Monday, March 25, 2013

Christians of Various Traditions & Head Covering

Hot topic in the Catholic Forums:

"Attn. Christians of Various Traditions: Women & Head Covering ? - Catholic Answers Forums"

The question presented was: "What Christian Tradition do you belong to & at what time in it's history did it No longer be expected for Christian women of your Tradition to cover their heads full-time & when it's history did it no longer be expected for women at Church & during prayer And further, what reason was given for it to be acceptable for a Christian woman of your Tradition to be uncovered."

As always, there is some discussion of the first several centuries of Christian writings, also called the Church Fathers, and the phrase from the Apostle Paul: "... because of the angels."

No one can pinpoint for sure why the tradition of head covering in the churches faded away, but as the questioner proposes, it does seem to point to the era around the last century and the "women's lib movement". Others seem to not care when it did pass away, but are content that it did. Some interesting thoughts in places, if you care to peruse the pages of forum postings.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hello, Michelle
1st, I must tell you how much I enjoy your blog. The, Lord recently took me on my own head covering journey. It is during that time that I discovered your blog. I used to be opposed to, Muslim women covering their head, and I completely forgot it used to be something, Christians did as well.
After having covered my head, I no longer see it as a way to oppress women, but to empower us. In a time when women are objectified more than ever, the head covering gives to us, it does not take from us nor diminish us.
I grew up in the Christian church and head covering was never talked about as a modern tenet of the faith. I think it interesting that the two specific things, Paul mentioned in Corinthians; head covering and taking communion, are both now viewed as unnecessary and have been put in the background ahead of money, and unrighteous justification of sin (greasy grace is what many who understand what is really going on call it). Taking communion reminds us we are sinners in need of a savior and that we cannot save ourselves. Communion reminds us of the sacrifice made by Jesus, and just how terrible a thing it was that He went through. Covering our heads reminds us of the authority we have in Gd THROUGH OBEDIENCE. Taking away head covering either by force of social pressure does not empower women, especially if that woman WANTS to cover.
My heart and prayers go to that girl who was beaten for being obedient to Gd. (previous post). And I pray also that women who want to cover would be left in peace to do so.

Michelle Maddocks said...

Melissa, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your story. I think we appreciate the truth of things when we learn and discover for ourselves the spiritual benefits of humbleness and obedience to simple physical principles. May more of us be blessed!