"Orthodox Christian Women Vs. Muslim Women"

photo from Sodahead.com comment

photo from the article linked below

Read the article:
Orthodox Christian Women Vs. Muslim Women | People - Opposing Views
by Allison Troy, Demand Media

A new friend and I were talking yesterday while watching our children playing and exercising in their Aikido class, and she remarked how pretty one of the young girl's scarf was (a made for girls hijabi style with lace trim), and I agreed, adding that I really like the way that head scarves can be made for exercise and movement so that they stay in place. I shared with her about the problem of trying to keep a head scarf in place while trying to worship with a small child in your lap, and she laughed with me. We were having one of those, "You too?!" moments that sometimes occurs between new friends, however to some people it may have seemed odd to see the two of us huddled in conversation, me in my jeans and modest read and white printed top, with ponytail, and she in her Palestinian patterned abaya-dress, with pink head covering. The more we talked, the more we touched on "issues of commonality", such as head covering, modesty, distinction between males and females, and having people say hurtful things to you because they just don't get it. We also discussed a few general differences between the "big three" faiths, including the fact that Jewish women can appear to be uncovered because there is that allowance for wigs as a hair covering.

photo from Life in the Married Lane blog (check it out for more on Jewish head covering!)

I found this article when I came home, and of course, thought "what a coincidence". The author points out just a few general similarities between the Muslima and the typical Orthodox Christian woman, including the origins of our modest dress and head coverings, and women in the public sphere. She writes:

Protocol for clothing, particularly in Islam, has become a symbol for what many outside these traditions see as a repression of women’s rights. At the same time, many women in both Islam and Orthodox Christianity would claim that the hijab (for Muslims) and the veil (for Orthodox women) are, in fact, representative of their spiritual freedom.

Isn't that what we headcovering women have been saying? That for us all, it is a spiritual freedom, and an individual choice.

It is a short article, and one worth considering by those who don't have a nice friend to sit with and talk about religious traditions while our children are learning a kind of Eastern martial art. The author, or at least this publication, "Opposing Views" seems to have other similar short articles to explain things that outsiders only guess at (and many times, guess at wrongly).

I believe that it is good to understand, or at least to try to, because I know that I want to be understood. As my friend and I also discussed, one of the things that we have in common is that many of our own friends and acquaintances are not even knowledgeable about their own faith, let alone that of others. It is good to understand what you are doing; and sometimes, understanding why others do what they do helps you to clarify your own position for yourself.

Clothes and Headcoverings of First Century Jewish People

The article, "The Clothing of Jews in the Time of Jesus," by Alice Pfeifer, of Demand Media, describes the clothing that is commonly believed to be worn by the modest Jew at the time of the early Roman Empire. Based on readings rather than illustrations of life from that time, since there have been none found, we remember the teachings found in the Law of Moses, which found nudity shameful, and considered partial dress to be nakedness. The author refers to Biblical scholars John L. McKenzie and Michael Marlowe when outlining the dress of women of the day:

photo found in Michael Marlowe's "The Woman's Headcovering"

 McKenzie says that differences of style and cut must have existed between men's and women's clothing, or else the prohibition against cross-dressing in Deuteronomy 22:5 would make little sense. One difference was that a Jewish woman wore a longer, ankle-length tunic. Also, her head was wrapped in a veil that had ends extending to the floor. * According to Marlowe, she added a face veil whenever outside her home. The only time she let her hair show in public was on her wedding day.

* from Dictionary of the Bible, page 145, by John L. McKenzie

A difference in dress exists between the Jews of the time and the Greek and Roman traditions pictured of that time as well.

Although Jews living in a city like Corinth may have adopted a few minor details of local style, they still maintained uniquely Jewish habits of dress. They did not imitate Greco-Roman working men, for example, who wore short tunics that extended only to mid-thigh. Although Greco-Roman women maintained modest floor-length tunics, they did not always cover their heads. Scholars debate the circumstances that determined their choices. Greek women could choose among a variety of head coverings, including veils, scarves, headbands and other items. Roman women sometimes wore veils.

