Cover Your Head, Woman

-an open letter in reply to a dear friend who asked how I dismiss the doctrine of the headcovering-

Sometimes the argument has been made that Paul commanded the women to leave their hair long, that that is the covering he was referring to. I won’t dismiss that entirely but to my best understanding, he DID tell women to cover their heads with a physical covering of cloth. But that begs the question “why are God-fearing Christian women today no longer covering their heads?”

Taking a look at who Paul was writing to, and the understanding of culture and even medical knowledge, really helped me understand why he was so adamant about it. For some reason, I viewed Bible-age towns as small quiet villages, but this particular church Paul was addressing was in Corinth, he may as well have been addressing Christians in Miami or even LA. Adultery, pagan practices, and extreme obsessions with schools of thought and status were rampant. 

Adding a layer of context, let’s consider what the headcovering stood for in AD 53. It communicated to others that the woman wearing it was not sexually available, most likely married, under the leadership of her husband. Prostitutes in this city would more than likely have had their heads uncovered, so when Paul says “judge for yourself if its proper”, he’s asking them just to have some common sense in the message that they send to those around them. Be appropriate. The angels referenced in this passage could be actual angels, present when human worship, or messengers, other humans who witness and talk about what they see of the Christians. Interestingly, the word for woman in chapter 11 is gune, which can be translated as woman or wife, depending on the context. This is why in some translations, such as ESV, the word wife is used in this passage in respect to the custom that married women of the time were veiled. The modern American equivalent to that is the wedding ring, which funnily enough in Anabaptist circles, is discouraged, but that's a subject for another time. 

There’s another theory that the medical knowledge of the time, which Paul would have known very well, indicated that the woman’s hair was actually part of their sexual organs. That has a lot of unproven layers but it does add more context to the picture. 

A note on the men not covering, it was common for the pagan priests in Corinth to cover their heads when worshipping- so Paul pointed that out, don’t dishonor Christ by praying as the unbelievers do when they approach their gods. Again, cultural context.

In our day, it’s still seen as respectful for men to remove their hats, in various situations, including prayer. It’s also recognized across Christianity, Islam, and other religions , that a woman covering her head can be a sign of respect. 

This is where personal conviction in modern day comes in. I do believe that there is some worth to worshipping with a veil on as a woman, I don’t personally feel convicted to do so, however, given circumstances and an open heart, that may change. Many Anabaptist headcovering styles, such as the Holdeman’s black cap, don't actually cover the head, so were I to feel convicted to cover, it would not be a similar style to that. I wore it for years because I knew I was expected to, fear of man compelled me to fit in, but I have seen the glory of God and I no longer believe that is enough of a reason to do something. I recognize my husband as the head of our home and live in biblical accordance with that.

This isn’t often discussed but it is something I recognized when studying to gain some conviction on the topic. The order of the home and worship is mentioned in multiple places, but nowhere else is the commandment given for women to cover their heads. Jesus did not require it, no other apostles ever mention it, and for every other order given to Christians, it is reiterated throughout the New Testament multiple times by different authors. Love your neighbor, give, sacrifice, spread the Word, baptise, heal. Food for thought- did Christ die to allow all to enter the kingdom? Or to take away works based salvation (the law), but then wait, the women still need to wear an extra layer of fabric on the back of their head? I don’t think so, but I hope this starts some conversations and heart searches. It’s been tough to realise the things I thought I was doing that were right or helpful, I was only doing because of peer pressure. 

I’d like to draw attention to the next verses of Corinthians 11 in closing. Paul tells them to lay aside their differences. He says all who are under the new covenant of Christ are part of His body, encouraging each to examine his own heart. Referring to the first chapter of this letter, members identifying themselves not only with Christ but more so with Paul, with Apollos, with Cephas. He says this is wrong, Christ is not divided. Leaders can plant seeds, and for that we should be thankful, but God gives the growth.

A note on the beginning verses of chapter 11 yet, because it often gets brought up, and was an argument I held for years-”but Paul says keep the traditions, that in itself means to wear the traditional covering!” Does it? What did Paul know? He knew Christ. The traditions he delivered in his letters were basic teaching, practices of the apostles received from Jesus, not the standard homesewn dress or Mennonite style covering. I have great respect for those things as traditions, but nothing more and nothing less. I believe if someone feels that’s how God has called them to walk and live, then by all means who am I to judge? I commend them. The path God asks us to walk is never easy, even if it looks different from person to person. And now, instead of the pain of pleasing other people by sticking out like a sore thumb everywhere I go, I have the pain of knowing many will never experience the freedom and conviction Christ has, but knowing on Judgment Day, it’s my Creator and I, no one else. And I must give my own account. 

I know you must see my happiness, I can finally look people in the eye, but I know you struggle to accept that it’s real because it is not contained within the traditional Holdeman lifestyle. I struggled too with how it’s possible that the more I sought Jesus and studied His life and culture and love, the more at unrest I felt going through the motions that I must to maintain appearances. Surely the personal conviction would show up eventually right? Fake it till you make it, push out the still small voice that said all Christians are your brothers and sisters? Go in circles with the explanations to justify my double life, it can’t possibly be as straightforward as the Scriptures say?

How does one put to paper the thoughts on a subject this heavy and nuanced? The last decade? The last year? Ten years ago I wouldn’t have dreamt of leaving what I perceived to be the only safe place to try to survive my time here on earth. 

But we learn, we grow, we heal, we start taking responsibility for our thoughts and beliefs and actions, and we change. 

How do I convey the freedom Christ has given me without it being viewed as ‘doing whatever I want?

How do I explain that He delivered me from crippling anxiety, fear that compelled me to fall in line with what everyone else in my religion was doing, without coming across as though I’m attacking the individuals who hold those practices as mandatory?

How do I explain that with my identity In Christ, I still have appreciation for the Anabaptist and Holdeman culture, but I no longer feel I must participate in all traditions just to be accepted at the throne of grace?

How do I explain how frustratingly sad it is to have peace labeled as deceit, especially when all I want is every individual whom Christ died for to experience it?

How do I explain that as I’m being judged for “wanting a broader way”, I’m learning to give up things I thought I’d never have to leave? Having to be so serious about the sins I used to think were small? Taking personal accountability for my salvation? 

I know we won’t agree on all of this, that you have a heavy burden for what you believe to be erred actions. And I wish I could just look you in the eye with my hands on your shoulders and let you know that I have unshakable faith in my God and that He has saved me. I walk this world a free woman in Him alone. I need prayers, staying true to what He asks is not easy.