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Veiled Beauty

An Introduction to the Practice of Head Covering Head Covering Quiz

A. Muslim

B. Jewish

C. Christian

D. Sikh

C. Christian (Eastern Orthodox ) A. Jewish

B. Buddhist

C. Christian

D. Muslim

D. Muslim A. Christian

B. Hindu

C. Jewish

D. Taoist

B. Hindu A. Hindu

B. Jewish

C. Buddhist

D. Muslim

B. Jewish (Orthodox) A. Taoist

B. Jewish

C. Buddhist

D. Christian

C. Christian A. Sabian

B. Buddhist

C. Jewish

D. Christian

D. Christian (Hutterite) A. Christian

B. Muslim

C. Jewish

D. Buddhist

D. Christian (Ethiopian Orthodox) History & Origins Head Covering in the

OLD TESTAMENT

❖ There are NO specific commands to cover one’s head.

❖ It was, however, practiced and often included covering part of And Rebekah lifted up the face. her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she . . . said ❖ to the servant, “Who is We see in Genesis 24 that that man, walking in the “veiling” was a sign of field to meet us?” The and deference (specifically to servant said, “It is my one’s husband or future master.” So she took her and covered herself. spouse)------> Genesis 24:64-65 Head Covering in the Bible

NEW TESTAMENT The at Corinth

❖ Planted by Paul during his 2nd missionary journey (Acts 18).

❖ It was a diverse congregation: Jews and gentiles (Greek and And Rebekah lifted up Roman), poor and wealthy, her eyes, and when she men and women. saw Isaac, she . . . said to the servant, “Who is ❖ They had issues … and lots of that man, walking in the them. field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my ❖ Paul’s two lengthy letters give master.” So she took her us great insights into early veil and covered herself. Genesis 24:64-65 Christian life. I Corinthians 11:1-16

1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 2 I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions just as I handed them on to you. 3 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and [man][a] is the head [woman],[b] and God is the head of Christ. 4 Any man who prays or prophesies with something on his head disgraces his head, 5 but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled disgraces her head—it is one and the same thing as having her head shaved. 6 For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil. 7 For a man ought not to have his head veiled, since he is the image and reflection[c] of God; but woman is the reflection[d] of man. 8 Indeed, man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man. 10 For this reason a woman ought to have a symbol of[e] authority on her head,[f] because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man or man independent of woman. 12 For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman; but all things come from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: is it for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it is degrading to him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 But if anyone is disposed to be contentious—we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God. I Corinthians 11:1-16

❖ Paul is answering an assumed question: Should women be allowed to pray and prophesy with their heads “uncovered.”

❖ What did the Corinthians/Paul mean by veil or covering? ➢ An actual veil, or fabric covering

➢ Bound hair with or without a ➢ Long hair

❖ As far as we can tell, there was no universal standard for covering in the wider culture. There were a myriad of different customs influenced by Greek, Roman, and Jewish practices. Early Interpretations c. 190 - Clement of Alexandria, Egypt c. 200 - Tertullian, Carthage "Let the woman … be entirely covered, unless she “But how severe a chastisement will they happens to be at home. For that style of … protects likewise deserve, who remain uncovered [her] from being gazed at. And she will never fall, who even during the recital of the Psalms and at puts before her eyes modesty, and her ; nor will she any mention of the name of God? For even invite another to fall into sin by uncovering her face. For when they are about to spend time in this is the wish of the Word, since it is becoming for her prayer itself, they only place a fringe, tuft to pray veiled." [Clement, The Instructor 3.12] [of cloth], or any thread whatever on the of their heads. And they think that they are covered!” [Tertullian, The Veiling of Virgins, Chap. XVII]

c. 200 - Hippolytus, Rome “And let all the women have their heads covered with an opaque cloth, not with a veil of thin linen, for this is not a true covering.” [Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition, Pt. II, 18] “Cubicle of the Veiled Woman” Catacomb of Priscilla (3rd century)

Marriage Prayer Motherhood I Corinthians 11:1-16

1. Argument from Creation (vv. 3, 7-9) b. For a woman to neglect covering her head is to a. First, Paul lays out the proper order of bring shame upon herself AND her figurative “head- authority: God ---> Christ ---> Man ---> those in authority over her (including the community Woman. (v. 3) as a whole) b. Paul alludes to Genesis and the order of 3. Argument from “Nature” creation to support this hierarchy - man was a. What Paul calls a testimony of “nature” in created first and then woman, from man. (vv. verses 14-16 is influenced by his cultural 7-9) context. In his culture, long hair = feminine c. The “veil,” is a symbol of submission to God’s and short hair = masculine. ordering of the world (v. 10) For some b. In today’s context, this argument is harder to unknown reason, this symbol is important to understand, but not impossible. the angels present in worship. 4. Argument from Practice 2. Argument about Honor and Shame (vv. 4-6) In closing his argument, he appeals to the accepted a. In 1st cent. Greco-Roman culture, honor was customs in other churches. He basically says, “If considered an ultimate goal. (Similar to anyone still wants to be difficult and continue these American ideals of liberty and equality). uncovered shenanigans, know this: it’s just not the way we do things in the churches of God. Other Reasons to Veil Veiling Symbolizes Truth

“Like the Theotokos, every Christian woman, is a living icon of the church. So when she herself ... she becomes a visible reminder for all of the spousal relationship between the Church and Christ. And furthermore, it signifies the submission of the Church to the loving rule of Christ her spouse.”

… Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind—yes, so that she may be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27 Veiling Connects Us to Others

Veiling during worship connects us with Christian women across the globe and throughout history. Veiling Is a Witness

“The veil is a visual sermon … a public proclamation before the Lord that He IS the Lord and that we love Him and that we are ready to obey him. It's a totally counter-cultural statement proclaiming obedience in the midst of a culture that is totally permeated with this attitude of "I will not serve." Veiling Can Help Us Grow

Veiling teaches us about obedience, humility, and modesty. It can be a tool for focusing our prayers and a reminder of our sacred worth as daughters of the King. Types of Head Coverings Veils (“”) Practical Considerations When to Veil?

Family devotions When teaching & prayer time or prophesying

Private prayer In the presence time of Christ at the Corporate Prayer & Worship

“Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head.” --1 Cor. 11:5 How to Veil ❖ Say a prayer

“ Lord, make me a woman

after your own heart. Clothe me with your strength and wisdom. Fill me with your love and compassion. In all I do, let me bring glory and

honor to You.”

❖ Secure your veil Strange Beginnings

My personal journey toward head covering The Experiment Lenten Head Covering Challenge

Will You Join Me?

1. Commit to wearing a head covering during the 6 Sundays of Lent

2. Journal your experience using the prompts provided

3. Meet together after Lent for fellowship, discussion, and prayer.