Why is this distinction important to the head covering Christian or Jew, or to those who seek to understand why some Christians and Jews cover their heads? Because it is during the ancient times and teachings that traditions began, and where we find purpose for headcoverings.

Under the Law of Moses, the women of God dressed modestly, and we can draw from necessary inference that it was natural to find good women covered in public, to draw their veils over their heads or faces in the presence of men outside the family, especially at their wedding.

In the days of Christ, the Jewish women would have covered their heads still, regardless of how the nations around them lived. How many times had they been warned of the prophets of God to come out from the other nations and be holy? So when they became Christians and devoted their lives to the teachings of Jesus, would they have thrown off their modest ways, or continued in them, knowing that they were a part of a holy nation still?

Paul addresses this tradition in the letter 1 Corinthians, and encourages women to continue to cover their heads, whether they are Jewish or Greek or whatever. He appeals to headship of God over Christ over man over woman, and the order of creation, that women were created for men - pointing out, of course, that this doesn't mean that man is whole without a woman, since men come through women in the births. Paul appeals to nature, asking them to notice how women were even given a mantle of hair to cover themselves, so should they not want to keep their heads covered? But he doesn't stop with this hair comparison; he specifically compares a woman not covering her head in worship with a man covering his head in worship, pointing out that both of these examples are not appropriate. If a woman's hair is the covering he's writing about here, then we would have to assume that men are to all shave and go bald when worshiping, so that they are not covered.

Many people believe that Paul is merely talking about local or Jewish culture, but neither of these things is mentioned in this letter. Some will point out that this is Paul's opinion and not Jesus' teaching, but this would mean that we can trust none of the teachings passed on by Paul. What we draw from this is that Paul took it for granted that a modest, God-fearing woman would want to cover her self and her "glory" (her hair, in this passage) during worship (prayer and prophecy). It was so taken for granted that for centuries before and after the First Century, holy women are pictured with a head covering, even in cultures without strong Jewish or Christian presence.

Sometimes, the elders in a culture have to insist on women covering, because the young "don't get it," and fail to keep the traditions of respect and honour, and modesty, whether sexual modesty or just plain modesty, to keep them from showing themselves off. I think the elders are just keeping up ancient traditions that have been taken for granted. Who would have thought that their culture would come to a time where head coverings which were good and humble and pure would be forgotten, sneered at, and traded for either men's short hair or hair styles and colours, hair sprays, braids and curls? But, here we are.

A Head Covering Poem

photo from Designs by Sheryl Ann

The Head Covering
“Must I wear it?” some ask with dread,
“This covering of cloth upon my head?”
As if the command were stern to obey-
But I ask the question a different way:
If by this simple act I honor the Lord,
And model obedience to His precious Word;
If the Church may thus learn, as the Scripture hath said,
Her own sweet submission to her glorious Head;
If thus may the brothers be challenged to lead;
If in this small sign the daughters may read;
A woman’s true beauty; if angles discern,
And pause from their praises to wonder and learn;
Then I ask, not “Must I?” but “May I?”

- by M.A. Frees, dedicated as "Inspired by my wife’s sweet spirit"

Found in "A Word in Season," at Designs by Sheryl Ann (Head Coverings, Christian Music, Books & Scripture Texts)

Note from ThoseHeadcoverings: This is "free advertising" for Designs by Sheryl Ann; I have not received compensation for sharing this website store with you. Please drop by and view their page at "A Word in Season" (linked above) for more links to thoughts on head covering, modesty and other topics.

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.

