It’s been almost 2 years since I started wearing one-type-or-another of headcovering to church. As I originally wrote here on my blog, I did it because I was reading 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and just couldn’t see any way around it.
Women wearing headcoverings in 1948 - photo courtesy of Scroll Publishing
I don’t usually like to stir up too much controversy here on my blog, but being on bed rest has given me a little more time for reading and reflection. I was pondering why so few women wear any type of headcovering, even though most that I know claim to take the Bible literally. I’m not judging anyone! I honestly STILL don’t like wearing anything on my head. I feel so conspicuous! In fact, my headcovering is often a wide, cloth headband, which might not even look like a headcovering to anyone else. I’m starting to rethink that.
Therefore, in the hopes of stirring up some friendly controversy among my blogging and Facebook friends, I thought I’d bring up this issue again.
First, here is a list of posts and articles I’ve recently been reading:
- Why Headcovering Is for Today
- Head Coverings and the Body of Messiah
- The Biblical Headcovering (PDF)
- Those Headcoverings (an entire blog devoted to the subject)
- Headcovering – Not So Simple an Answer
- Changing Thoughts on Headcoverings
- Head Covering Through the Centuries
- Headcoverings – Yea or Nay? (with links to audio sermons near the top)
Secondly, I really would WELCOME comments — both from friends who DO cover (but I’m not trying to preach to the choir here), and more so from friends who do NOT cover (because I’d love to hear why). Yes, I know it’s controversial, but this is ME speaking. I promise not to bash you! Who knows… I might go into labor any day now and not even have time to answer a single comment. 
Who’s brave enough to start the discussion? Why don’t women in our Bible-believing churches wear a headcovering?
P.S. Dear Facebook friends, would you mind clicking here to add comments on my blog rather than on my Facebook page? Thanks!
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/1844
This is a non-issue for me. But since you asked I thought I would share this as food for thought.
I do wear a head covering to church because, like you, I don’t see how I Cor. 11 teaches anything else. And my husband has asked me to as a symbol of submission. As to why women do not – some I think have never thought about it. Others find it so contrary to current culture that they think I Cor. 11 could not possibly mean someone should cover their head in church.
Kay Matson
Thanks, Missy. That was a very interesting sermon by John MacArthur. It is continued at http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/1845. I think he contradicts himself a few times, trying so hard not to offend his large audience. (For instance, he says that a veil must be cultural because the Jewish men were covered when they prayed; but then, he says that Paul is telling the Jewish men they are wrong to cover.)
I agree with his conclusion that women’s hair should be longer than men’s hair. That issue alone is a tough one in our churches! So this was a good read. I just wish he had taken it to its logical conclusion, instead of insisting that the veil is cultural.
Thank you!
I read several of the articles and PDF with interest. I feel led to also wear the covering, but my husband had a rather “funny” and unhappy response to it. I will continue discussing it with him, wearing one around the house, and letting him see the Lord change me. I think he would be embarrassed if I wore it out of the house. I guess I will just have to wait for God to change both of us.
The passage clearly says to cover while praying or prophesying. It also is very clear that this covering he is referring to is different than the hair. He is speaking of a cloth covering. I think the basis of the passage is speaking of the line of authority and how it is “for the angels”, perhaps because they cannot read our hearts but they can see this outward sign of authority in the head covering. (This point throws out the whole “cultural” argument!)
For me it just comes down to the fact that the bible says to cover while praying or prophesying, so why shouldn’t I? I don’t think that means to even cover for the entire service, but I don’t have a problem with women doing that either. Then there are some who cover all the time because 1 Thes. 5:17 says to pray without ceasing, but I think that may be taken out of context a bit, and this passage says only while praying or prophesying.
Some people I know even apply “prophesying” to reading the Bible aloud. Prophesying is delivering a message from God, and reading the Bible is a message from God, so they believe it includes reading the Bible. I don’t think I would take it that far, but okay, I can see where they get that.
On a personal level, it keeps me from being vain!
I have been studying this for a while too! I think I am close to having the whole passage memorized! LOL!
I wear a headcovering for church and my devotions. and usually when I am going to pray (or others are praying) I will cover my head with my hand.
