2006-08-25 13:57:15 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Dear jenny,
Yes, if she is a Christian then I think that she should wear a hat or scarf when praying (which one would expect in church). This is not some "left over" Old Testament regulation, but is given in the New Testament:
"But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head." (1 Corinthians 11:5-6)
Some people will also claim that this was merely a cultural issue, yet the written reason for doing it goes beyond the cultural context:
"Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels." (1 Corinthians 11:10)
Even if I do not know with certainty the meaning of "because of the angels" (I do have ideas about this), I understand that the reason given cites a spiritual significance rather than a social custom.
Some people will also claim that the woman's hair IS that covering, provided it is long, based on the following:
"Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering." (1 Corinthians 11:14-15)
I agree that her hair is a covering, but is not the covering mentioned earlier. The point being made in these latter verses is that because her hair gives her a glory, it would be shameful to have it cut off (compare this with the idea of clothing that covers us, and the shamefulness we feel when naked). If her hair was all that was meant as the covering while praying, it would then make no sense to instruct a woman to shave her head if it wasn't covered.
All that said, I personally would not look down on women who did not cover their heads (it's more important that they pray than cover). Yet, if I was a Christian woman, I would wear a covering for conscience sake, even if I did not fully understand the ramifications regarding angels. Likewise, if I was a married Christian man, I would teach this to my wife but not demand that she cover her head while praying. But if I had a wife who did cover herself, I would feel that she was honoring both me and God every time I saw her praying.
2006-08-26 00:00:14 · answer #1 · answered by wiseguy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A man takes off his hat in church, a woman wears a hat in church. I don't know why. Probably tradition, the same reason a bride wears a veil.
2006-08-25 21:02:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was taught to wear a hat in church if you are a woman.... and also that women should not cut their hair. there is something in the bible that states hair as crown and glory... hats are sharp...looking on some of the ladies though. especially the older ones. they have big ones..that are bright colors..and match everything they wear. if not a hat... a veil scarf is recommended.
2006-08-25 21:05:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No the woman does not have to carry(wear) a hat in the church because it offends not at all the Lord, and in our catholic religion, anything obliges us there.
Why should the woman carry(wear) a hat and not the man? Discrimination, no!
I am of language(tongue) French and know little English.
2006-08-25 21:16:58 · answer #4 · answered by beau_soleil 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Her choice! If she do wear one,we hope it will be in good
taste.Also at times some women(n men) feel a need to do
so for medical or personal reasons.Some teach its a real
sin for women to wear hats and quote scripture, but we
think there's more pressing matters to be concerned with.
2006-08-25 21:13:29 · answer #5 · answered by Bro Ja 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it stems from the Old Testament and traditions of modesty. In the Orthodox Jewish religion women still cover their hair when they are in the presence of others. Some females (young to old) still wear a "chapel veil" where I atteend mass. I do not, as it's not something with which i was instilled. IMO if i wore one it would be out of wanting to "fit in" or seem something I wasn't. To me, as long as it's not a vanity wearing and not obstructing the view of others (remember the bugs bunny cartoon) -- go for it!
2006-08-25 21:05:08 · answer #6 · answered by Marysia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think church is a place where people should except you no matter what you wear or dont wear and whether or not they do God does and thats all that matters so be your self and let God take care of the rest and dont forget to pray about it God answers prayer no matter how small!!! God bless you.
2006-08-25 21:08:42 · answer #7 · answered by lori 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe all women should stay out of churches or start their own Goddess church, where they are given the same wights as men and equality in every way.
Tammi Dee
2006-08-25 21:03:07 · answer #8 · answered by tammidee10 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it depends on the teachings of a particular congregation. I don't think its wrong to not wear a hat, no.
2006-08-25 21:01:45 · answer #9 · answered by Amazon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who would even care if you wear a hat it doesnt matter
2006-08-25 21:02:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