Headcovering Throughout Christian History: The Church's Response to 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

by David Phillips

Have you ever wondered why Christian women, just two or three generations ago, often wore some type of covering on their heads while in church? -- And why men always took off their hats when it was time to pray?

It is well-documented throughout Church history that the use of headcoverings was the norm for Christian women during times of prayer. Additionally, the widespread practice for Christian men -- since the beginning of the Church -- has been to remove their hats whenever they gathered for prayer. Among the churches in Western society, these practices have greatly declined (and often ceased) only within the last century.

The Bible itself provided for the longevity of these symbolic actions. In the book of First Corinthians, the Apostle Paul explained the meaning of the unique practice of Christian headcovering. Countless pastors, theologians, and other Christians throughout history have studied (and written about) Paul's instructions about headcovering.

"Headcovering Throughout Church History" provides an overview of the Church's response to 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 across the last 2000 years of Christianity. It features the writings of the Early Church, Augustine, Martin Luther, John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon, and many others. It also documents contemporary theologians & denominations that endorse the Church's historical stand on this passage of Scripture.

Now in Kindle format, this book contains the most comprehensive research currently available on the topic. Carefully referenced quotations allow you to hear from well over 50 theologians, pastors, and other Christian writers throughout Church history.

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= = Book Excerpts = =

"A man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God. But the woman is the glory of man... Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head... We have no other practice, nor have the churches of God." // The Apostle Paul, 1st Century AD

“Indeed, the man's head ought not to be hidden, for the glory of God is seen in the man. A woman ought to cover her head in church out of reverence.” // Ambrosiaster, 4th Century AD

"A woman praying in church without her head covered brings shame upon her head, according to the word of the Apostle... [and] the Apostle forbids men to pray in Church with covered head.” // Synod of Rome, 8th Century AD

“It pertains to a man's dignity not to wear a covering on his head, to show that he is immediately subject to God; but the woman should wear a covering to show that besides God she is naturally subject to another.” // Thomas Aquinas, 13th Century AD

“No man shall cover his head in the church or chapel.” // The Church of England, 17th Century AD

“During my high school years, I never saw a woman in my mainline church whose head wasn't covered with a hat or a veil. That is one of those customs that has simply disappeared for the most part from Christian culture.” // R.C. Sproul (contemporary pastor & theologian)

“It is only in the past three or four decades [since the 1960's] that its observance has slipped away — particularly in Western society.” // Mary Kassian (professor, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)

44 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2014

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book states the case for how Christian women have covered their heads down through the ages. It is fairly short, even if a little dry to read at times. The author has put together information from so many sources that it could easily have taken years to amass, and for those efforts, I am grateful. It is an interesting read and I truly didn't know so many church fathers of the faith felt strongly on this topic. I already cover my head and feel strongly about my conviction to do this, so I wasn't really searching for reasons as much as I was looking for encouragement. That said, the language in this book is likely to offend some women - not that it's vulgar or harsh, but because many of the statements are very strong and they are being made by men about a command given to women. Far from being a feminist, it's never easy to accept commands from even well-meaning men about how we should conduct ourselves. The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not need to be excused or watered down, neither do these commands in scripture, however, if you are a lady about to read this book, please take into account that in the times when many of these things were written, many women (worldwide) were illiterate. People didn't take the time to write things in a kindly/delicate manner because it was men speaking directly to men and those men were likely expected to relay it in loving fashion to the women in their homes/congregations (if there was need to address it at all). While I believe these church fathers would still have the same message today, I think their words now would be more encouraging than commanding. You see evidence of this in the more contemporary sources that are quoted in this volume. The headship covering (however you choose to flesh it out) is an important gift/ordinance/sign/reminder/blessing that our churches of today have either lost or are losing the understanding of. I hope and pray that more women will be loved and encouraged into seeking out God's counsel on this matter rather than feeling forced or pressured into it.

[Kaetlyn Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of quotes throughout the centuries regarding the practice of headcovering. It was a lovely reminder of the beauty of this practice and proof that it has in fact been a custom from the early church until the feminist movement in the 20th century. R.C. Sproul Jr. said it best— "The church has rejected this practice in the last thirty or forty years, not because of new interpretive insights, but because of pressure from the world... until 50 years ago, every woman—in every church— covered their head...What has happened in the last 50 years? We've had a feminist movement." It is not a cultural tradition but a command rooted in creation.

[sincerely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is mostly a gathering of many, many, many excerpts from well-known theologians throughout history on the topic of headcovering. It was very interesting to see how many people I know of and respect have commented on this, in favor of covering. I really had no idea. This must have been a ton of research to do. Pretty cool.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice short read. Much needed today.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in this matter, that's a great book!

[Landon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most definitely had a wrong interpretation of the scripture and this book helped illuminate those misunderstandings. I feel this book makes it hard to disagree with Paul's teaching on the subject!

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

One-sided and basically just a collection of quotes.