In many Western cultures, the practice of women wearing head coverings is not prevalent or even considered appropriate. However, several reasons grounded in biblical scripture suggest why women might consider adopting this practice regardless of cultural norms. Here are different themes and reasons, each supported by specific Bible verses, Though You do not have to agree with each reason given, it may be just one of them is enough of a reason to change your view on the practice, or how you perceive others who do.
- Symbol of Authority and Submission
The apostle Paul discusses head coverings in the context of authority and submission in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. According to Paul, a woman’s head covering serves as a symbol of her acceptance of God’s order of authority.
Scriptural Support:
1 Corinthians 11:3-5: “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 dishonours her head—it is the same as if her head were shaven.”
Paul emphasizes the covering as a visible sign of a woman’s role in God’s design for marital relationships, acknowledging the headship of her husband and ultimately of Christ. - Expression of Modesty and Humility
Head coverings can also be a sign of modesty and humility, principles that are highly valued in the Bible. Modesty is not merely about clothing but encompasses an attitude of heart and mind.
Scriptural Support:
1 Timothy 2:9-10: “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.”
Wearing a head covering can be an external expression of an inner commitment to modesty and humility, setting a woman apart in her dedication to godly principles and an issue of Lordship between her and God. - Distinction Between Genders
The Bible often speaks about the importance of maintaining distinctions between genders. Head coverings can serve as a physical reminder of this distinction, especially in a world where gender roles and identities can become blurred.
Scriptural Support:
Deuteronomy 22:5: “A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.”
By wearing a head covering, a woman affirms her unique identity as a woman, distinct from men, in accordance with biblical teachings. - Testimony to Angels
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul mentions a fascinating reason related to angels, implying that head coverings serve as a testimony to the spiritual realm.
Scriptural Support:
1 Corinthians 11:10: “That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.”
This verse suggests that head coverings are not only a matter of human observation but also serve a purpose in the spiritual realm, demonstrating a woman’s submission to divine order before heavenly beings. - Reflecting Early Christian Practice
Following the practices of the early church can help believers stay connected to the roots of their faith. Historical evidence suggests that head coverings were a common practice among early Christian women. This tradition continued through centuries until cultural shifts in the Western world during the sexual revolution of the 1950s and 60s. This prompts the question: did the Bible change, or did culture? Clearly, it is the culture that changed, but was this shift for God’s glory and Lordship?
Scriptural Support:
1 Corinthians 11:16: “If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.”
This verse indicates that head coverings were a widespread custom among the churches in the early Christian era. Emulating this practice can help modern believers maintain continuity with the traditions of the early church. The decline in this practice coincides with a broader cultural shift away from traditional Christian values, suggesting that the abandonment of head coverings may reflect cultural adaptation rather than adherence to scriptural principles. - Symbol of Respect and Honor
Wearing a head covering can be an act of respect and honour, both towards God and towards others. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of honouring God through our actions and appearance.
Scriptural Support:
1 Peter 3:3-4: “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
A head covering can be a tangible expression of the inner beauty and respect that God values.
The Contemporary Anabaptist Churchs’ Perspective on Head Coverings
In contemporary Anabaptist churches, there are no strict rules or expectations regarding head coverings for women. The decision to wear a head covering is considered a personal one, made between the individual and God. This approach fosters an environment of love and acceptance, regardless of one’s choice on this matter.
If a woman chooses to wear a head covering, she is respected and loved. Similarly, if she chooses not to wear one, she is equally respected and loved. The Contemporary Anabaptist community views this issue not as a matter of salvation or a point of contention between the individual and the church, but rather as a personal conviction between the individual and God.
This perspective aligns with the broader Anabaptist emphasis on personal faith and conscience. It acknowledges the scriptural significance of head coverings while respecting individual freedom in how these teachings are applied.
Conclusion
While head coverings may not be culturally appropriate or common in many modern societies, the practice holds significant biblical support and meaning. By wearing a head covering, women can express their commitment to biblical principles of authority, modesty, gender distinction, respect, and continuity with early Christian traditions. Each of these reasons is deeply rooted in scripture, offering a compelling case for the practice even in contemporary settings. However, in contemporary Anabaptist communities, the choice to wear or not wear a head covering is respected as a personal decision, reflecting a commitment to love and acceptance within the body of Christ.
I believe women should be respected. This includes women who choose to wear head coverings.
I notice that it is often other women who show the most disrespect to women who have chosen to wear head coverings. Please do not take it as a personal offence, as their decision to wear it is not between you and them, It is about them and God.
In response to a question that was sent to me.
Consideration of the arguments mentioned above may inadvertently lead to a false dichotomy or a flawed conclusion regarding a topic of discussion. This can be exemplified in the discourse surrounding headwear, particularly in relation to wearing it for the reasons of modesty for example, as elucidated in the article.
What is a False Dichotomy Fallacy?
A false dichotomy fallacy arises when a situation is presented as having only two possible outcomes or options, disregarding the existence of multiple alternatives or nuances. For instance, asserting that if A is true, then B must be false, without acknowledging the potential coexistence of both A and B being true, or the presence of other contributing factors. In a classical logic, there’s a tendency to operate under the assumption that every statement is either true or false. However, it’s important to recognize that this binary perspective may not always hold true.
Application to the Example of Head Coverings for Modesty Purposes:
While wearing a head covering can indeed be motivated by a desire for modesty as described in the biblical example listed above, it would be fallacious to conclude that a woman not wearing one is therefore being immodest. Such a conclusion oversimplifies the matter and disregards the potential for various reasons behind an individual’s choice.
Does wearing a head covering align with a biblical example of how someone may choose to dress for modesty purposes? yes. (A is true). However, we must not conclude that the absence of a head covering automatically equates to being immodest (B is not necessarily false). Therefore, it does not mean a woman who chooses not to wear head coverings is being immodest at all. It is just one way that woman may choose to dress to abide by her understanding of modesty, based on many different factors.
I hope this makes sense.