Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:13 – “Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled?” (NRSVue)
In his First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, “Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled?” My answer: Yes! The end.
But it is more complicated than that. In chapter 11 of the Letter, Paul argues strongly that women should always have their heads covered in church. He lays out a theological argument of hierarchy. God has control over Jesus, Jesus has control over humanity, and men have control over women, for Eve came out from Adam. This makes a certain amount of sense, especially in a First-Century context.
However, in the very same chapter, Paul writes, “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man or man independent of woman. For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman, but all things come from God.” He reemphasizes the important truth that all people, men and women, are equal before God, and that he recognizes the spiritual authority of women in the churches he visits.
In end, Paul reiterates that women should have their heads covered, because that is his custom, and everyone else’s. But it is just that: a custom. To him, women always have their heads uncovered. For me, women cover or uncover their heads whenever they want. Our conflicting opinions are are based on strong theological beliefs. But to be honest, we both start with what we are used to seeing.
It is natural for us to look at the ways in which we have structured our social lives and think that they are natural or divinely sanctioned. But customs change over time. Part of being a Christian is not just accepting things as they are but trying to see God’s greater message throughout history. What message of love is peaking through our social conventions?
In the Letter, Paul lays out two conflicting arguments: it is natural for women to be subordinate to men and all people are equal before Christ. Which better fits your understanding of God? Paul certainly has a preference, but he leaves the question open. When we read the Bible or look at how our faith should motivate our behavior, we need to ask the same question. Is this what God really wants me to do or am I just following what everyone else is doing? Sometimes these are the same, and sometimes they are different. We need to listen to what God is saying to us in our prayers to tell the difference, balancing our own conclusions with those of the people and traditions we trust.
Today, think outside the box. Try to identify a religious practice that you have “always done,” and ask, “Is this really what God wants or just what I am used to doing?” It is through struggling with these kinds of questions that we grow into the more spiritual and more loving people that God wants us to be.
Prayer: God, let me question what I know so that I may better know you. Amen.
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