I am the only one I know who cover I just started last year. and years ago, I remember thinking “only mennonites cover – but I wonder why” of course not only mennonites cover, but that was I thought. And then I saw ladies wearing doilies the size of their barrettes (held on by a barrette) and I thought that is just weird -why do it if you don’t cover your head, but really why do it. Now years later (maybe 10) I cover and I use a doily for my private devotions (I can fold it to keep in my Bible with clippies attached). But basically, I applied human logic to a Biblical issue – so I didn’t cover because no one did or because this or because that or whatever. Now I cover after years of being directed to headcovering websites by accident and reading and rereading 1 Cor 11 – I couldn’t come up with a good reason not to (and I wanted to).
In public, I purposefully don’t wear a covering that looks like a religious covering of any type. II try to make sure they don’t look religious (usually scarves or wide headbands) because I don’t want people to think I am a super Christian (or a Muslim/jew depending on how I wear the scarves) or for them to think I am holier then thou etc – I don’t want them to think about me at all.
Oh and I wear a headcovering at the dentist because I do a lot of praying in that chair.:) (I am terrified of the dentist)
I’m Catholic so I wouldn’t say that I follow the Bible literally because Catholics aren’t taught to interpret the Bible to the letter. We do, however, have tradition. Before the 60s and Vatican II, all Catholics covered their head because it was tradition and part of the Bible. After Vatican II, the practice fell out of favor and there hasn’t been any real issue or statement from the Vatican to continue or discontinue the practice.
I started covering my head at Mass for two reasons. One: because I wanted to feel modest, which head covering is a sign of modesty, and that’s what I felt God called me to do (be modest but not necessarily to cover my head). Two: because when you visit with the Pope you cover your head, so I felt that this was a sign that it was still a part of tradition.
I know that you were more interested in why Christians choose to ignore or choose to follow the Corinthians verse. But I think that it applies to why some Catholics choose to follow tradition or not to. It’s all up to how you interpret something. Corinthians has been interpreted to mean long hair or modesty in general, and some take it more litterally. The same goes for tradition. Some think because there’s nothing official that you don’t have to that it’s “optional” and others like me feel that it’s not because of how you approach the Pope. I think that if the Pope told Catholics to wear a headcovering; women would again take up the practice (with some protest). And I think that some Christian groups (like Mennonites) require it and so those women follow. It’s all about who’s in charge and how they interpret the passage. Same goes for where and when you wear a headcovering. All the time, when you pray, or just at worship services. It’s all up to the person and what denomination or faith they follow.
Hope that helps.
I believe Paul is speaking primarily of modesty, and the submission to authority which is exhibited in modesty. I take him to mean that long hair is a woman’s glory and does not belong on public display. It is most appropriately either shorn or covered. But because cultural differences meant not every woman wore coverings all the time, he asked that at the very least, a woman should be covered when praying or prophesying in public (the context), so as to not draw the wrong attention to herself when she does so.
A contemporary comparison might be that a sleeveless top and thigh-length shorts aren’t considered immodest in our society. Even Christians who don’t wear them every day might slip them on to go swimming. But if you’re going to be speaking in church … could you please wear attire more befitting the activity, which doesn’t draw attention to your appearance and distract from what you’re saying?
I wear my hair pinned up whenever I’m in public, and even at home when I might be seen by men other than my husband. Though I’ll readily share why I believe a covering is appropriate, I don’t teach other women to wear a covering. Unless the Holy Spirit inspires her to do so, she’ll have difficulty at whatever point she must defend herself.
If forced to make a choice between pinning up my hair or wearing a covering which fails to conceal the glory of long hair, I’d forego the covering and pin up my hair. I see it as the more modest and less controversial compliance with the spirit rather than letter of what Paul teaches.
P.S. If I didn’t make it apparent, I do wear a covering—though with the opposite application of Kathryn Richards, above. My hair is ALWAYS covered in public, but not always at home, where I don’t feel the need to be as modest.
Like Deltaflute, I am Catholic… so insert her explanation from the first paragraph for part of this lol… but I have always heard that the covering verse was a cultural thing and not something that we HAVE to do now… but that we can follow it. As I’ve gotten older (not that I’m all that old I think lol) I’ve become more drawn to it. Am I covering in Mass? No. But I feel like I should, which probably means personally I should right? LOL Beyond that though, I also feel like I should full time… Not a typical Catholic thing, but I’m learning there are more of us out there that feel this way. Once again, I don’t… but… I do cover more often in general public than I do in Mass. For some reason (and I think it has a big part to do with just the particular Parish I’m at) I’m less comfortable doing so at Church than I am in regular public. Its something I need to work on.
