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NASB | 1 Corinthians 11:10 Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 11:10 Therefore the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, for the sake of the angels [so as not to offend them]. |
Bible Question:
I came to the Lord in a fundamental non-denominational bible believing church. I believe the bible 100. I also believe if there is anything that I think might be contradictory then it is faulty on my part. Either because I do not have enough knowledge to understand what is said and or enough experience. However, the question I have rises out of my belief that the bible is 100 percent true. The question I have involves 1 Cor. 11:3 through 11:16. Most of what I have read and heard tries to explain away something that from what I read is pretty clear. That a woman should wear a head covering if she is a Christian. Most of what I hear trying to justify not obeying this scripture does not seam to hold water when looking at scripture as a whole. For instance, the argument goes something like this, "The scripture has to be read in context of the time and this one was good for that time within the context of the culture. In other words, it is cultural and does not apply to today." If this is true, then I can also apply this same logic to many other doctrines that we as Christians hold dear. It also means that there is no scripture that could not be made suspect if we try to use the culture of the time to interpret it, instead of letting it speak for itself. I admit I don't understand it very clearly. After all, what does wearing a head covering have to do with the angels. However, from what I do understand, it sure seams to be saying woman should wear head coverings if they are not going to be contentious. Paul is after all very forceful in his statement in: 1 Cor. 11:6 For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head.) I don't hear a disclaimer from Paul or any of the other Apostles saying it is only for the people of that day and maybe that culture. I have not read even one argument against that fact that it seams to be saying a woman must have her head covered that could come close to settling this issue. After reading this passage over and over, I have to admit that all the arguments given against it have fallen way short in trying to elevate the doubt that it doesn't say what it is saying. Please be patient with me. I am not trying to be a trouble maker and I most definitely do not lord it over my wife. However, I am truly looking to obey God's word, ALL of it. I also would rather not have to have my wife wearing a head covering. It is a lot easier to go along with those that say it does not say what it seams to say. On the other hand, both my wife and I are very disappointed with all the arguments we have read against these verses teaching that very thing. So if anyone has a real good theological argument against these verses really teaching us to have our woman wear head covering, I would really appreciate knowing about it. At this point, I am almost totally convinced that it is teaching for head coverings. And that the removal of head coverings from society was the church being conformed to the image of the world instead of being conformed to what God tells us to be conformed to. I would really appreciate answers from anyone who has done serious studies done on this that could give me a real reason not to think it teaches to cover the woman's heads. Thank you Dave W. |
Bible Answer: Dave, This question gets much attention in this forum. I understand your frustration. And, although I understand your desire to obey, God intends for us to live under GRACE. I AM NOT saying that we, as Christians, should not seek to obey God. We will obey Him, but only as we follow the Spirit, not the Law or external regulations. He leads us by His Spirit, not the letter of the Law. If we are going to go by the letter of the law (and subjection is the law), then how about 1 Cor 14:34? 'The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says.' Do we seriously want to do this LITERALLY? If we do, then women CANNOT ever speak in the churches. This means that they cannot offer greetings, share with one another, pray out loud, share prayer requests, teach Sunday School, sing (I'm not sure if this qualifies as speaking or not. If it doesn't, then maybe women could just add melody to what ever they want to say and not violate the scripture), etc. And, if we want to get technical, we, as the body of Christ, are always 'in church.' God is in us. The angels are always watching. So should women NEVER speak. And, if women should cover their heads, what sort of covering should this be? Is it hair, is it a hat, is it a scarf, does a bow constitute a covering? Or does the Greek mean that the WHOLE head should be covered, maybe with a paper sack? See how we can drive ourselves nuts? That is the same thing Jesus talked to the Pharisees about. They were so concerned with outward regulations that they took the Law that said, "Keep the Sabbath holy" and added multitudes of rules and regulations to define 'work.' I.E. they said you could spit, but you couldn't make mud. So Jesus comes along and spits in the dirt, makes mud, and 'heals' a blind man with it ON THE SABBATH. Now, we all know that mud has no healing properties (unless it's a mud-pack), God heals. But Christ was telling them that they hold to the letter of the law and ignore the Spirit behind it. There were many cultural issues in the early churches. There are many cultural issues in present day churches. We are cultural creatures. Ultimately, my friend, you will have to follow the Spirit's leading and let no man judge you. Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. Do we want our women filling our churches with really nice hats but having 2/3's of them rebelling against their husbands as soon as they get home? If you want to interpret this passage as for all women, for all time, that is fine. That is your liberty. Follow God's leading. If that is how your wife feels that she can outwardly show what God is doing in her heart, then that is great. But your statement, brother, 'If this is true, then I can also apply this same logic to many other doctrines that we as Christians hold dear' is not correct. No Christian doctrine rests upon one verse, one passage, or a cultural issue. Our Christian doctrines rest upon many verses, interpreted in the light of context. The trouble begins when we take a 'guideline' and try to make a DOCTRINE out of it, "Sorry, ma'am, you can't enter our church unless your head is covered." Christ said that people would know that we are Christians not according to how we keep the law, or obey God, or discern issues, but by our LOVE for one another. That is our law. Our new commandment is to love one another and accept one another as Christ accepted us. We are to be guided by a PERSON, Jesus Christ. Love Him with all your heart, then do as you please. I'm sure this is not the theological argument you were hoping for. I'll leave that to others. |