Headcovering Should Be a Choice

I've been reorganizing the blog and checking on links, while keeping up with the news about headcoverings and headscarves (see the links to news in the right column). I came across this explanation and summary of headcovering in The Catholic Knight. This is what I think:

photo from Catholic Knight

The authentic Catholic reason for wearing the chapel veil is the Biblical reason. It's just something that all Christian women (regardless of denomination) are supposed to do, not because they have to, but because they're supposed to want to. The Catholic Church has decided to no longer enforce this Biblical custom through Canon Law, and in doing so, the Church is saying it does not want to be our nanny. The chapel veil is a custom for women to do voluntarily, because they want to, not because they are being forced to. The idea is that women are to read what the Scriptures have to say, and be convicted according to what is contained therein. In order for a chapel veil to be an authentic sign of humility and holiness, it must be voluntary. Indeed, Christian women are supposed to wear one, but it is never to be forced.

What do you think? Does this reasoning apply to all women who wish to cover, regardless of denomination or religion?

Facebook Headcovering Pages

Karen Orr has contacted me before and just again, to let us know of her small but apparently active home business for modest dresses and headcoverings. You can find her at the Modest dresses & HeadCovering Shop at Facebook. I think that if you are interested in her goods, you should send her a private message, since she doesn't have an outside website shown here.

Even on social sites like Facebook, keep your eyes open, and search where you can.

Other head covering websites with pages on Facebook include:

• Inspirational HeadCoverings - "creates fashion forward scarves for women who have lost their hair due to medical treatments. Please visit our website at www.InspirationalHeadCoverings.com."
• Headcoverings by Devorah - where modesty doesn't have to mean frumpy! You can find Devorah's website at  Headcoverings by Devorah.
• Heavenly Headcoverings - with a personal Etsy website also -  http://www.etsy.com/shop/lindaward1?ref=si_shop
• Headcovers.com - that wonderful website that provides such stylish headcovers for those who have had to deal with hair loss, also at Headcovers.com. 
• And there are about a billion (yes I am exaggerating) listings that come up when I type "hijab store" into the Facebook search feature.

Have fun exploring the internet through whatever source you are able to use. But, as always, be aware of stumbling across creepy sites.

Sale: Pre-Tied Bandanas, Snoods, Hats, Berets, Headbands, Hair Accessories

And now for a commercial . . . ;)

Pre-Tied Bandanas, Snoods, Hats, Berets, Headbands, Hair Accessories Handbags, Costume Jewelry - MyHeadcoverings.com

Please also read this great article about this website and its relation to the explosion of variety in head and hair covering styles:  The Yeshiva World

Keeping Silence, Headcovering, and Catholic Tradition

Should Women Keep Silence in Church?

by Jimmy Akin in the National Catholic Register

This article is an attempt to answer the questions raised about the differences of men and women in the service of the assembly of the church, according to scripture.

"In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, St. Paul seems to suggest that women should be totally silent in church.

Is this true?

If so, how do we square it with the practice of the Church today?"

As the writer admits, the passage is a "difficulty", especially in the culture and society in which most of the English speaking world lives today. And so he examines the scriptural context, other texts within the same letter of the Apostle Paul which address these issues (that is, our head covering scripture in 1 Corinthians 11), as well as other scriptural texts concerning the spiritual equality of women. He reviews the current traditions and scholarly teaching, acknowledging again, that although women do speak and prophesy in assembly, there is one matter where women and most men are to remain silent - in teaching the Word of God publicly.

Although the passage commanding women to be silent in the church seems to be contradictory to the teaching in other places that women and men are equal in spirit, upon further study, there is no contradiction.

The head covering passage is a core idea here: if women were to remain silent ALWAYS, then why did Paul only a few paragraphs earlier instruct them to wear a head covering while they were praying or prophesying? Truly, a woman may pray alone at home, but prophesying is not something done in privacy, but to the benefit of hearers. The command for silence of the women is not a contradiction then, but rather a clarification of who is to be watching over the teaching of the Law of Christ, and who is to be quiet so that everyone in the assembly can hear and understand from the appointed teacher.

Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/should-women-keep-silence-in-church#ixzz266eXlymB

What have you studied about this? Do you know of another study on this passage that you would like to link here? Please comment, and let us all keep pressing on.

