Headcoverings And Authority

I would very much like to read about your thoughts on a physical veiling for women. In my practice and conviction, which Conservative Quakerism has heavily influence, I see no contradiction between covering one’s hair and being prohibited from speaking the truth of Christ in front of groups of people. I cover for public worship and private prayer.

Hi Anna,

I will be doing an article on the head covering for women including the topic of glory. In 1 Cor. 11 Paul does not prohibit women from speaking in front of the congregation whether covered or uncovered, but he does address the two reasons for covering and how one of those reasons is a shame to Christ. May I ask, why do you cover your hair?

Cheryl,

Interesting and informative blog. I also appreciate your graciousness in dealing with opposing viewpoints… especially considering that I hold one :).

I also look forward to seeing if CBMW will respond and how. I am going to send them an e-mail also asking that they do… considering that I highly respect and have learned from several of the men affiliated with them.

I do, though, have a question for you that I have not seen addressed. If you have addressed it please just point me in the direction.

In 1 Corinthians 11:3 Paul makes at least some kind of connection between:

1. Christ as “head” of every man

2. Husband as “head” of wife (or male of female if anyone prefers)

3. God as “head” of Christ

What is your understanding of the comparison that Paul is making here?

I would like to comment on this discussion.

There are two questions I believe we must ask of 1 Cor. 11:1-2. First what is the meaning of kephale (translated “head”) in this metaphorical usage. And second what kind of an ordering is Paul outlining. Also note that it is “kephale” OF, not kephale over.

If one looks carefully, you can see that it is NOT an hierarchical ordering. An hierarchical ordering is a ladder with items placed meticulously one over another. Such an ordering would be implying that God the father is higher and of more prominence and authority than Christ which scripture does not support. Such an ordering would also include the Holy Spirit and children. And if it were an hierarchical ordering then Paul placed them out of order. Since this involves only three points, these three points need to fit in the exact order they are written. Paul was not a sloppy writer. He had specific points in mind in exactly that order.

In my opinion Paul is addressing certain events it in chronological order.

1. Christ is the head of man. (as a source of Adam, Gen.) the first humans were created through Christ.
2. man is the head of woman (as a source of woman, later on in Gen.) woman was brought forth from the man.
3. God is the source of Christ. (as a source of Christ as he came to a human body … much later on) Christ was born by/through God’s direct intervention.

Paul is addressing certain events in chronological order. With this in mind we can approach the question of glories or esteems more logically.

Regarding CBMW it is a sad observation that they have not responded forthrightly with others in the past. I do commend you on your efforts to communicate with them.

And I look forward to reading your take on 1 Cor. 11.

Aloha 🙂

Thank you TL. I will make my article a priority this week and will try to fit in some time in the next couple of days.

Aloha sounds very Hawaiian. Wished it was hot
enough here to give you an Aloha greeting back.

“Warmly”
Cheryl

You are in Canada, correct. I’ve some very dear friends there. In fact, wish I could visit there. Maybe someday.

Aloha nui 🙂

Yes we are in Canada. We are in the midst of moving to the mountains. It is beautiful here but Hawaii….well that is paradise in my mind. I have never been to Hawaii but would like to go there once in my lifetime.