THE HEAD VEILING
Editorial
April, 1971
Volume 6, Number 2
In our day people are talking about "unisex" that is, about obliterating
the lines of distinction between the sexes. Women cut their hair and sometimes
dress like men, and long-haired men with strings of beads around the neck
are becoming a common sight. The Bible teaches that there should be a distinction
between the sexes, and that it is degrading for a man to wear long hair,
but that long hair is appropriate and proper for the Christian woman. Early
records show that even Jesus had a close-cropped haircut (see
Vollmer, The Modern Student's Life of Christ (Revell).
The Apostle Paul was inspired (as recorded in 1 Corinthians 11) to give
three reasons why the man's hair should be short and the woman's hair should
not be shorn:
(1) The theological reason (vs. 2-6) - The issue centers
around authority. In God's order, the woman cooperates with man's leadership,
and the veiling is a sign of her acceptance of that authority an(] his
leadership role.
(2) The biblical reason (vs 7-12) - The facts of'
creation (as given in Genesis 1 and 2) are discussed. God created the man
first. The woman was in turn made from the man, and this simple order in
creation is to be. respected in the Church.
(3) The physical reason (vs. 13-16) -- Even nature shows
a distinction between the sexes and nature shows the female as modest and
retiring. Nature everywhere teaches us that the Creator distinguishes between
the sexes, and certainly it is proper for men and women to appear differently
in order to distinguish them.
In spite of the fact that some think the Apostle Paul was biased against
women, the Bible actually bestows honor upon women, and elevates
the woman far above the place accorded her by the ancient religions. In
Romans 16, Paul names many women (Phoebe, Priscilla, Junia, Mary, Tryphena,
Tryphosa, etc.) -and describes them as humble women who on the Resurrection
morning are going to share in the brilliance of the eternal city.
The article by Bro. James Myer featured in this issue of the BRF
WITNESS is an excellent study of God's instruction in 1 Corinthians
11. Those who say that the more conservative churches have a flourishing
church attendance because they preach what people want to bear (instead of getting involved in current socio-political issues) -- are altogether wrong! The Bible way has always been a narrow way, and the masses turn a deaf ear. Try urging the practice of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, and see how popular you become! And let no one level the charge of "legalism" or "Phariseeism." The danger today is not legalism; the peril confronting the church today is secularism and lukewarmness and indifference to the will of God.
--H.S.M.
The Head Veiling
by James F. Myer
Sixteen verses from 1 Corinthians 11 provide the biblical instruction
for the sisters head veiling. This teaching which was once a living practice
amongmany Christian bodies, is remembered today only by their historical
records. Because this practice sets God's people separate from the. world,
it has become unpopular and is not commonly observed. We do not believe
this doctrine to be more important than others taught in the Scriptures,
but it is part of God's perfect revelation.
In religious circles we hear the term "nonessentials. There may
be some reason for using this phrase with regard to personal convictions,
but it should never be used to describe a clear teaching of the Word of
God. We approach 1 Corinthians 11:126 keeping in mind that this is the
teaching of God's Word, and not the mere custom of some church.
Many argue that this teaching was relevant and intended only for the
Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 1:2 however, we learn that it was not only
addressed to the Corinthians, but to "all that in every place call upon
the name of Jesus Christ." God was no more concerned that order in headship
be observed by the Corinthians, than He is for the Christian Church today.
If the first sixteen verses of this chapter are only for another age, then
what about the latter part of the chapter? Why should we accept Paul's
instructions about the disorders at the Lord's Table and not accept his
instructions about the disorders surrounding headship? Those who are quick
to discard the headship instructions (in 1 Corinthians 11) are often equally
as diligent in wanting to point out the beautiful words of the great love
chapter (in 1 Corinthians 13). Those who would take away the teaching oil
the veiling, should first check Revelation 22:11).
Many argue that Jesus never said anything about a head veiling. Sometimes
they boastingly say , "We follow Christ," with an air of indifference to
the teaching of the Apostles. It is clear from the context that our Lord
did say something about the head veiling. "If any man think himself to
be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I
write unto you are the, commandments of the Lord," says Paul (1 Corinthians
14:37). Again he said "For I have received of the Lord that which also
I delivered unto you" (1 Corinthians 11 :23). It is clear from these Scriptures
that Paul was writing beyond himself and that that he wrote was at the
divine direction of' the Lord.