"Women embrace ancient traditions of covering"

Women embrace ancient traditions of covering | Picture This | The Seattle Times

A lovely photographic essay sharing the modern ancient tradition of wearing head coverings. Photographers, their subjects, and editors have done fine work sharing and educating. Highly recommended viewing.

In a time when so many things divide Americans, I hope that the photos, captions and video can help increase some cross-cultural understanding. The photos and video span from brides in boutiques to Sikhs in processions. First communions to Sabbath preparations. Somali shopping malls to pastoral homes to Eastside mosques.
The photos and video are not fully representative of all religions and cultures. Instead, this is a collection of some local women's perspectives. 

Posted by Erika Schultz

Head Covering Requirements - the Flip Side

"Christian Jordanian woman sues her Muslim employer | CTV News"

Is headcovering required for Christians today? Some Christians say yes, some say no, some say sometimes.  Is head covering required for Muslims today? Some Muslims say completely, some say no, some say fashionably or partially.

Personally, I believe that wearing a head covering is a choice, and as such, no one can insist that I don't need to wear one, or even more so that I am not allowed to wear one. I choose to wear a head covering to pray, to teach the Scriptures, to worship in public and sometimes in private, even by my own choice as a reminder throughout the day as I work or relax. As a rational human being I believe that I have the choice to wear a head covering or not, to obey my conscience or not, to follow what I understand the Scriptures to teach, or not.  And I believe that others have the right to make that choice as well. If I force someone to wear a headcovering because I believe it's a requirement, but they disagree - if they wear it anyway, are they truly obeying? or just complying in rebellion? Likewise, if I believe that I should dress modestly, and that covering my hair is modest, humble, less distracting; I cannot make someone understand that belief, but I can only instruct and dress as an example. I can be sad that someone else doesn't agree with me, because in the case of modesty we affect not only our own lives but the lives and minds of others as well - but I cannot change their mind for them.

On another hand altogether, I would have no problem complying with a company policy that required a hat, scarf, or other covering as a uniform policy.  These policies have existed for years and in all sectors of society. Was the woman in Jordan required by God to wear a covering? She didn't think so. But God does ask us to live in the world even when we are not a part of it. To love others as we love ourselves. What would have been the sin or crime in donning the uniform when another company (or country) takes over your own? No one asked her to give up her faith. If she felt that they were, then that should be the reason for a suit, but not a simple uniform policy. Example: Is every woman who works as a hostess for Emirites Air a good solid Muslim? Most of us would guess not; but the women all wear those lovely hat/scarf ensembles to work at the airline. And another example, if Hillary Clinton can don a head covering to visit a mosque or the Pope out of respect for others and we all still know that she does not represent either religion AND that she's a strong powerful woman, then is there really a problem?

In another look at this story, and one of the first that I thought of (as a head covering Christian woman), is the sad fact that this woman who refuses to wear a head covering on religious grounds is a member of the church of Christ which follows the teachings of the Bible, wherein is found a good solid teaching that women are to wear a head covering. People outside the church who are aware of this fact will see Christians in general as those who don't even obey their own Scriptures. As I alluded to earlier, Christ also taught his disciples by example and word that it is more than okay to spend time with those who may be considered "sinners" - even when someone more pious-feeling than you may accuse you of being one of them. His disciple, Paul, wrote that he would "become all things to all men, so that I might win some". We are not to condemn; that is not our place or our ability. We can use our eyes to discern (to "judge" in an old fashioned kind of translation), but not our place to stand before a crowd as the Christ of God did when he condemned those of his generation for being hypocrites. This defiant, rebellious, suit-seeking behaviour is counter-Christ behaviour, and the world will see it as such, and continue to judge (or discern, see) Christians in general as self-seeking, rebellious, or even "holier than thou". The opposite of humble, which was Christ. And because head covering in the Muslim faith is a part of feminine modesty, she will be perceived by others as immodest, thus putting all Christians in general into that same category.

