pray. (the section on "Prayer" elaborates on this point and also explains why 1 Thess. 5:16-18 ("pray without ceasing") does not necessitate wearing a covering all the time throughout the day. (see also the "All the Time" section on that point).
I believe that we no longer have the spiritual gift of prophesying (1 Cor. 13:8-10) but that we still have the end-product of that gift, which of course is the Bible, the Word of God. We are in God's presence whenever we come before Him speaking to Him (prayer) and also whenever we come before Him for Him to speak to us (reading & studying the Bible).
Also, I must respect the silence of the scripture -- the word "only" is not found in this passage (if you read the third point on pages 41 & 42 under the "Spiritual Gifts" section you can see the implications of this).
When I am singing hymns of praise, I am singing TO God, so basically it's the same as giving thanks and praise in prayer. I am in God's presence, and I want to give honor to HIM and it doesn't matter whether I am in any other human being's presence or not.
Worship is directed from each individual human heart "in spirit" to its Creator (John 4:24) --- and worship is done whether in or outside of a formal worship assembly. "By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff." (Heb. 11:21) Jacob was in his bed on this occasion when he worshiped (Gen. 49:33)
To sum it up: the meaning of the symbol is spiritual modesty, glory to God not to Man; and that's what worship is. Worship is giving glory to God. When I cover my head I am making a statement without saying a word. So if I pray to God on Thursday evening before I go to bed, and I speak to God with my mouth or in my thoughts: "Hallowed be Your name", but my actions (not covering my head) say: "I'm showing of Man's authority and glory in Your presence" --- I would be contradicting myself. I would not be consistent.
I hope this helps. It is kind of difficult to explain it completely within the limits of a comment, but I think if you'll take a look at those 3 sections (the "Prayer" section, the "All the Time" section, and the 3rd point in the "Spiritual Gifts" section) that will help explain what I mean.
Thanks again for your comment. Please let me know if you have any insights I have missed, or if I can be of any further help.
Blessings,
Joyce
I’m so excited that I “stumbled” upon your YouTube video and website tonight. For months, my sister and I have been creating a Bible study on headcoverings. We have come to many of the same conclusions you have. We even created similar visuals! 🙂 I would love to include your video and links to your blog in our study!
ReplyDeleteKerri, That's wonderful! I'm so glad to hear about other women who are studying this passage with an open mind. You are more than welcome to link my video and blog to your study :) Thanks! I'd love to take a look at your study as well -- can you tell me its web address?
DeleteThank you for your interest and encouragement! Our Bible study is currently a Google Slide show in the making. If you give me your address, I can invite you as a commenter. I plan to add your video and links today. Your authority argument addresses the third question we raised in our introduction, so I want to figure out where to add a slide to link to your treatment of it. I'm looking forward to working on it today with these new resources!
DeleteMy email address is joycealice@verizon.net I had a little trouble with my email yesterday but I think it is straightened out now. I probably won't have too many comments to make but I really do appreciate the invitation and am most interested to see your study; thanks!
DeleteI’m so excited that I “stumbled” upon your YouTube video and website tonight. For months, my sister and I have been creating a Bible study on headcoverings. We have come to many of the same conclusions you have. We even created similar visuals! 🙂 I would love to include your video and links to your blog in our study!
ReplyDelete