Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 7/3/2007

Question
Dear Elder Greg,

                  Happy Independent's day. Have you ever been told that women should wear long hair and/or that women should wear hats or a viel like Mary did in her day in church? Usually 1 Corinthians 11:2-6 is cited as a biblical basis for observing these customs. "Christ is the head of every man, and the husband is the head of his wife, and God is the head of Christ." Then the Wife is head of the children!Focusing on women, let's explore the context in which Paul wrote his comments and some recent interpretations his original meaning. As part of this exploration, we will examine archaeological evidence: art from Paul's century that depicts women's head coverings and hairstyles. History says:If Paul wanted the Corinthian women prophets to wear head coverings in worship, he may have been asking that they follow the customs of the dominant culture. Greco-Roman women wore veils in at least some religious contexts. For example, Vestal Virgins wore head coverings.

I  see many churches fight a simple question about the hair covering of a woman which remains unsettled up to these days.

Should women wear veils or hats or head covers in the worship assembly today? My answer is YES! If the woman has no hair or short to mid lenght hair she should wear a headcovering all the time. If the woman hast long hair she dont need to wear a headcovering. But if the reason for wearing veils is for prayer, that will imply that it should be worn even outside the assembly, right?  If prayer has been a part of Christian womans’ activities in life, would the veil be a part of the body too? Can every woman of every race and skin color wear a viel in public and in church? These are questions that might have been raised by so many who professed that they are female christians, but did their minister, preacher, or anyone in their church answered this with wisdom, authority, conviction, fear and trust in God? If not, then now is the time to ponder if you are in the right church.

The verse imparts that women and little girls need a head cover.  And what is this head cover?  The answer is found even from the simpliest way, by observing nature.  Nature taught us that hair is given to a woman for covering.  Thus, we can dispose of the idea of hats, veils, or artificial head covers.  Thus the head cover should be as natural as nature teaches, that is, maintaining  a long hair that nature provides for her.  However, if you cut it, then it is no longer naturally long, more so when you shave it. Let it grow, untouched by a scissor. Even black women can grow their hair given the time.Therefore, a woman praying with a long uncut hair was able to follow the commandment. 3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
It is so true. My ex and I have been talking about the bible and God. His name is so biblical. It is Timothy. He is part Russian, German, Celtic Irish,& Gaelic Scottish! I however am just from Carribean descent Puerto Rican. Tim has reddish blonde hair and grey blue eyes and he is struggling with weight he isnt that heavy it just goes to his stomach. I call him my teddy bear. lol I still love him dearly and I still am very much attracted to him. He is Protestant I am Catholic christian. By all means do we care no I love him no matter what! I feel that the Lord wants us to be together for all the days that we live on earth. He is 23 I am 21 two years apart but my mother doesnt mind. She and my dad loves him. And I hope he will go back out with me again. We have the same interests and music choices even love nature. He loves God so much he prays with the gift of the holy ghost. Amen! My name means in french to protect and Gracious Gift of God. My mom named me after Jacquelyn Keneddy.

Allow me refresh you of what Paul wrote concerning this tradition and doctrine. If you dont mind :-D

1 Cor 11:2-15 said that, 2Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. 3But 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. 4Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head–it is the same as if her head were shaven. 6For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. 7For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. 8For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

11Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. 13Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 15but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. So what is your answer to this should women where a covering every where she goes no matter the culture and race tribe nation!  

Answer
Jacqueline,

Christian greetings! Sorry, but I am confused by what you wrote. Did you send me a copy of someone else's answer or question? Are you asking me to answer these statements, or are you just asking about a womans covering? Please, some clarification would help.

Thanks!

Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1