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Thoughts of a saint and slave
by Sam Isaacson
Let's start this series with an easy one. You may well have seen this text before, but have another read:
'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...Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.' (1 Corinthians 11:4-6,13-15)
What's the big problem?
Some Bible teachers will tell you that in Roman times a lady with a shaven head was effectively advertising the fact that she was a prostitute. This is absolutely true, so Paul's issue here would immediately appear not to be with short hair in itself, but rather in appearing to be something you are not. In particular, Christians should ensure that they are shining out as those who are not engaging in sinful activities.
In addition, wearing a head covering was a cultural version of a wedding ring; a lady with a head covering was declaring herself to be married. That fits better within this context as well, as the passage is talking about wives rather than women generally.
There's another link to pagan worship at the time. In the first century it was common practice for pagan worshippers to pull their togas over their heads as they worshipped their pagan gods, so the distinction is made between men praying with their head covered (in other words, don't conform to other faiths' customs) and wives (don't make yourself appear to be sexually available when you are married).
How should we obey this passage?
Paul explains how this passage can work in our context in verse 15: '[a woman's long] hair is given to her for a covering'. So here's how we should respond:
- Men: don't conform to other faiths' customs, and keep your hair smart. Don't let your hair make you look like a girl.
- Wives: don't hide your wedding ring or wear revealing clothing at a public meeting.
- All ladies: welcome long hair as your 'glory', which shows your excellence.
So, simple answer to the simple question - should ladies wear hats during Sunday meetings? Yes, if they want to.
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