“Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head. But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved.”

The issue of head coverings, the primary topic of 1 Corinthians 11:4–16, has proven to be surprisingly difficult for Christians today. The interpretations vary greatly. Liberal theologians dismiss this passage as evidence of Paul’s inherent misogynist tendencies. For others who take inspiration seriously, head-coverings are an example of an “odd” cultural carryover from an ancient world that has no relevance for today—often they simply skip over the passage with a vague tip of the hat to role relationships in the church.

Still others interpret the passage as having more to do with the principle of submission and headship than the symbol itself. Some feel the symbolism is important, but we need to find a culturally equivalent form for today, just as some substitute crackers and grape juice for communion bread and wine. They say head-coverings don’t convey submission like they did in the first century, but a wedding ring might do that, or modest dress (although the idea of submission is lost in all such symbols, primarily because there are really no acceptable cultural symbols that convey submission).

Among those who hold to a literal head covering, the issues are still many. When should it be worn—just when a woman is praying or prophesying, and when exactly is she allowed to do that? At all meetings of the church, home groups sanctioned by the church, weddings, funerals? Is it to be mandated or voluntary? Is it required for church membership? Some even suggest it be given the stature of an ordinance, on the level of the Lord’s Supper and baptism.

What do we make of all this diversity of interpretation? We tread carefully, wishing the Lord had provided more clarity about these issues. A few things are helpful to consider as we move forward. First, we must be careful to go where the passage leads us, regardless of our culture, our upbringing, or the accepted teaching we are accustomed to. Too often we accept what a favorite Bible teacher says. Or accept the interpretation that is easiest to apply. Second, we must accept that all interpretations of this passage are going to have some difficulties; none answers all the above questions satisfactorily. Third, we must accept this passage as inspired by the Spirit of God and not limited in its truth by the cultural context of the Corinthians. Finally, we must not hold too dogmatically to interpretations of this passage as the watershed of faithfulness.

Lord, help me walk carefully and obediently as I think on these things.