As I mentioned, and I may be in error in my understanding of this issue, I don't believe that anyone should change their religious beliefs because an authority tells them to. Unless they have been truly converted. I did not read that this bank was asking her to change her religious beliefs. She understood the long modest skirt and complied, but somehow that piece of cloth on her head meant that she was being asked to "go against" her religious beliefs - which apparently unknown to her, is actually a part of her religious beliefs.

It is a sad situation. A frustrating thing to fully comprehend and try to explain why it might be seen as sad. I am sad that the media had to be involved, because of the misunderstandings that will abound. I am sad that Christians and therefore Christ will be misrepresented yet again. I am sad that these head coverings cause so much division when they are such a lovely symbol of faith and modesty. Head coverings are not (and should not be) worn just because of some ignorant male-dominated mandate. They have such a higher meaning than that.

Wearing a head covering is (and should be) a
FREE-WILL,
MODEST,
FEMININE and
NATURAL*
CHOICE
made by women all over the world,
throughout the ages.

Stop making it into some kind of evil thing to be fought about.

Liturgical Time Veil Shop Offers a Treat and More

"Liturgical Time Veil Shop: Headcovering Ladies, We Have a Treat for You"

Sweet and fun! Look at this "Christian Headcovering Mug," from the Veil Shop on Etsy:

Also, check through all the pages at Liturgical Time's Etsy shop and website, for lovely headcoverings.  From their page: "We provide handmade chapel veils, mantillas, and headcoverings for our patrons to wear in church, at prayer, or in everyday life. We are able to take special orders, and to provide some customization, so don't hesitate to make special requests. Special sales, promotions, and giveaways are posted on our blog: http://www.liturgicaltime.blogspot.com".  The author and creator, Michelle, writes about home keeping and traditional church topics in her home blog.


Liturgical Time Veil shop has its own blog called "Liturgical Time Veil Shop", with articles and other information specifically written toward veiling and head covering. Find Michelle's own personal reasoning in this article: "Why I Wear Catholic Chapel Veil".

Many blessings to you, Michelle, as you and your family serve others and the LORD.

Hijabs and Hoodies

They've been all over the news: you haven't missed it, have you?  A woman killed and left with a note telling her to go home, "you terrorist," when all that was known about her was the fact that she wore hijab.  A young man killed late at night in a quiet neighborhood because, wearing a hoodie, he looked suspicious.

Judged on skin colour?  Religion?  Real behaviour?  And there is that something that they just happened to be wearing on their heads. Coincidence, perhaps. And an indicator to those who go bareheaded that something is "weird" about them, it seems.

Men began walking around head bared to the sun somewhere in the 40s and 50s, and I haven't found a true reason in any article to explain why.  (President Kennedy was following a trend, apparently, not creating one, when he frequently appeared in public hat-less.) But his decision to go bare-headed, and the many women who soon after followed suit in taking off their hats and scarves in public, both in the US and in the Western world, seems to have affected these modern generations who feel that there is something "wrong" with wearing something on their heads. Something suspicious. Are they hiding something in there?

Doctors and parents have to beg to get people to cover up out of doors on sunny days or freezing days, and wilderness experts emphasize in every article how important a hat is to your essentials list.  Those who do wear caps outdoors often wear them bills-backwards, losing any benefit the protective sun shade might offer. Women cut their hair off like men, rather than spend the time it takes to care for and cover to protect their hair in out of doors situations.

I have my guesses as to some of the reasons that hats and other head coverings fell out of fashion for so much of the Western world. Head coverings were status symbols in an era when no one was supposed to be more important than anyone else. In the past it was sort of okay to show off your Easter bonnet, because everyone seemed to enjoy the sport. The better the hat, the higher the rank, so you knew who your superiors were and could treat them accordingly.  But then times changed.  God was declared dead, and therefore all men were no longer "created" equal, but were equal based on the fact that we all came from the same dirt. And more than any time in history, it seemed, people took offense at their elders, their bosses, their parents, the authorities - their men - ... and anyone who attempted to put one person "above" another. Hats and headcoverings symbolized authority, wealth, status... and suffered from our pride. (As do we, when we sunburn or freeze or get ticks from the trees in our hair...).  And from lack of familiarity over the years, came ignorance, and close on its heels: fear.