Thanks to all of you for these heartfelt comments/teachings. I really appreciated the comments from Cindy – about WHEN to cover. I am studying to be baptized Orthodox and about half the women wear the covering and the other so not. Each has a sound, and “personal” reason for why or why not. When I am painting and writing, which is my work – I often wear my cowgirl hat – which is kind of my creativity uniform. I put it on and that is “WHAT” I am doing. I have not wanted to cover as I felt it was just one more thing women had to do to “cover” ourselves, and there has been quite a lot of that going on already in the spiritual and physical sense in the church. After reading this, and the wisdom of you ladies, I shall consider wearing one during prayer…which in the Orthodox Church is pretty much the whole time…but I know I cannot wear this raggedly old cowgirl hat or I would really be in trouble.
The other thing, is that since I love the Virgin Mary, and she almost always has one on, I will think of her and give it a try. Lord Have Mercy. Bless all of you.
I do cover and I appreciate this post.
I have one comment – if the passage is only cultural – why do men always remove their hats during prayer and church? Because the bible teaches that men are not to pray with their head covered. This is still practiced today and would be considered disrespectful if not done.
I believe the modern feminist movement is the cause of women no longer covering their heads in church. Before the turn of the 20th century – this was a none issue.
I cover all of my hair, but I do not go to church.. (Looking for “The Church” not the building).. I do believe a biblical woman should cover her hair, and all that stuff, but I also realize the Spirit and His will…. I personally wear a Princess Hijab style.. I personally do not desire not care about the opinions of others… I honestly do delight in Modesty… But for me it is a personal choice…. My desire is to my husband as Torah states…. What other women do… not my authority… Other then if we have nothing in common…. I will tend quietly to my work… Thank you…
When we try to bind “our beliefs” on other people then we are guilty of making laws for God, and God did not make it a commandment that women who do not wear a covering cannot come to church. If this passage meant that you cannot be a Godly woman without covering your head, then what we are doing is binding “laws/commandments” where God did not give a law or commandment. If you want to take this passage and say yes you must cover your head to be Godly, then you will have to change many of the passages in the Bible to fit what you believe. In summary, covering your head to go to worship is an old issue that has been around a long time, and the same arguments are made over and over again for this. If you want to cover your head, then do so. I can be just as Godly and submissive to my God, and my husband even without hair and no covering. And God will allow that and love me for it too.
I find it surpising that so few Christian women wear headcoverings. But what I find really disturbing is that the issue is never even talked about. It is simply assumed that the practice is not for today and no further questions are asked.
It might help if sometimes pastors preached on the subject instead of just skipping to the bit about the Lord’s Supper.
I dont wear a cover (as yet) although i am leaning towards or being more convinced that it should be done , in a time of prayer\ prophesying (publicly) ie in church \for the church. I dont think it is an issue of being more godly with or without it. I think its a matter of doing it because of “the angels” as the scripture says. And if God through the scriptures says we should for that reason, then I guess we should, whether we fully understand its significance or not. At time of writing I havent read all the article links. Just talking of my own personal studies in times past on those verses of scripture. I like one of the coments of wearing a covering that doesnt look like a delibrate HOLY\Religious prop on the head (me paraphrasing).
Dear Anne. I think it is a shame more Christians do not support head coverings. Fashion concerns and peer pressure to conform are probably the biggest reasons women don’t. Add to this the pressures of women in the work place and dress codes. I think it is a shame we as Christians find ourselves conforming to the standards of non-Christians. It’s as if many of the foundational truths that were in the early church were scattered like pieces of a puzzle and we are left trying to find all the pieces to fit them back together again. Paul said that when he left “grievous wolves would come in not sparing the flock.” I want to encourage you to continue on your quest for the truth in this area as God will bless it.
“Why don’t women in our Bible-believing churches wear a headcovering?”
Because we have conformed to the world rather than been transformed by the Word. Our desire to fit in with the culture was/is stronger than our desire to line up under what God said is the physical sign that we unreservedly agree with the order of authority that He has put in place.
And now that all that is in the past, we have the dilemma-”but if we do it NOW, then we are calling attention to ourselves. Can’t the sign change with the culture?”
