Should Christian Women Wear Head Coverings?
The practice of Christian women wearing head coverings or veils during worship services is a topic that has been debated throughout church history. There are differing viewpoints on whether or not it is biblical for women to have their heads covered while praying or prophesying in church gatherings. Examining relevant New Testament passages can help provide clarity on what Scripture teaches regarding this tradition.
1 Corinthians 11:2-16
The most direct passage addressing this topic is found in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. The apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth and discusses appropriate practices for men and women while praying and prophesying.
In verse 4, Paul says that every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. It was culturally shameful at that time for Jewish men to cover their heads while praying or prophesying. However, in verse 5, Paul states that every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head. This implies that it was considered proper and honorable during that culture for women to keep their heads covered while engaged in spiritual activities.
Verse 6 indicates that it would be the same as if a woman’s head were shaved if she did not cover it while praying or prophesying. At that time, shaving a woman’s head was associated with shame (Deuteronomy 21:10-12). By not covering her head, Paul states that the woman would disgrace her head, which is her husband according to verse 3.
In verses 7-10, Paul argues that man does not need to cover his head because he is the image and glory of God. But woman is the glory of man, so she ought to have a symbol of authority on her head. The covering on a woman’s head was a sign that she was under the authority of her husband.
Verse 11 makes it clear that in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. There is mutual dependence between male and female. However, in that culture, a wife showed that she was under her husband’s authority by covering her head while praying and prophesying.
In verses 13-15, Paul appeals to what is proper and fitting according to nature, cultural practice, and common sense. He concludes it is disgraceful for a woman to pray or prophesy with her head uncovered based on what was customary at that time.
Therefore, in the culture of Corinth it was considered appropriate and honorable for Christian women to have their heads covered when engaged in spiritual activities during church gatherings. This was a visible sign of being under male authority. However, Paul does not explicitly command women to cover their heads. Rather, he seems to be providing corrective advice based on Corinthian cultural norms.
Modern Application
This passage does not conclusively settle the debate regarding whether or not Christian women today must wear head coverings during times of prayer and worship in church. There are several factors to consider when interpreting how to apply this text.
1) Cultural Context – Paul’s instructions reflect specific cultural understandings about head coverings for that particular time and place. Since modern cultures do not attach the same meaning to head coverings, it is difficult to transfer the symbolism directly into current contexts.
2) Timeless Principles – While head coverings had a distinct meaning in Corinth, the timeless truths remain that women should live under male leadership in the church and home, and they should not draw inappropriate attention to themselves by how they dress. Modesty and submission are still relevant.
3) Church Customs – Throughout church history up to the present, head coverings for women during worship services have been practiced to varying degrees across denominations and geographical locations. Each church community must prayerfully decide what is most appropriate and edifying based on their cultural setting.
4) Personal Conviction – Some women feel strongly led by the Spirit and their understanding of this passage to wear head coverings during worship, while others do not feel obligated if it is not a church expectation. Women should follow their conscience, unless it clearly violates biblical commands.
5) Motivations of the Heart – A woman’s attitude is more important than outward appearance. Wearing a head covering can display humility and respect for leadership, but pride could also motivate this practice. The heart determines true spirituality.
6) Marital Status – Paul references a wife’s need to cover her head in respect to her husband. This implies that unmarried women may have received different instructions on this custom, which is not specified.
7) Angelic Witnesses – Paul mentions angels observing church gatherings in verse 10, which seems to refer back to edicts for Israel’s temple worship. It does not necessarily obligate all churches for all time to mimic Old Testament rituals.
In summary, while the early church evidently saw head coverings for women during times of prayer and prophecy as customary, the New Testament does not universally mandate this practice. Women should be modest and submit to male leadership in the church. Each Christian woman must prayerfully study this passage and follow her conscience. Churches should determine appropriate practices according to their culture. The motivation of the heart is more vital than outward appearance.
Potential Arguments Against Head Coverings
Some of the main arguments given against Christian women wearing head coverings today are as follows:
1) Lack of Explicit Command – Paul does not bluntly command women to cover their heads. He seems to be providing advice relevant to that culture, but does not universally obligate all women everywhere to wear head coverings while praying and prophesying.
2) Cultural Limitation – The symbolism of head coverings was tied to Corinthian culture, which differs vastly from modern societies. Since the meaning does not transfer, neither should the practice. The principle of women honoring male authority remains, but the expression is contextual.
3) Church Tradition – While various denominations have practiced head covering traditions, many major church movements have not strictly enforced this practice throughout all of church history. It does not appear to be an absolute requirement for all churches at all times.
4) Personal Freedom – Christian liberty should allow women to have freedom regarding head coverings, so long as they maintain modesty and submission. The passage does not restrict the conscience absolutely, so freedom should remain.
5) Marital Status – Paul specifically mentions a wife’s obligation to cover her head in reference to her husband. This implies that women who are not married may not be obligated to follow this custom. Scripture does not specify expectations for unmarried women.
6) Ministry Function – This passage only addresses head coverings during times of praying and prophesying. It does not necessitate that women must have their heads covered at all times in church gatherings, but only while engaging in certain spiritual activities.
7) Apostolic Custom – The early apostles and church do not seem to emphasize head coverings as a clear universal requirement in Scripture or church tradition. While it was a common practice, evidence does not support enforcing it as obligatory.
