Veil on women's head, is it a must?

[patrickcarbonel]

1 Corinthians 11:5-7 specifically identifies that women should cover their head when in holy places and that they are not also specifically allowed to teach since men are for God and women of men, etc, etc.

Muslims have used this to counter Christians when they are asked about their women covered all throughout returning the question as to why we Christians do not obey our own scripture. What is the best explanation to tell them as to why Christians in general have started not to follow this strict discipline as taught by St. Paul?

[Ancient1]

Scripture, the New Testament, states many things much more bizarre than head coverings. Head coverings are a completely optional and personal choice, like whether or not to wear pearls. There is NO morality involved. They are not mandatory at a Tridentine Mass either, although most like the custom and some would totally freak out if a woman came bareheaded, even though it's none of their business. There is no stipulation by the Church to wear a veil or hat or head covering. This old argument almost defies logic. I don't see any Catholics opposing women as teachers due to the words of St. Paul. I don't hear any Catholics saying we have to stop calling priests "Father" and our own biological fathers too, since Scripture says, "Call no man father." I don't see anyone plucking out their eyes because they are a source of sin. I don't see anyone chopping off their hands because they sin.

As for what Muslims think, I cannot see the relevance of the question. If that is part of their religion, fine. Leave ours alone and don't tell us how to interpret Sacred Scripture, the Catholic Church is the only arbiter of that, not Islam.

[patrickcarbonel]

@Ancient1, I understand that the practice was not a doctrinal issue but of discipline. Yet we still come to a point when we become obligated to answer a question from someone who doesn't really know much about Christianity and internalizes Christian scriptures apart from the Tradition that directs it.

Therefore, if I explain this topic to a Muslim curious to know why we do not anymore practice it, will your point be enough to let him or her realize that?

I quote scripture1 Corinthians 11:5-7, "But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.

A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man."

It seems like a very heavy teaching and sounds like it must be followed at all times and the change of generation is of no excuse. The message that these verses portray is not as deep as "cutting off your hands" when it has sinned or similar to how we reason out why we call our priests "Father".

If you were to explain why we do not practice this anymore, how will we be able to clearly show them that what Paul is explaining is not binding but a strict discipline of that time? Explaining such to a Non-Christian who is thinking of joining Christianity will have difficulty to grasp this as much as many of our fellow-Christians who, sadly are already within the Church and yet could not explain this to themselves as well.

[bmullins]

I would start by explaining how that the Church is the logos of God being present to the world, that as such it has authority through it's Tradition. That Tradition explains to us that it is not currently binding, but a very powerful spiritual discipline for those who choose to do so. I'd also show that scripture says clearly that it is a 'custom', indicated by Paul's very own words.

The use of the word custom in that verse makes it clear that it is talking about custom, not 'law.' That's something to consider.

[Megan7]

Originally Posted by patrickcarbonel

1 Corinthians 11:5-7 specifically identifies that women should cover their head when in holy places and that they are not also specifically allowed to teach since men are for God and women of men, etc, etc.

Muslims have used this to counter Christians when they are asked about their women covered all throughout returning the question as to why we Christians do not obey our own scripture. What is the best explanation to tell them as to why Christians in general have started not to follow this strict discipline as taught by St. Paul?

Thanks!

[SMHW]

I don't like getting in such discussions so I'll just say my one little piece.

It bugs me when people use the word "veil" to mean the same thing as "head-covering". I do not object to the idea that women should cover their heads at Mass. But it is not Christian teaching to say they should veil (or wear a veil) at Mass.

The noun "veil" is far too connected with the verb "veil" which carries the connotation of disguising one's identity rather than of merely covering the top, sides, and/or back of the head. Catholic women are not required to "hide" as is expected of some other religions or cultures (which can include Christians.)

Yes, a veil (noun) can be used as a head-covering but it is just one of many.