I pray earnestly about this matter. I consider it a spice tithe-not something to be left undone while focusing on the weightier matters. If this passage were preached in our churches, even in all it’s many current interpretations, I think we would see more women covering.
I do think that Eph 5:22-’as to the Lord’, and Numbers 30 show us that wives are in a unique position before God and should wait for their husband’s leading and approval.
Holly,
I really like how you brought up Numbers 30 with this topic. That was helpful!
All of you,
I’m sorry for not responding to each of you personally. I’ve so much enjoyed your comments, and I hope you keep it up. A friend recently said to me,
“God was pretty clear in 1 Cor 11. If I know He said this, and I understand that He said this, and I am capable of doing this, then I have to obey…anything less than immediate cheerful obedience is willful disobedience, aka sin. If I told my daughter to do something, and she heard me, understood me, and knew how to do what I told her to do, I would expect nothing less from her. How much more so when the one giving the instructing is GOD, and the one receiving the instruction is a grown adult?”
Good, huh?
Hugs to all,
~Anne
I am so glad to have found this! This is a subject no one seems to want to talk about. I grew up in a very Biblical church, but when this subject came up I was told it “didn’t apply” to us now. That seemed strange to me since they were teaching me to follow the Bible in everything, but it wasn’t until long after I was married that I finally began obeying this. I’ve been wearing a head covering for almost 20 years, and I am the only one covered at church or Bible study, so I feel a little odd sometimes, but I have also gradually seen the blessings in my life, marriage, and the attitude of my sons toward obeying the Bible fully, so I am glad I obeyed. We don’t usually know why we have to obey until after we do it, after all. I sometimes wear a hat, but usually wear a lace covering, sort of like a scarf, I think some people call it a mantilla. I wear one at home when I pray, too, usually a bandanna type scarf. It might seem unimportant, I suppose, but if we won’t obey Him in the little things, are we really trusting Him? He loves us and has reasons for what He asks us to do. Thank you for your witness.
So this is probably an odd answer for you.
I’m a Quaker, but not of the Christian variety (no, belief in a separate deity-being is not a requirement of Quakerism; belief in the Spirit within all people is sufficient…Quakers can reinterpret or disregard the Bible as the Spirit leads…highly individual), and not of the plain-dressed variety either. However, I do often wear a snood (a crocheted hair net). I don’t do this consistently, wearing it probably about half the time (though I’ve had my snood on four days in a row now).
I’m not sure why exactly I wear it. I like how it looks, yes, but I think modesty is a factor as well. I’m also someone who wears skirts below the knee every day (yes, in winter too). I find that the perception of religiosity means men are less likely to make lewd remarks or catcall. While I don’t believe that the onus should be on the woman to make herself less attractive (ie. men can and should control themselves), I like avoiding street harassment.
I suppose it comes out to being an outward sign of a modest lifestyle.
In all fairness and an attempt to be objective, here as an article I recently read, stating that Christian women do NOT need to cover their heads:
http://www.shepherdsfellowship.org/Comments.aspx?Post=4544
Hmmm… watcha think?
~Anne
What about verse 15 that says “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.” Does that not show that it is the hair that is the covering? Seems like God is saying that a woman ought to have long hair and not be shorn or shaven in the way that a man would be, because that hair was given to her for a covering. I am a Missionary Baptist and we’ve looked at this in bible studies occasionally. It’s one I am going to study out some more, though.
Another writer says,
Paul said that men should not cover/katakalupto (Strong’s 2619) their heads. And in verse 11 Paul contrasts that with: “Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered/akatakaluptos/?” (Strong’s 177) Note that ‘uncovered’/akatakaluptos is the opposite of ‘to cover’/katakalupto. Katakaluptos basically means to UNcover or UNveil. So far, we have a ‘men uncover, women cover’ command. Now for where the confusion comes in: When Paul refers to a woman’s natural hair covering, he uses an altogether different word: “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering/peribolaion.” (Strong’s 4018). Peribolaion means something thrown around (loose items like a veil, a mantle, a vesture). Hair is more like a glorious decoration given to woman. Now if Paul had meant the naturally occurring hair covering and the headship-type covering to be one and the same, he would have used the same word for each. Instead, a woman’s natural hair covering (peribolaion) is being contrasted to this other covering (katakalupto) that women wear. In fact, the katakalupto actually *covers* the peribolaion.
http://www.lightofmashiach.org/women/headcovering.html
This is how I’ve heard it explained, but I’m happy to discuss this further.