So hijabs and hoodies, turbans and yamulkas, are now suspect. What are we hiding?

Liking this article: Hoodie, hijab killings rooted in U.S. 'fear industry'

One Million Hijabs For Shaima Alawadi: Women Wear Hijabs In Support Of Slain Iraqi Woman

Submission and Glory

I was doing a little study on women in the New Testament, and came across this study in Bible.org.  One line stood out to me as something that many readers of this blog may appreciate or understand, and I present just a short part of the discussion here.  See if you can find the line about the veil and its purpose, and why it makes so much sense in the larger picture of submission to the Creator God.

"In the case of our Lord we should see that His submission and humiliation was God’s way of blessing and bringing glory to Himself (Phil. 2:8-11). We should also understand that the submission of the Son to the Father did not in any way imply inferiority on the part of the Son to the Father. Both the Son and the Father are equally God. The Son is no less God because He submitted Himself to the will of the Father and sought to glorify Him. The submission of the Son to the Father was a functional submission, necessary for the unified activity of the Godhead."

"Such is the case with the woman’s submission to the husband. It does not imply in any way inferiority on the part of the woman to the man. The wife’s submission to her husband is her indication of her submission to God (Eph. 5:22). As the Son veiled His glory in the incarnation, so the wife is to veil her glory (1 Cor. 11:2-16) in order to bring glory to her husband. The woman is not to take positions of leadership in the church because God has chosen men to reflect leadership over the church, and since the church is the bride of Christ of which Christ is the Head, so the man is to exercise headship over his bride, his wife."

from: "The New Testament Church—The Role of Women Study" By: Bob Deffinbaugh

Headcoverings: Pride and/or Modesty

"Kippah-Wearing Student Told to Prove Religion"

The principal at Northwood High School told Patch that “students are asked for verification when their religious headwear is not traditional headwear that we are accustomed to seeing.” 

By Esther French, Feb. 1, 2012, in the WheatonPatch (Maryland, US)

Though not a deep or philosophical article on head coverings, it touches us all, because the situation could happen to anyone.  Others cannot see our hearts, and can only guess from our outward appearance or behaviour as to whether we really are who we appear to be, or claim to be by wearing our head coverings.

I found this quote by the student's rabbit something to step back and re-read:  “The kippah demonstrates a sense of pride in who we are and a modesty in humbling one’s self before God.” 

Do our head coverings demonstrate a sense of pride as well as a sense of modesty?  I suppose in a way they all really do.  Even though for the most part, those who cover out of a sense of modesty would rather not bring attention to ourselves (which is the opposite of modesty or humbleness), we must be strong enough to do something which others will see, whether they understand fully why we wear a head covering or not.  We have to take "pride" or at least confidence in that which we have faith to do.  Confidence is faith - it is our belief in action.  It is a hard paradox to understand and to live, but nonetheless, when we do something which shows modesty, or demonstrates humbleness - we are not living a double life or acting hypocritically.  We're actually just doing what everyone else espects, really:  we're being on the outside the same as what we claim to be.

For more thoughts on living our inner selves outwardly, see: "Media have field day with Tebow’s public displays of piety," written by the Rev. Mark S. Bollwinkel, Wednesday, 01 February 201, in the Los Altos (California) Town Crier.

"Translating ancient traditions into modern language"

Translating ancient traditions into modern language - The Pueblo Chieftain: Local Lifestyle:

"I love working with youths. They tend to pose difficult questions." ...

"First out of the bag: "Why should women wear skirts and head coverings at church?" "


GOOD thoughts.  Laws have applications.  Rules have reasons.  God is not random.  People are people.

Includes this nugget:

The last thing you want your attention drawn to when
you come to pray is a nice pair of calves or a sexy hairdo (yes,
men do notice them).