The Principle of the Covering
The principle of headship and order is given in verse three. 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.Everything that God does
is done decently and in order. In the original establishment of order,
God saw that it was good. Man became the major disappointment in God's
orderly creation by falling into sin. God has air established order under
Him, wherein each part bears certain responsibility under another. The
order is simple: God, Christ, man, woman.
Because of woman's being deceived in the original transgression she
has to bear a greater stigma for her guilt. "And Adam was not deceived.
but the woman being deceived was in the transgression" (1 Timothy 2:14).
Painful child-bearing is a grief-filled reminder to women, of Eve's role
in the original transgression. The principle of submission to authority
is the underlying principle for the veiling.
The spirit of rebellion and insubordination that prevails today is an
attempt by many to eliminate every voice of authority over the life. The
Bible clearly states that every Christian believer must recognize a prevailing
head When Jesus prayed, "Not my will but thine be done," He was expressing
total submission to the Father. Men must recognize that God has given Christ
"to be the head over all things to the church" (Ephesians 1:22). Christian
women must recognize that the head of the woman is the man. The emergence
of many false teachings in our day is the result of men and women failing
to submit to divine authority
The Practice of the Veiling
Verse 4 of 1 Corinthians 11 gives the practice for men. Two acts of
communication are indicated.
Praying is talking with God. Prophesying
is witnessing to men. Man is to show his subjection to Christ by having
his head uncovered or unveiled When the Bible uses the word "covered,"
the word "veiled" is equally correct. The veiling is a recognizable sign-covering
that has spiritual significance. The wearing of a weather--protection has
no spiritual meaning and therefore is not a fitting substitute for a veil.
Verse 5 of 1 Corinthians 11 gives the practice for Christian women.
When Paul speaks of every woman that prays or prophesies with her head
uncovered, we believe He is speaking of a constant, active, spiritual occupation.
It is not indicated in the text that Paul is giving public worship guidelines.
If women only pray and witness during times of public worship, they call
hardly be called Christian. It is no less a disgrace to pray unveiled out
of the assembly than in it. When Paul begins teaching later in the chapter
(1 Corinthians 11, verses 17-34) about the Communion, he says three times
"when ye come together." This indicates that the Communion is something
for a time of public meeting. No such phrase is given with regard to the
wearing of the headveiling.
Paul is saying further in verse 6 (of 1 Corinthians 11), that if a woman
will be rebellious toward the wearing of a veiling she should be consistently
wrong and cut her hair off too. A woman's hair is her glory - it is a shame
for her to cut it off. Neither does Paul suggest that one can cut some
of it off and then be able to cover the shame of that act by wearing a
veiling. For those who can't understand what "long hair" is, we suggest
they let the scissors away, and God will demonstrate how long "long" is.
Jesus clearly said we cannot serve two masters. The teaching in 1 Corinthians
11 helps to keep Christian women from being a slave to the constantly changing
hair fashions of the world. We believe God is displeased with women who
live in the height of worldly fashion and style, and then wear a mini-covering
on mini-hair for a mini-period of time (at a Sunday service).
Verse 10 (of 1 Corinthians 11) declares that the veiled head of a Christian
woman will encourage power and protection from the guardian angels. Testimonies
can be gleaned to witness to this fact. Men have power in their bodies,
but women may have power on their heads.
In verse 16, Paul clearly sees the contention arising over this instruction
about the veiling. He makes no compromise however for those who would be
contentious. He says, "We have no such custom (referring to verse 13 which
speaks of' women praying unto God uncovered), and neither do the churches
of God." True churches of' God will still uphold this is Bible teaching.
One of the tragedies occurring among many believers in the church, is
the failure to walk in increasing light. The Apostle John writes an important
truth reminding its that keeping the Lord's commandments is an expression
of' our love to God, when he says, "He that says I know him, and keeps
not his commandments, is a liar., and the truth is not in him" (1 John
2:4). One work of the Holy Spirit is to lead believers off fit the way
of' truth and righteousness. The person who will not follow the Holy Spirit's
leading, will usually fall prey to the dictates of another spirit. Remember
that the world passes away, and the lusts thereof but he that does the
will of God abides forever (See 1 John 2: 17).