The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Head Coverings and more

In reply to:

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James Hurley has an interesting interpretation of the veil and covering of women (Man and Woman In Biblical Perspective). His interpretation goes like this: there is insufficient evidence that the women in this culture (Jewish or Graeco-Roman) would have worn head coverings. This fact, coupled with the actual language of the text, is better interpreted to mean coiffure.

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Unfortunately, Hurley's interpretation that suggests that the "covering" was nothing more than the way women fixed their hair is indefensible according to the text. If you haven't already done so, read Charles Hodge's excellent interpretation of this passage (exegetically sound) in his commentary, I & II Corinthians, part of the Banner of Truth's "Geneva Series".

I do agree, however, that the church has "culture", i.e., traditions which are to be followed as they are based upon sound biblical teaching. For an interesting article on tradition, see John Murray's Tradition: Romish and Protestant.

In His Grace,