The Bible does not directly address the issue of wearing hats in church. However, there are some principles and passages that can provide wisdom on this topic.
Principles from 1 Corinthians
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul addresses proper decorum in worship gatherings. He writes:
But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. (1 Corinthians 11:3-7, ESV)
From this passage, we can extract some principles:
- Men should pray and worship with their heads uncovered, as a sign of Christ’s headship.
- Women should pray and worship with their heads covered, as a sign of male headship and female modesty.
- Covering or uncovering one’s head during worship was a cultural symbol of respect and submission to proper authority.
While some believe this teaching was intended only for Corinthian cultural customs, others think the principle behind the teaching still applies. Those who take the latter view believe all people should remove hats and caps during prayer and worship as a sign of respect.
Being Sensitive to Others
Paul also teaches several times that Christians should be sensitive to the conscience and scruples of others in worship. For example:
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. (Romans 14:13, ESV)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31-32, ESV)
From this, we learn that deference and concern for others should guide our conduct and attire in worship services. If wearing a hat would offend or be a stumbling block to others in your faith community, foregoing a hat would be the loving option.
Male Spiritual Leadership
Some who believe hats should not be worn in church appeal to the biblical teaching on male leadership and headship:
I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. (1 Timothy 2:12-13, ESV)
For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. (1 Corinthians 11:8-9, ESV)
They argue that the wearing of hats by men in leadership positions undermines biblical authority structures by covering the God-given physical distinction between men and women.
Cultural Symbolism of Hats
Some argue that for much of Western history, wearing a hat indoors was considered rude and conveyed disrespect. Taking one’s hat off was a way to show humility, deference, and honor to those present. They believe continuing this cultural symbol today demonstrates proper reverence for God in worship settings.
However, it’s important to recognize that such cultural norms have changed over time and mean different things in different contexts. Rigidly adhering to past cultural practices can inhibit the gospel’s spread across cultures where such meanings are lost.
Respect for God
Those who argue against wearing hats in church services often point to biblical calls to honor and reverence God:
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! (Psalm 95:6, ESV)And there shall come forth a rod from the stem of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-2, NKJV)They contend showing up to worship God casually with a hat conveys an irreverent attitude.
Church Policies on Head Coverings
Many churches, especially more formal or liturgical ones, prohibit the wearing of hats by men or women during services as a matter of policy or tradition. If you attend such a church, submitting to its authority structure by following its guidelines demonstrates godly character and membership unity.
The Bible does not definitively address whether Christians today should wear hats in church or not. Each church must decide for itself based on cultural sensitivities, respect for authority, concern for unity, and reverence for God. If it is offensive to others, flouts leadership, or causes discord, refraining from wearing hats seems advisable. If the cultural symbolism is ambiguous or neutral, wearing hats is more of a personal choice.
Examples of Specific Passages Referenced
Here are some examples of specific Bible passages that are often brought up in relation to hats and head coverings during worship:
1 Corinthians 11:2-16
2 Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5 but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. 6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. 7 For a man 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 was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.
This passage is at the heart of the debate over head coverings during worship. Some see it as a continued command for women to pray and prophesy with heads covered. Others view it as addressing specific Corinthian cultural customs that are not universally applicable today.
1 Corinthians 14:33b-35
As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.
Some interpret this passage to mean women should not wear hats in church because that symbolizes spiritual authority, which Paul reserves here for men.
Exodus 3:4-6
When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Moses removing his sandals in God’s presence is seen as an example of the reverence we should show in worship settings.
Psalm 5:7
But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.
Some interpret fearing God and bowing down before Him as incompatible with casually wearing hats in a worship service.
Differing Views on Wearing Hats in Church History
There is evidence of differing views on head coverings during church history as well:
- The early church father Tertullian (c. 160 – c. 220 AD) wrote that women should wear veils during worship.
- Augustine (354 – 430 AD) indicated that Paul’s teaching on head coverings was a temporary concession to culture, not a universal requirement.
- In the Middle Ages, women wore head coverings to church in keeping with 1 Corinthians 11. Men often removed hats during worship as a sign of respect.
- Some of the Reformers like John Calvin (1509 – 1564) opposed mandatory head coverings for women, saying Paul’s teaching was for Corinthian society only.
- The Lutheran Augsburg Confession of 1530 affirmed covering women’s heads during worship ceremonies.
- In the 1800s, many American Protestant churches abandoned strict policies mandating women’s head coverings.
- Today’s Messianic Jewish congregations often require women to wear head coverings during services.
As we can see, opinions have varied widely across Christian history on appropriate headware during church services. This confirms that the Bible does not definitively settle the issue.
Principles for Modern Churches to Consider
When evaluating policies on wearing hats during church services today, here are some principles churches may want to consider:
- Pray for wisdom, sensitivity to others, and unity.
- Study the Scriptures thoroughly and discuss as a leadership team.
- Consider your church’s culture, traditions, demographics, and values.
- Think through what messages head coverings communicate in your setting.
- Aim for modesty, respect, deference, and reverence as appropriate.
- Focus on teaching people how to honor God from the heart, not just external rules.
- Decide whether unity on this matter is important for your congregation’s purpose.
- Implement church policies humbly, explaining them graciously.
- Make allowances for irony, ignorance of cultural norms, personal conviction, and disability if possible.
- Rely on sound biblical teaching on conscience and Christian freedom to grant wisdom in disputed matters of opinion.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible does not definitively answer whether or not Christians today should wear hats during church services. There are good arguments on both sides stemming from cultural symbolism, church traditions, respect for leadership, sensitivity to others, reverence for God, and biblical interpretations. Each church must carefully seek God’s wisdom and guidance concerning if and how to establish a policy on appropriate headwear during corporate worship events. With prayer, biblical study, and discernment, church leaders can decide what best suits their faith community.
