hats, hair and herecy
Man I love that title, very creative, I can not take credit for it, I read it from another pastor when I was looking up commentary on this verse.
So, from what I have discovered in reading the back story on these verses. Cultural elements due play a huge role in the interpretation of this verse.
First, a head covering did not refer to just a "cloth or hat" it was referring to "hair length" as well. The temple prostitutes of the day had "bald heads", this was to identify them as prostitutes and that they did not have a husband. This pastor also stated it was to signify their rebellion to the "pecking order" that God had set up. Paul was speaking to the "heart" behind the motive! Very interesting because some will interpret this and be hard core in the sense that a women can not even pray with out a covering.
The head covering in and of it self was honoring and worshipful and very anti-cultural when compared to what society was doing all around this church, referring to the prostitutes. Man to was also prancing around trying to pretend to be a woman with long hair, etc. (common knowledge when thinking about the "Romans" of the day and their "role playing")
So, question I have, does doctrine change with the times? It would seem that one could argue that we don't have to do this anymore, wear head coverings, because culture has changed!
Isn't His truth, true all the time... in every time! Or is this truth something that Paul was inspired to say to THIS people, cause they NEEDED to hear it!
My thoughts... I do believe there are principles of truth in every passage we read, most of it boils down to "heart" and the condition of the heart regarding the matter. For instance in the case of healing on the sabbath. Was honoring God's law wrong? no, it was worshipful! Was healing wrong? No, it showed God's love and concern for His people. So was it wrong to Heal on the Sabbath? Jesus, said NO! Cause God's love superseded this Law that man was trying to "enforce"... and it was pretty clear that the motive for obeying this law, was not worshipful, but rather a plan to trick Christ!
So, again, I believe that it is imperative to pursue honoring God, and that is the safe route to go when interpreting scripture and context. If you heart says wear a literal head covering then wear it and honor God, if not don't wear it, but don't let either be a stumbling block to yourself and to the worship of others!
just my 2 cents
Created over 2 years ago
