Head Covering and the Christian Woman of Today
Many arguments exist for and against head covering. Some say God put it in His Word so we must follow it. Others say it is culturally relevant. Some say that the “head” in these verses is figurative and refers to authority. While I do not believe that whether a woman covers her head or not determines where she will spend eternity, I do feel it is a subject worthy of examination. It has been on my heart for some time now, and only recently have I felt courageous enough to delve into this mystery. Secondly, I admonish all who read this read it prayerfully and with an open heart…not open to any persuasion on my part, but open to what God is saying to you, personally, on this subject. Whatever conclusion I come to is irrelevant in light of what God is asking you to do or not do.
First of all, what exactly does Paul say about head covering for men and women?1 Corinthians 11:1-16 in the Amplified Bible says…
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. 6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.
13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her
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