History and Head-Coverings: Preliminary Thoughts

The historical evidence does point to a predominance among head-covering advocates, but there are notable exceptions.

As we prepare to delve into the richness of Paul's exhortations, it is crucial to consider at the outset the mysterious language Paul uses in this passage. It is safe to assert that if I were to ask for a list of themes in the Bible, I am confident that “covenant,” “prophecies,” “commandments," and a host of other common themes would make that list. But if you have read the Bible through new eyes, one theme frequently left out of our biblical vocabulary is the theme of “hair.” The Bible actually talks a lot about hair: literal hair, symbolic hair, animal hair, priestly hair, Nazarite hair, etc.

When we enter into the Pauline world of I Corinthians 11, we are entering a strange world where angels, liturgy, and human hair come together. This world can appear quite strange if we don’t know our Bibles well. But before we delve into that rich tapestry of liturgical wear and creation order, it would be helpful to consider some historical elements that contribute to the conversation of I Corinthians 11, especially regarding head coverings.