Short article; please read.  :)

The Sojourner: The Head Covering Command

Thorough study in this blog on the 1 Corinthians 11 passage. Please see:

The Sojourner: The Head Covering Command: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16: v. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.

How to sew a Christian veil

Please, go to this lady's videos for numerous helpful and sweet videos to help you make and wear your own simple head coverings, as well as learn other sewing tips.   Her website, for more information on these headcoverings and other modest issues, is : http://www.covered4him.com/ She offers head coverings of various styles for sale as well. Because of this, she notes at her website "10-21-10 Please note: Due to my personal convictions I will not sell coverings to someone if I know they will be used for costuming purposes for Halloween. There may be cases where I wouldn't mind a costume in general as long as it is used in a Godly and respectful way...but a Halloween costume is not among them. I do not mean to offend or hurt anyone's feelings, but I am adamantly opposed to that holiday and what it stands for. I prefer that my covering sewing time be used for making coverings that are to be worn for Biblical purposes. This is obviously something that must be on your individual honor as I do not always know what a person may place their order for. It only just occurred to me that someone might wish to order for that reason and I just felt led to post this as a policy, especially as it is that time of year."

You can read her own words here: "Headcovering Testimony," By Mrs. Eleanor R. McDonie.

Article Review: National Catholic Register on The Law

"Women's Head Coverings at Mass: Won't Say I Told You So, But ..."

-- blog article in: National Catholic Register (www.NCRegister.com)
-- author: Jimmy Akin
-- religious description: Roman Catholic
-- head covering belief: "I have no problem with women wearing head coverings. In fact, I’m rather partial to the practice, and I fully support any woman’s right to wear one.. . . But I’m not going to falsify what the law requires concerning them."

This is a pretty thorough and recent article, written in response to replies made regarding an earlier essay written by this author. The discussion is a common one in Roman Catholic forums on the subject: the old law that a woman partaking in mass has to wear a head covering was not included in the Second Vatican Council and was done away with by the 1983 Code of Canon Law, and therefore women do not have to wear a veil to mass according to law. But wearing a covering is still a good thing. Discussions of this sort do not have to do - usually - with Biblical scripture, but the various writings and interpretations of canon law. Several quotes of which are included in this article,especially that of Cardinal Burke, a head man in the church court. He concludes that a woman who does not cover her head at any form of mass is not in violation of law, nor should she be considered a sinner in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church.

I appreciate his addendum here:

"Nevertheless, it is clear that those who participate in the extraordinary form of the Mass are intending to celebrate it as it was celebrated in 1962, to the extent provided by present law, and that included head coverings. Those regularly celebrating this form of the Roman Rite thus have an expectation that head coverings will be used. Failure to use them could be cause for puzzlement, even if it is not legally required. And the expectation (without legal requirement) may extend higher up the hierarchical chain, though Cardinal Burke does not make this clear."

Added interest and further study in this subject is included as you read past the author's signature in this blog, and arrive at the comments section. Comments sections must always be approached with a certain expectation of some good, some hostile, of course, and though I have not read through all of the seeming hundreds of comments, I did find this little tidbit, which I can also appreciate, from a writer called "Johnno":

"This is sort of in the same boat at kneeling for Holy Communion. I recognize that women do not need to wear a veil. But like not kneeling for Communion and receiving it on the tongue, a generation of women and men have lost a beautiful significance of such acts and the true reality and beauty that is before them."

I personally believe that covering for the explanations found in scripture are enough for me, but I also understand the additional ceremony and tradition of the Catholic church as it encourages seriousness, contemplation and humbleness when coming together to worship at a mass. Many folks do seem to think that modern philosophy, human perception (even when faulty) and fashion should alter tradition and even law. I suppose some folks would merely dismiss me as "conservative" or even closed minded, but I believe that there are some things that do not change. And an outward respect for GOD and the church of the believers (not to mention all others) is one thing that should not change.

Please read the article (and the links there, even), and let me know what you think.

