It is my belief that Christian women should wear an headscarf or veil during worship. This is not a fashionable idea amongst modern evangelicals, but I believe it is biblical.
Occasionally I hear from Christian women who feel some conviction over the issue, yet who say something like:
'I am starting to feel that the Bible does teach headcovering, but I am scared to wear one because of what other women at church might think.'
I find this attitude remarkably similar to what some people say about having a shoes-off policy:
'I would really like people to remove their shoes in my home, but I am scared to ask because of what they might think.'
Notice the similarity?
I think this fear of other peoples opinion is just so destructive. It paralyses people and traps them in a mundane world of convention. It holds back any attempt to try out alternative ideas.
You have probably gathered that I am a very conservative person in my values, but when it comes to this phobia, the part of me that loves Punk Rock really kicks in. When it comes to this fear of change because of the opinion of others, I am reminded of the need for the Punk attitude.
The virtue of Punk is a rebellion against conventions that limit us and prevent us from being true to what we really think and feel. Its about being true to yourself and what you stand for.
The Christian woman who has come to believe in the necessity of headcovering should be free to cover and stand against the shallowness of those who sneer at a covered hairstyle or the timidity of pastors who are afraid to preach on the issue. They should not fear the dirty looks or the accusation of rocking the boat.
Likewise, those of us who want shoes off in our homes should not be afraid. We must be true and honest about ourselves.
Who cares if people think we are 'clean freaks' or visitors mutter after they leave our homes? People who are really our friends like us enough to respect our preferences and will enjoy our company shoes-off or not.
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