Head Covering-Not So Simple An Answer  

It is not my intention to start a debate, cause trouble, or to confuse some who are already confused by the head covering issue. It is also not my intent to force anyone to accept my beliefs. I pretty well had my mind made up that the head covering was not for today and that a woman's hair was her covering scripturally.

It wasn't until my daughter recently approached me with the question that I reconsidered the issue and began to research it further. I know that because of my research my views have changed somewhat but I believe that this is an issue that each woman or couple must decide for themselves. The text that seems to cause controversy is I Corinthians 11:1-16 which I will not list here but you can and should look up for yourselves.

Answer: What I found in my research is there are many, many cultures today who practice head covering as both a form of modesty and for religious reasons. It is least used in America, England, and other countries where fashion has become the norm.

Consider the fact that the world rules fashion. One must consider fashion in light of what the Bible says about Christian character and principles. Personally, our family tries to be like the world as little as possible. In terms of modesty, sometimes what is considered “modest” clothing sold on stores is really immodest, by Christian standards.

If it is a cultural phenomenon, then it has lasted for several thousands of years and in several cultures, not just with the nation of Israel. Historical art dating back several thousand years depicts the use of head coverings as common on women, including some societies including the Greek's and Roman's.

It has only been during the last two-hundred years or so that it has not been as widespread. There are many Jewish sects who still practice and preach head coverings, mostly for married women, based on Old Testament law along with historical writings by former Rabbi's and Jewish scholars. This discounts the fact that Paul may have only been writing about a custom of the past that was only important to the culture of the time in which he lived. All one has to do is type "head covering" in a search engine and listings of several Jewish sites will appear defending the practice of head covering.


One problem we have in understanding the purpose of head covering is that current Christianity is so far removed from the Jewish culture and there are many things they do we don't understand. Add to this the symbol of the head covering on women becomes lost among all the forces of feminism, fashion, and peer pressures.

In those cultures past and present where head covering is mentioned it predominantly symbolizes a woman's belonging to another and his authority over her. It is similar to the symbol the wedding ring gives in our society only much more. This places current views on the subject within the bounds of and is consistent with Paul's dealing with it in scripture. This truth is also confirmed by articles found in Jewish books and Jewish sites that quote past texts as well as Old Testament scripture where they defend it. I will state here that to the best of my current knowledge there are only two scriptures that deal with head covering in the Bible. One is the Old Testament verse found in Numbers 5:18. This verse summarizes what a man should do if he believes his wife has been unfaithful. The second verse is the one in question which is I Corinthians 11:1-16.

It is difficult to separate modern feminism and it's effects on our society and Christianity. Christian women of only 100 years ago would not even wear pants as men do. How much more difficult for the modern Christian man or woman in our society to understand head covering? As I read articles it was evident there is peer pressure even in Jewish culture to conform to more modern views regarding head covering and it's supposed lack of usefulness by those who hold a more modern view against it's use.

Another fact that may be overlooked in the issue of hair is it's use in advertising, modeling, and the selling of products. Consider the seductive photos in magazines of women with shiny, flowing, soft hair. Even in only what are called “head shots” there is the seductive and appealing look. This is done on purpose to manipulate people into buying products whether in the sale of magazines and hair coloring or clothing and makeup. When considering wearing head coverings for modesty reasons one should take this into account also.


Answer: The very fact Paul addresses the issue proves he dealt with the same misunderstanding in his society that we deal with today, that is, a lack of understanding by Christians in regard to head covering on women. The issue is not a new one nor as culture bound as one might think. Paul addresses the same issues as evident by the abundance of articles, books, and pamphlets available through sites on the internet, not only by Christians, but religious peoples in many societies including Jewish.


Answer: Well, yes/no. While there seems to be no direct command, Paul does state in I Corinthians 11:2 that we should follow the ordinances, meaning rules or traditions, he has delivered to us and one could take this as a command in the context of the verses following about head covering. Also, we must consider this scripture in comparison to the fact that all scripture is given to us for doctrine, reproof, and instruction but especially Paul's writings to us as gentiles should be heeded since he is the Apostle to the gentiles.


Answer: Unfortunately this question shows how in tune we are with the world and fashion. To be honest, my first thought when my daughter approached me about the head covering issue was, “aren't you going to look unattractive,”. What I found in my search was there are many beautiful head coverings available for women. It surprised me in some of the photos on the internet how attractive women could be that wore head coverings. Head coverings come in many wonderful styles and colors. I think this question is probably more the result of what the world has determined to be beautiful and what we as a society and as Christians have accepted to be beautiful.


Answer: I agree. I think that it is a matter of the heart. My daughter approached me because she is concerned with modesty and she wondered whether she should do it or not to be more modest. I think head covering will be a natural question that will eventually draw a woman who begins to seriously consider modesty for herself. In my opinion it is most importantly a matter of the heart.

I personally am encouraged by my daughter's concern for her modesty and the decisions for modesty that were made by her with the influence of other Godly women's writings or CD's that she has listened to. No one ever forced her, or her sister, to make the decisions they have made in these areas of their lives. Why wouldn't I agree with any area that will increase their protection and purity?

I want my daughter's to first of all want to obey God, and secondly obey me as a result of their submission to God and not the letter of the law. To me there is nothing worse than forcing practical results for what should be a result of spiritual change in the heart. There are times this is necessary in a family but as a whole it often doesn't work.



Answer: Good question. I don't know. One point of view is to cover the hair completely and another that it doesn't matter. I guess a woman would have to make that decision on her own. To some extent it would matter as to why you were wearing a head covering in the first place. From the point of view of it being for modesty sake you could say that even a little hair could look enticing and there is a valid reason for covering it completely. The curves and shapes of almost any part of the female body can be enticing to a man including the softer hair around the ears or neckline. It might also appear to another man that a woman who is only partially covering her hair might be doing so because she secretly hopes to entice men. If you are considering wearing a hair covering because you want to show your submission to God and your husband then you may also consider not covering it fully may be viewed as a portion of your heart that is not submitted to him.



Answer: There is nothing scripturally one way or the other. I am open to anyone who can find one. However, if you are considering wearing one, take into account that a single girl under her father's care does have someone over her, that is, her father and the Lord. Also, a single woman has the church and the Lord. You may want to consider it for modesty sake. In any case the real answer is what you are being led by the Holy Spirit to do.

My final thoughts

• Head covering can be a beautiful thing as an expression by a woman for the sake of her husband and as a symbol of her submission to Christ.

• It can be another step of modesty if done as a matter of personal faith and it is of the heart. There are many beautiful head coverings available and one may still be modest while showing inner beauty and outer beauty.

• It was not just the culture of Paul's day as there are many cultures that still practice it including many Jewish sects in and outside of Israel and in light of so many internet sites, books, as well as historical writings, paintings and sculptures across so many centuries as infallible proofs.

Some links to other sites, certainly not an exhaustive list:

http://www.scrollpublishing.com/store/head-covering-history.html
http://www.bible-researcher.com/headcoverings3.html
http://www.biblicalresearchreports.com/headcoveringmyths.php
http://www.thoseheadcoverings.zoomshare.com/1.shtml
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/practices/Ethics/Our_Bodies/Clothing/Hats_and_Head_Coverings.shtml

Some Clothing Links to head coverings

http://www.prayercoverings.com/
http://www.coveryourhair.com/