LisaM

Article Review: Kings House on Christian Head Covering

"Head covering -- Women: Will You Cover Your Head?": An elucidation of first Corinthians chapter eleven

-- an article in kingshouse.org
-- religious description: "simply born-again believers in Christ"
-- author: "hissaint at hotmail dot com"
-- belief about head covering: yes.


I found this article a long time ago, when I was studying for myself on whether the head covering was for Christian women of today. This article is rather lengthy compared to some, but it is so thorough as to almost be usable as a small booklet, digestible over several studies. The article covers:

• the scripture from 1 Corinthians 11 with definitions and explanation
• many cross references throughout the Bible to show the consistency of the Word
• references to definitions of Greek and Hebrew from both Old and New sections of the Scriptures
• discussions on prayer, prophecy, angels, hair, creation order, gender roles, and church custom
• a list and quotation from writers throughout history from the earliest writers in the churches of Jesus Christ
• a series of quotations 'pro' and 'con' from more contemporary thought
• testimonies from women who cover

Here is the introduction of the piece:

Prolegomenon

"Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you." (Philemon 1:8,9)

The "modern" Christian, with regards to the issue of head coverings, might respond that it's "archaic" or "of the first century." However, it's in the Scriptures, and is taught to those true believers of the common faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. As always we truly want to be sound, accurate, and comprehensive in our research of this neglected topic. Most of us when reading 1 Corinthians 11 have accustomed ourselves to pass over this section with no thought as to its relevance for us today. However, I would like to lay down some undeniable facts on this topic before we begin.

Fact #1 - It's in the Holy Scriptures, whether it was for the first century or not, it's there and must be addressed.

Fact #2 - If we single this topic out with the acceptation of it being only for the primitive Church does that give us the license to do that with other genre of Scriptures?

Fact #3 - Seeing it's the work of the adversary to rob (Matthew 13:19; John 10:10) and deceive (Matthew 24:24; Revelation 20:3,8) is it not logical that he attempts to deceive the gullible in this topic also?

I find this article enlightening and thorough, as well as mostly an objective piece, one that presents the facts and allows the reader to come to their own conclusions. Of course, it also is encouraging to those who already use a head covering, or who support those who do, as the author illuminates many different aspects and reasoning for Christian head covering which may have not been thoroughly examined or understood. I recommend it as reading for all of the followers of this blog as well as those who may stumble across this blog who have never understood "those head coverings" and the people who wear them.

Please read this article, and post your response below for others to see. (I read through them first for spam.) I would like to hear from you.

LisaM

"Headcoverings in Public Worship"

Here find a lengthy article describing the Biblical headcovering. Below the link, I've provided the concluding paragraph of the essay.

Headcoverings in Public Worship2

Although the use of head coverings in public worship is obviously not as important as the doctrines of the trinity, the two natures of Christ or justification by faith alone, nevertheless, it is important for a number of reasons. (1) It is required by Scripture and thus cannot be set aside like a bad recipe. When God has spoken on an issue, our job is to trust and obey whether we like it or not. (2) In our day when marriage and family life is at an all time low, any teaching and practice that supports the covenant headship of the man and the submission of the wife needs our utmost adherence. Head coverings represent what God teaches about marriage. Therefore, we should not mock or hate this biblical practice but embrace it wholeheartedly. (3) Culture at the present time in America is becoming increasingly pagan, hedonistic and anti-Christian. Any biblical practice that sets God’s people apart from our culture and sets an example for it ought to be embraced by believers. We certainly do not act as a salt and light to our heathen culture when we reject biblical imperatives relating to covenant headship but instead imitate the world. (4) A recurring problem for churches in the last one hundred years has been the intrusion of egalitarian and feminist principles into their beliefs and practices. An excellent way to stop such dangerous syncretism is to obey biblical teachings that feminists hate such as head coverings. The best defense is a good offense. May God enable us to return to the teaching of the apostles on this issue so that families will be strengthened and the angels properly instructed.


Copyright 2003 © Brian Schwertley