The history channel had a show about dark matter. It stated that astonomers observed the amount of mass represented by stars visible to the human eye. Then they observed the movement of the celestial bodies. The movements were evidence of over 600 times more mass than could be seen. Dark matter was the stuff that could not be seen. It was described as a netting or framework over which the universe is arranged. It would explain the random (or artistic) way the galaxies are situated. Then the scientists go on to say that if they could understand and capture dark matter, then they could more completely understand the "Big Bang." A student of the Bible would be reminded of Job 38, where God asks where man was when these things were formed. God's mention of foundations, measures, lines, cornerstones, limits, a place for light, and a place for darkness tell me that science has indeed hit on something. It is Intelligent Design, a.k.a., GOD!
Alicia has to write an important essay that asks how she would change the university curriculum to make freshmen more "well rounded." My thoughts were, that since it is normal with all of the demands of college, to become a bit self-absorbed--a class requiring public service and interviewing others would be a novel idea. Any other ideas???
We adopted a Cockatiel last summer. It's cage sets so it can watch the back yard. Donald was cleaning a shed outside when he found a frozen, well preserved blacksnake. He did the only logical thing to do in this situation and brought it to the back porch to show me. Well the bird, who was hatched in captivity, went beserk. It seemed to know that carrying a snake shaped object around was not a good idea. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?
I thought that it would be good to write about my thoughts on the covering for several reasons.
1. Several sisters seem to be struggling with whether to wear the covering, and if so, when to wear it, and what it should be.
2. I’ve been provoked by the sincere and consistent efforts of those who wear the covering to investigate the issue afresh.
3. I have daughters.
4. I know that others are influenced by my example.
5. I am concerned that some feel hindered from praying in a spontaneous way; because they haven’t an appropriate covering available.
6. The timing for this investigation is right for me personally.
The issue of timing has to do with my being aware of my personal prejudices surrounding the matter. I’ve made an effort to be fully aware of these prejudices, which I believe we all have to some extent, in order to isolate them from an honest study of I Corinthians 11 and other related passages. This examination of personal prejudice did not happen over a short period of time, but has taken literally years to resolve to the degree that I have been successful. I believe we are all influenced by how we were brought up—whether our mothers cover, the behaviors and attitudes we observe by coverers and noncoverers, our feelings toward other religions and cultures who cover, and how consistently and reverently the covering is used by those we observe. While these observations are important, they cannot be the basis of how we decide what the scriptures dictate.
I feel nothing but love and respect for sisters on both sides of the issue. I believe that, as Christians, everything that we do is an attempt to serve and please God. If our conclusions differ, that is OK. We will study more. My view of this matter has continued to be refined as I study. There is much to be learned from what others have to say on this subject.
I do not believe that one should determine her own practice based upon the trend of the moment. The position one takes should be based upon personal study. One should not offend one’s own conscience. I have no problem with fellowshipping individuals on both sides of the issue; however I am concerned that visitors to our worship may perceive a lack of unity or some imagined hierarchy while observing some women covering while others do not.
I do believe a second covering is discussed and that this covering was to be reverent and feminine in nature. Why would someone wear a hat that pertains to a man when she is attempting to show feminine submission? I also find covering ones head with a random object grabbed in a moment of desperation to be irreverent—such as a party hat or paper plate.
I do believe that “judge for yourself” is a rhetorical statement. The judgment is to be based on the information previously offered which states the importance of the covering.
Finally, I believe that the word “prophesy” sets a context to this passage. Prophesying cannot be done in private or silently—for who would be edified? Prophesying involves speech and an audience. In this passage, women are prophesying. Now, we have a problem. Women are compelled to be silent in I Corinthians 14:34. We know that the Bible does not contradict itself. It seems that the situation discussed in I Corinthians is unique to the first century. The use of spiritual gifts by women needed to be regulated to maintain the God ordained order of the church. It is possible that women used these gifts during smaller, informal gatherings, outside of the general assembly. We know that Philip had daughters who prophesied. We know that some prayers involved spiritual gifts, I Corinthians 14:13-17. These gifts are discussed and regulated at length in this same chapter. It is obvious that the Corinthians had trouble with some members using their gifts to elevate themselves. If men felt superior to other men because they had better gifts, imagine how a woman with a “better” gift could feel superior to a man with a lesser gift or no gift at all. Since these gifts involved communication and were necessary to confirm the word, they had to be used in some sort public way. So while one might “pray in a closet” during private service, this does not seem to be the case when spiritual gifts are concerned. These women were miraculously compelled to speak. This participation was not typical and was regulated.
When I imagine women using their gifts in the first century, I do not see all women and girls covered unless culturally compelled to do so. I do see the woman who prays or prophesies in a public way, as she is compelled by the Spirit, covering her head to show submission to the men who are present. She has a meek and quiet spirit. She does not try to draw attention to herself. She knows that she is simply a servant, an instrument through which God’s word is revealed. God is to be glorified through her gifts and not herself. Men are paying attention to her, but she is not flattered. It is not her beauty that they seek, but God’s word.
I pray that my conclusions are accurate and that no sister will be misled by my example. I also pray that none will be offended by my observations. No ill-will is intended—let none be taken.
