This depends on one’s view of how Scripture should be interpreted in relation to contemporary culture. To understand how this teaching on head coverings applies to us today, consider the following:
1. What issues were being addressed? The underlying issue in this passage is male headship as related to God’s and Christ’s headship (v. 3). Women in first-century Eastern Mediterranean culture covered their hair when they got married. Hair was the chief element of female beauty, so only a husband was to view his wife’s hair. Uncovered hair was thus associated with seduction. Wealthy women, however, paid a lot for stylish hair fashions and often left their hair uncovered, which probably increased the tension between wealthy and poor women.
2. What principles offered here transcend their cultural context? Paul opposed behavior that could appear seductive, and he warned against bringing dishonor on one’s family. Paul also opposed ostentation and class division in the church. Those concerns remain crucial today. Historically, Paul’s reference to the order of creation (vv. 7 – 9) has been seen as indicating a directive that women of all times should wear a head covering, though in modern times most see in these verses a temporary cultural significance to the covering/uncovering of the head.
3. How can these principles be applied today? Paul’s message then was: show respect for and submission to your husband by covering your head during public worship. The principles Paul used to support head coverings in Corinth might support hats and veils today. However, some of the same principles might also be used to suggest that women not wear head coverings, especially if head coverings become objects of attention or attraction. It is possible that on some issues more than one practice is acceptable, depending on the culture being considered. Christians differ in understanding the implications of male headship today.
