Doctrinal Debate (sort of)

So, here’s my doctrinal topic for the day: Should women still be required to cover their heads in church?

Before blogging about this, I talked to my dad (who is a pastor) about the context and interpretation of the infamous scripture, 1 Corinthians 11:3-10, “Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head.”

What I understood from his explanation is this: this scripture is not a matter of a legalistic rule against women. It is a matter of conscience. In the Biblical times, Jewish women wore headdresses as a cultural thing. Therefore, it was ingrained into their culture as the proper attire for a woman and thus a matter of the conscience. However, Greek women did not wear head coverings, according to their culture. When both cultures came together to worship, Jewish women became offended. This would be equal to a woman wearing a low cut dress or a mini skirt to church on Sunday. To smooth matters over, Paul instructed that all women should cover their heads in a place of worship so that no one became offended.

Makes sense.

But, some denominations still do it today. From my point of view, it isn’t a cultural thing anymore; so, why do some churches have a legalistic hold on this?

And here is my part B of the topic of the day: Should women be allowed to speak/prophesy/hold positions of leadership in the church?

Notice that verse five says this, “And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as though her head were shaved.”

The context of this scripture is not to pray to one’s self as in a daily devotional or petition to God in a private manner. It is referring to a public prayer or prophesy. Women were allowed by Paul to prophesy before the congregation. Women were also allowed to hold positions of leadership under Paul’s ministry: Priscilla and Aquila ministered to the body of Christ. There are other women who also helped Paul, I just can’t remember their names. :-\

My personal convictions are:

In today’s culture, women should not be required (by a legalistic preference of the church) to cover their heads during church. It is a matter of the heart (not of the rule book) that we ought to keep out consciences clean before the Lord. There is a thin line between respect and works and I feel that in some cases, head covering can become a ‘works’ issue. Covering my head will not cause me to be more holy or more acceptable to the Lord. Unless, of course, I lived back in the times of Paul.

I do believe that women are called to hold positions of leadership in the church and are encouraged to practice and participate in such things as baptism of the Holy Spirit (speaking in tongues), prophesying, and even preaching. (Deuteronomy 10:1, “ For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.”)

So! Tell me (or us) what your convictions are on this. I want to know your convictions with scriptural support. Look forward to reading your thoughts!!!! :)