These arguments present reasonable explanations for why head coverings for women may not be strictly mandated today. Women should thoughtfully and prayerfully evaluate these viewpoints along with their own conscience, church teaching, and cultural context.
Potential Arguments For Head Coverings
While there are valid arguments against the necessity of women wearing head coverings today during church services, there are also reasonable arguments in support of this practice, such as:
1) Creation Order – The passage references how man was created first and woman came from man. This creation order remains the same, implying a principle of male headship that women should continue to honor during worship.
2) Angels Present – Paul mentions the presence of angels during church gatherings as a reason women should cover their heads. Assuming angels continue to be present with the church, some argue that the practice should continue.
3) Avoiding Division – Paul praised the Corinthians for holding firmly to the teachings passed down to them, which probably included head coverings for women. Departing from this tradition could cause division in the church.
4) Absolute Propriety – While not phrased as a blunt command, Paul clearly explains that it is proper and disgraceful for a woman to pray or prophesy without her head covered. His language indicates more than just a suggestion in that culture.
5) Timeless Custom – Throughout centuries of church history, head coverings have been the accepted practice for women in many church communities across geographical locations. Widespread continuity supports an ongoing requirement.
6) Prevent Distraction – A woman not covering her head could draw undue attention and distract others from focusing on worship. Head coverings minimize distraction from a woman’s appearance.
7) Symbol of Submission – The head covering was specifically intended as a symbol displaying a wife’s submission to her husband, and women in general to male spiritual authority. This symbolic meaning has not changed.
8) Reject Worldly Ways – Christians are called to reject worldly values and customs that conflict with God’s ways. Some argue that modern avoidance of head coverings reflects worldly influence more than biblical principles.
While one’s interpretation may differ, these arguments present potentially legitimate reasons for maintaining the practice of women wearing head coverings during times of prayer and prophecy in church services today.
Head Coverings in Church History
– 1st Century – Early church writers such as Tertullian indicate head coverings were commonly worn by women during this period. The early church generally followed cultural norms of the day.
– 2nd to 4th Century – Head coverings continued as typical practice but some writers began advocating greater modesty and simplicity to avoid distracting displays of wealth.
– 5th Century – Head coverings remained customary and preachers often railed against fancy hairstyles and immodest appearance of women without veils.
– 6th to 9th Century – Covering the head was still considered part of being properly dressed for women, whether married or single.
– 10th to 12th Century – Art, literature, and church records depict continued expectation of head coverings for women attending worship services.
– 13th Century – Various church councils emphasized head coverings as compulsory, threatening ecclesiastical censures for failing to wear them.
– 14th to 15th Century – Head dresses, veils, and wimples remained standard attire for proper ladies among the upper class, clergy and peasantry alike.
– 16th Century – Protestant reformers such as John Calvin, Martin Luther and John Knox all called for women to wear head coverings and berated those who refused.
– 17th Century – Puritans mandated women’s head coverings. The only exceptions were under age girls or exceptions granted to high nobility.
– 18th Century – Covered heads remained the norm but some groups began to discard in favor of fashion, which church leaders condemned as vain indulgence.
– 19th Century – Head coverings declined further as church discipline and regulation over dress lessened. Lace caps remained common among the elderly.
– 20th Century – Only smaller traditional groups maintained head covering customs. Most mainstream churches abandoned requirement as cultural meanings changed.
– 21st Century – Very few Christian women wear head coverings during church services today. Only some conservative denominations such as Mennonites have preserved this practice.
While nearly universal throughout most of church history, head coverings for women gradually declined over the past three centuries. They remain an important tradition for some Christians, while others do not see biblical obligation based on modern cultural context.
Key Biblical Principles to Uphold
When evaluating the practice of women wearing head coverings for worship, the following biblical principles should be upheld whether one maintains the tradition or not:
1) Divine Order – Scripture teaches that God has appointed distinct roles for male and female which should be honored in church gatherings (1 Corinthians 11:3).
2) Church Unity – Christians should make every effort to preserve unity rather than let disagreements over customs divide (1 Corinthians 1:10).
3) Avoid Distraction – Men and women should be careful not to draw undue attention to outward appearance but focus on the heart and character (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
4) Christian Liberty – Believers have freedom in cultural customs so long as they are thoughtful of others and maintain a clear conscience (1 Corinthians 8:9).
5) Personal Conviction – Christians must make faith-based decisions before God based on study, reason, conscience, and community input (Romans 14:5-6).
6) Do All to the Lord – Whether maintaining a tradition or departing from custom, one’s motives and attitude should align with a desire to glorify God (Colossians 3:17).
7) Love Above All – While seeking to obey Christ’s teachings, showing grace and love is greater than rigidly adhering to traditions and customs (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
Summary
The question of whether or not Christian women today should wear head coverings during church services requires careful analysis. There are reasonable perspectives on both sides of the debate. Each woman must study the Scriptures thoroughly and evaluate the wisdom of church tradition, reason, conscience, and counsel. Every church community also needs to thoughtfully determine which customs are edifying to uphold in their cultural context. Most importantly, Christians must maintain unity and demonstrate Christ-like love, whether they continue this practice or not. The passages in 1 Corinthians 11 provide beneficial guidance that respectful decorum, avoidance of distraction, and honoring of divinely instituted authority should always be maintained when the church gathers for worship.
