The women role in the church is a hot debated subject in American churches. In the Corinthian church, there was an issue that women did not cover their heads when they prayed or prophesied (1 Cor 11:5). Paul gave reasons why women should not do that. First, God ordains a hierarchy in administration (1 Cor 11:3). (It is only an administration difference but not a difference in value because God the Father and Christ is equal in value). Second, head covering is a sign of obedience of the God’s ordained hierarchy because of how others understand the action of head covering (1 Cor 11:7, 10) – for men to uncover his head is to honor God and for women to cover their head is a sign of obedience. Third, Paul appealed to our nature (1 Cor 11:13-15). Fourth, Paul appealed to the Church tradition/culture (1 Cor 11:16).
The God’s ordained hierarchy is always the same. Our obedience to this arrangement should always be the same. However, our culture does not understand the message of head covering like the 1st century Christians. And our nature and our Church culture are silent in head covering. So, I think instead of asking our sisters to cover their heads in church, we should seek some cultural relevant action that will communicate the same message – our obedience to God’s hierarchy.
Mike
Interesting when man covered his head it is a dishonor (1 Cor 11:4), while a woman uncovers her head will be a dishonor (1 Cor 11:5). The reason for this is because a man needs to show that he is the image and glory of God (1 Cor 11:7a). Of course woman is also the image and glory of God, however, woman has an immediate head. The man (1 Cor. 11:7b). Therefore, man and woman are different. The head covering shows this hierarchy. Since this hierarchy involves the relationship between, woman, man, Christ, and God therefore the sign of authority are also important to the angels (1 Cor 11:10). Sisters, have you ever thought about your attitude towards your husband involves even the angels? This is not only your household issue, but something much bigger!
Audrey
The God’s ordained hierarchy is always the same. Our obedience to this arrangement should always be the same. However, our culture does not understand the message of head covering like the 1st century Christians. And our nature and our Church culture are silent in head covering. So, I think instead of asking our sisters to cover their heads in church, we should seek some cultural relevant action that will communicate the same message – our obedience to God’s hierarchy.
Mike
Interesting when man covered his head it is a dishonor (1 Cor 11:4), while a woman uncovers her head will be a dishonor (1 Cor 11:5). The reason for this is because a man needs to show that he is the image and glory of God (1 Cor 11:7a). Of course woman is also the image and glory of God, however, woman has an immediate head. The man (1 Cor. 11:7b). Therefore, man and woman are different. The head covering shows this hierarchy. Since this hierarchy involves the relationship between, woman, man, Christ, and God therefore the sign of authority are also important to the angels (1 Cor 11:10). Sisters, have you ever thought about your attitude towards your husband involves even the angels? This is not only your household issue, but something much bigger!
Audrey
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