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?
What is?
To have a better understanding of what Scripture is talking about we need to define some terms. First, the teaching of head covering for women is a lesson in the New Testament. It's exemplified in the Old Testament, but no specific lesson is given. Where is the passage found? In the New Testament. What is its location? The epistle to the Corinthians from Paul the apostle. What is the context? He is speaking to them about general lessons, and then introduces the topic to them specifically. Finally, and most importantly who is he speaking to? Christians! One of the interesting aspects of this doctrine is that it, like a couple of others, is mentioned only once. (see footwashing) Many examples can be found but this is the "only" direct passage of it.
There are two things that we should take note of before studying this passage. One, there are literally, and I do mean literally, thousands upon thousands of pages written on this very passage! If one were to do a search on the Internet you would be amazed at how many web sites, articles, books, and links to pages concerning this subject. Yet it's rarely taught. Two, almost every article or book written on this subject states that "Paul says" we need to remember that Paul was used of Holy Spirit to convey God's thought on this matter, but it was not Paul himself that this teaching had its genesis. The main point I'm saying here is, it's a teaching that comes from God, and we should be very quick to obey Him.
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you. But 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. Every man praying or prophesying, having [his] head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover [his] head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on [her] head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman [is] of the man, even so [is] the man also by the woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her] hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God." (1 Corinthians 11:1-16)
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