troach member
Joined: 02 Aug 2009 Posts: 207
|
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 11:19 am Post subject: |
|
|
It might help to explain a little about why Corinthians was written (the book I assume you are referring):
The Corinthian church contained some Jews, but more Gentiles, and the apostle had to contend with the superstition of the one, and the sinful conduct of the other. The peace of this church was disturbed by false teachers, who undermined the influence of the apostle. Two parties were the result; one contending earnestly for the Jewish ceremonies, the other indulging in excesses contrary to the gospel, especially luxury and the sins which prevailed around them. This epistle was written to rebuke some disorderly conduct, of which the apostle had been apprized, and to give advice as to some points whereon his judgment was requested by the Corinthians.
So throughout Corinthians one will see the problem or areas of question being stated (which many people and groups mistakenly interpret as what we are suppose to do). Then later the resolution, to the issue.
Regarding hair, there were different local "laws" and "rules of conduct" in effect with different people trying to follow different rules.
In this case he basically said the church as no rules for or against the covering of a womans head. For her hair is her head's natural covering.
1Co 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that if a man hath long hair, it is a shame to him?
1Co 11:15 But if a woman hath long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
1Co 11:16 But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
As far as any official policy regarding a woman covering her head, basically it up to the woman, the local laws and the local customs. But a biblical church rule or a rule to cover her head imposed by Jesus or God, it is not.
Simply put in today's English Paul basically said:
If there is no local law/rule requiring (or forbidding) head covering, as far as the church leadership should be concerned, let the woman do what she wants to do regarding covering her head (within the limits of good common sense). |
|