I want a clarification if it is wrong (my husband thinks it is) for a woman to worship God without covering her head. He also believes that it is an abomination for a woman to wear that which pertaineth to a man i.e. trousers. I do not think so. It doesn't take anyone to hell, I believe!

My church is liberal about these but he feels uncomfortable. He enjoys the messages, the worship and the lifestyle of the overseers of the ministry. We joined the church almost a year ago but he is a conservative believer. I am not bothered (as long as your dressing is decent) with whether somebody's hair is covered or not or if one is wearing trousers.

Bro. Steve, please speak to me on these issues.

Hello Ehimen:

I was raised in the Greek Orthodox Church in Denver where women and the priests also covered their heads. As I recall, women were also encouraged to wear skirts or dresses to church services and not pants. I am no longer a part of the Greek Church, but I believe The Orthodox Church continues this tradition as do the Amish, Mennonites, Church of the Brethren and some Catholic parish's.

The scripture basis for this is found in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16:

1 Corinthians 11
1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
3 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.
4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
5 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.
6 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.
7 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.
8 For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man.
9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.


Specifically, in verses 4-5, Paul instructs the church that every man who prayed or prophesied with his head covered dishonored the Lord. Every man who prayed or prophesied with her head uncovered dishonored the Lord.

In verse 7 – 8, Paul writes that man was made in the image of God while the woman was made in the image of man.

In verse 14-15, Paul dismisses long hair on men as shameful but long hair on women is representative of her individual personal glory.

Is this teaching for us today? The answer to this question will likely be controversial, depending on whom you ask and, good people will likely disagree.

My personal belief:

As your husband is in headship of your family, I encourage you to follow his lead by wearing a veil and no pants as he has requested you to do.

It is clear from scripture that the veiling of women was meant to be a blessing to the inherent value and beauty of a woman. It is a symbol of the Christian faith. It was intended to keep the relationship of the man and the woman in proper order. The teachings are not hard to understand.

Our modern society and the roving activities of the enemy have eroded many Biblical teachings in our everyday life. Popular church leaders and Bible commentators over the last century have found easy ways to explain the ordinances away and have spread their unbelief to seminaries around the world. Many would say that such teachings were historical only in their intent and were meant to deal with specific situations pertaining to life then. I disagree with this position.

Christians cannot choose which teachings are relevant or irrevelant based on changing whims of the day. If we do, and we are doing just that, the result is breakdown of society and in the inerrant interpretation of the Bible. The enemy loves to confuse and reverse roles in our society and has done a pretty good job putting all forms of feminist jewelry on men, embolding women to a feminist agenda within the church and without, and generally feminizing men to the point that they no longer are the leaders of their families, church, or communities. The enemy has created doubt as to what God's word really means and whether it is indeed truth or simply often allegory or teachings for a season only. Sex rolls are in disarray and homosexuality and bisexuality (what is heavens name is that?) are actually being mainstreamed in our schools, business and government as acceptable forms of living. Virginity and chastity are laughed at in high schools and colleges and abortion is rampant world wide. Need we search any further as to why men are running out on their wives at astounding numbers in the church today? We have a bad case of "I" trouble and satan loves it.

I know that I have perhaps carried this too far. The actual absence of veils on women has not lead to the destruction of our society. The mechanism that allowed the veils to come off has continued carved destructive path, however, and we all see the result. It is not pretty.

I like this scripture:

Psalms 115:1

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

Dear Nick,

Thanks so much for your reponse to my questions.

As a matter of fact, I have seen so much of immoral dressing in the name of liberty. Can you imagine our ladies dress worse than harlots and they call themselves Christians?

I think as the Bible has made us to understand that we should stand firmly lest we fall should be our focus. We should also keeping praying for the body of Christ more than ever before as satan is always on the prowl with distractions.

His grace will always be sufficient for us.

Remain bleesed.