Pauline Reflections 15 - 10th January 2009

“But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and same thing as if she had had her head shaved. For if a woman does not have her hair veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil.”
1 Corinthians 11:5-6 

These verses can be very difficult to understand, especially today when various interpretations have been put forward ranging from a conservative position, to a feminist position and even the sexist application that interprets the verses from their cultural setting of male domination and power over women. 

As we already know by now, Paul’s letters to the different churches reflect the challenges facing each particular church. In Corinth, Paul saw a situation that was unhealthy for worship and for the community. A woman’s hair is her pride of glory and some women brought themselves low ‘uncovering their hair’ and imitating the Corinthian prostitutes. Thus it became an abuse Paul had to address. 

Akatakaluptos is the Greek word for ‘unveil’ while Katakalupto means ‘to veil’ or ‘cover’. These two words do not suggest any kind of external material to be used by the woman. The major issue is the fact that the hair of a woman should be treated with utmost care and decency as the situation in Corinth demands. The fact that these two Greek words appear only in this context makes interpretation all the more difficult. 

I propose that we understand these verses within their cultural context and as a cultural mandate responding to the abuses observed in the Corinthian Church. Today these are no longer major concerns. However, the Christian woman today should endeavour to be modest in dress, hairstyle and physical appearance - especially in places of worship. Not to do so could be an occasion of distraction for her male counterpart. This recommendation is equally important for the Christian man as well. 

Prayer

Lord, grant me the grace to live my Christian vocation: may my actions never be an obstacle to anyone. May all I do and say bring you honour and glory. Amen.