Hugs,
~Anne
Hi, I stumbled accross this blog when blog-surfing, and I’m glad I did. The past few months I’ve felt led to investigate this passage. I feel convicted to cover. After reading and studying this with my husband, we came to the conclusion that the headcovering meant was provided for us in the form of long hair, and that it was a verse supporting a woman having long hair rather than a veil, as the hair is a natural veil. Just as men are frowned upon for growing long hair as they should be unveiled. My husband seems reluctant at the idea of me wearing a covering, and feels the bible is only speaking of my long hair.
However, God still seems to be bringing these passages to my attention, hence the fact I somehow stumbled upon this subject in one form or another every day since speaking with him about it. So if you believe it dosen’t translate as the hair, why do you believe that, and can you give me a resource to show him so we can open this subject back up for study. I’m about to look at the link provided above, but I can find little else. Any websites I find simply quote the verses, and leave it at that, but in it’s current english translation at any rate (I have looked through multiple english translations) I don’t see any way around the idea that the veil spoken of is the hair.
Also the comment about the angels not knowing our hearts, and that’s why the veil is nececary is interesting. Do you have any more insight as to the part of the angels in that verse? It confused us altogether.
I have so enjoyed reading these posts. I am a traditional Catholic and I have covered for Mass and for private prayer since I was quite little. It has just been the done thing for me, but I am so interested in how it seems to be geting more popular. I am also thrilled at seeing younger people also comign to veiling. It fills my spirit with hope. God Bless you all
How does nature show you that it’s a shame for a man to have long hair? It keeps growing until men cut it. God Himself commanded those who took the Nazarite vow not to cut their hair (both men and women) and both men and women shaved their heads afterwards (with no shame)
I would suggest to you that Paul is addressing a cultural issue that is not applicable for us because having shorn hair no longer means that one is a prostitute as it did in Paul’s day. For a more scholarly look at this issue see
1 CORINTHIANS 11
Transcription from a message й 2006 Cheryl Schatz
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Xz2G7c-TyN8J:www.2x2church.com/1CORINTHIANS11.doc+cheryl+schatz+head+coverings&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Hi! Found your blog while looking for opinions on headcoverings. I really enjoy reading people’s reasonings for and against.
At 18, I became a Christian and joined my then-boyfriend-now-Dear-Husband at his family’s church. It supports headcoverings, though less and less women wear them regularly, and I am one of the few under the age of 50 who wear a covering of any sort (usually a pashmina in the winter and a lighter scarf in the summer). DH’s Mum & Grandmother both wear a beret, which made covering less unusual for me, but I didn’t start until after my research on the topic convinced me that Paul was definitely talking about cloth headcoverings during public worship.
DH and I recently relocated, and now attend a church which doesn’t wear coverings (though one tiny old widower still wears a hat). Sometimes I feel a wee bit conspicuous (particularly if I need to readjust my scarf), but never embarrassed, nor ashamed. I know I’m honouring my Husband, and giving glory to God when I cover my head, so the act doesn’t bother me, I just don’t want to draw attention to myself when the focus should be on God.
The subject of headcoverings recently came up during a young adult Bible study, as an aside during a discussion on legalism… regarding how some Christians go so far as to ban all dancing, drinking, playing cards, & watching movies, and some even require *gasp* headcoverings. Thankfully, the main study had been completed, because at this point, the group discussion turned into a 2 person debate. Only the leader and I had studied 1Cor11 at any length, and he only knew what he’d been told by his professors (obviously from the anti-headcovering camp).
Basically, the thinking is that Paul’s teaching here is A) cultural (something to do with Greek prostitutes) and B) referring to “long hair pinned up,” so even if it wasn’t a cultural command, there would still be no reason to use a cloth covering (I completely disagree with this interpretation of the Greek ‘katakalupto’, as do most Bible scholars & translators). Therefore, this passage isn’t spoken of anymore; my generation isn’t even aware that it’s an issue. Indeed, many of the young women seemed surprised that I had a Biblical foundation for wearing a scarf during worship.
