Thursday, July 10, 2008

Christian Prayer Veils

“Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.” This is one of those verses people often say has changed because of the cultural issues of the day - ”Women no longer wear head coverings in church so maybe this verse doesn’t apply either.” . . .

Are you willing to obey God even if you don’t like what he says? How do we change some verses to mean what we want them to? Why do some women resist obeying this verse?

- from "Let a woman learn in silence", by The Stick


"Paul and Corinthian Women's Head Coverings", by Nancy A. Carter, attempts to do just what the previously quoted article asks, it seems, in this article, heavy with photos of Greek and Roman statuary. Read this article carefully.



Here are some links to studies on headcoverings for Christian women, recently appearing, with a short quote from each:

"The Head Covering", by Pot and Torch Apologetics, 1 Corinthians 10:31
"The head covering is the woman’s hair" says one person. "No, it was a cultural thing just for the people of that day" says another. People all know that something is being said in 1 Corinthians 11. Some type of teaching which is to affect men and woman, but few take the actual time to carefully exegete the passage.

"Headcoverings etc. yet again...", by Ave Maria Gratia Plena...

Whenever I've gotten into an argument about Christian customs like modest dress and head coverings I'm always told, "That was the custom back in the time of Saint Paul. Since then things have changed and these things are no longer a part of our culture."

Ok, that makes sense if you are not Christian... cultures and customs change and no one can deny that fact. But for a Christian this statement begs the question, "Why have we Christians allowed ourselves to change with the Worldly customs around us?"

"Pulpiteer's Bible Study on the Head Covering", in The Fighting Fundamental Forums
If it is a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. The Greek word for covered is: "katakalupto {kat-ak-al-oop'-to} 1) to cover up 2) to veil or cover one's self." In our culture, in our society, it IS a shame for a woman to be shaven, thus nullifying the culture argument.

And some bloggers posting about chapel veils with pictures and links(!):

"Because of the Angels", by tigerish waters
For your general interest, here are some headcoverings from diverse Christian communities. We seem to have forgotten just how natural it is for women to cover up. It has only taken a generation or two, for this to happen.

"Poker Chips or Fish and Chips?," by trying to focus
I guess you might be wondering why in the world I would want a chapel veil! I have been drawn to the chapel veil for a while now. When I read the reasoning in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition in favor for women veiling themselves in the presence of God - it just made sense. Read a little for yourself. [links follow this paragraph in the blog - LisaM]

"Traditional Catholic Online Stores", by Salve Regina

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, you have an interesting argument here. However, as a Muslim women I don't understand why Christians and Jews would allow the Church or Rabbianic Judaism or other deviations in getting in the way between God and themselves. Although Muslim women cover their hair for different reasons to that of Christian and Jewish women, what remains the same is that it's in Scripture. Muslim women believe denial of one letter of the Quran is blasphemous. We simply don't have the luxury nor interest in analysing God's word the way anthropologists and philosophers do. Best regards.

Anonymous said...

WOW I am a Christian and that was well said !

Anonymous said...

Hi I'm Orthodox Christian and I have seen older adults with headscarves. The Orthodox nuns cover their hair completely. Icons of Christ's mother always show her with veil.