Now, I don’t mind voicing my interpretation of Scripture, but I have a hard time telling someone what they *should* be doing (speck/log/white-washed tomb concerns, aye?), and here’s where it got dicey… The passage also speaks about hair length, so I was asked if I thought all women should have long hair (including the older women with the permed clouds), and all men should have short hair. Well, the passage clearly states that even nature teaches us that what is a glory to one is a shame to the other. I don’t want to make hair length or headcoverings a salvation issue, but at the very least they are on the same level as modest attire, since the consequence of neglecting each is shame. So I carefully asked “If the Bible tells us we should be doing something, what do we do about it?” Uncomfortable shrugs all around…
I then asked “If you believe this passage is referring to ‘long hair pinned up,’ are you encouraging women to do so? Because this passage is obviously teaching that *something* has to be done with regards to hair, gender & worship.”
“Well, no…”
“And if a Christian man kept his hat on during service, would the Elders or Deacons say something to him?”
“Well, yes, because it’s a cultural thing.”
But that culture is dictated by this passage!
Anyway, to answer your question, I think most churches don’t want to offend women, so they have reinterpreted scripture to agree with modern feminist thinking. They seem to realize their new interpretation stands on shaky ground, so they avoid teaching on the passage altogether. In my experience, the newer generation doesn’t wear headcoverings because, rather than making a conscious, informed decision against it, they are simply ignorant that the issue even exists. Ironic considering 50 years ago headcoverings were a non-issue because everyone knew what 1Cor11 taught.
Elaine,
This is such an excellent comment. Thank you! I really agree with you, and I’m so glad you took the time to write this out for all of us.
May I ask a practical question? What is a “pashmina”? (You mentioned that you wear one in the winter.) Also, what style of scarf do you wear in the summer (size, shape, how do you tie it?). Finally, do you wear a covering only during worship, or do you wear one daily?
Thank you!!! I really appreciate it.
Hi Anne,
I wear a covering during Lord’s Day worship service. I’ve considered wearing one full time, but since it’s not commanded (elsewear Paul speaks of not focusing on extravagant hairstyles [braids], but doesn’t mention covering hair outside of worship) and my Husband isn’t a huge fan of the idea, I decided not to. However, I do find covering during private prayer helps me stay on task. As a Protestant, we don’t use many rituals or idols/icons to help us focus; covering tells my mind “It’s time to dwell on God now.”
I’ve tried wearing several different types of scarves, bandanas and headbands, but most styles look silly on me (I find they don’t cover enough of my hair, anyway), and they usually slip off my straight hair. I’ve used bobby pins pushed through side french braids to hold scarves on, but I needed something which didn’t require forethought, and could be thrown on or off easily.
I’ve settled on using long rectangular scarves (with fringe at the ends), simply draped over my head with the ends hanging loose in front, or one end loosely thrown over my shoulder. They generally stay in place, look more feminine than bandanas, cover most of your hair, come in a wide variety of colours, patterns & fabrics, are fairly common, reasonably priced, and can serve other purposes. The ‘pashmina’ I mentioned earlier is a long, wide scarf made with a thin, warm material (usually a wool blend). I love it because it’s so practical, serving as both hat & scarf in our cold, windy northern winters.
http://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Jacquard-Weave-Pashmina-Shawl/dp/B001GNILKQ/ref=pd_sbs_a_6
http://www.amazon.com/Ladies-Viscose-Lightweight-Summer-Scarf/dp/B0039LNMXY/ref=sr_1_116?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1275602240&sr=1-116
I just happened to see this subject…I have been covering for several years now. Just like you, Anne, every time I would read I Cor. 11, I could not get around the straightforward reading of the passage! I had heard the different ways to explain it away, but being honest, I could not accept what I had heard. I began by wearing a hat to church. Over time, we came out of the church and are now Torah observant believers in Yeshua/Jesus. Not long after that occurred, I began to feel I was to cover at home also. We came across a booklet by a Torah teacher about the subject. After reading it, I asked my hubby to read it and tell me what he thought I ought to do. I would go by what he said…after he read it, he told me he thought I should cover.
One of the interesting things about this passage, which I could never understand was the part about the angels. An explanation that finally made sense to me was that this is referring to fallen angels. Back in Gen. 6, many people believe that “sons of God” is referring to fallen angels. They co-habited with human women according to this line of thinking. There are extra-Biblical books that say the same. (Enoch, etc.) Anyway, according to this perspective, what we do in the physical effects things in the spiritual…it is a protection from spirit beings who mean us harm. Don’t necessarily want to get into a debate about this…just thought I’d share.