Where Religion Went Wrong - 4 - Severed From Our Roots

 Scripture often uses agricultural examples to explain spiritual principles. In the days in which scripture was written, society itself was agricultural, making these explanations easily understood by everyone. Even today, though our society is decidedly less agricultural in its nature, we can easily relate to and understand what is being spoken.

“For...If the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakes of the root and fatness of the olive tree: boast not against the branches…Thou bearest not the root, but the root thee…Be not high minded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.”

 – Romans 11: 16-21 (shortened) 

I have condensed the above scriptures to make the point clearer. However, you should read Romans 11 in its entirety for complete context.

Scripture often speaks of Israel as an olive tree. Here, Paul is sticking with that same imagery. He is speaking to Gentiles, those who are out of covenant with and not worshipping the true God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He explains that some of Israel is (temporarily) cut off because of their unbelief in Messiah, and that those who are Gentiles can be grafted in precisely because of their belief in Messiah.

While this is a crucial point to understand and should be studied thoroughly, it is not my intention here to explore the how’s and why’s of this.

I simply want you to consider, if we are grafted into the olive tree of Israel, what root system are we drawing from? What are our roots? From where do we draw our nourishment and life?

It is clear that our roots are intended to be the same roots of Israel! Our sap should flow from the same source that has always fed Israel! We did not become an entirely new tree, but we were grafted in to an already existing and well-established one – Israel, the covenant people of YHWH!

Yeshua said the same…

 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring more fruit…Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me…for without me ye can do nothing…As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.”

 – John 15:1-10 (shortened)

 Again, this passage has been condensed.

 We are warned, here, that we are fruitless and powerless apart from our Messiah. But, notice – Yeshua is the VINE, not the root. Our life flows THROUGH Him but not FROM Him. The Vine carries the sap from the root to the branch, which produces fruit. If we are not producing fruit, the flow is blocked somewhere, and we are cut away.

If He is the Vine, what is the root? Yeshua tells us that the Father is the husbandman (or gardener in today’s language). The gardener plants the seed that grows the root and plant. So, the root would be that which the Father has already planted and produced in this world…. Sound familiar???

At the end of the parable, Yeshua even spells it out for us – twice! He tells us that the Father loved Him, and He passed that love on to us. Then, He says we get that love by keeping the commandments, the same way He got it from the Father!

Nowhere in scripture is there ever a “new root”. Those who worshipped other gods were “uprooted” or their roots were said to be rotten. The only proper, healthy root has always been the proper worship of YHWH, and he chose Israel to carry that worship to the world. Our Messiah Himself came from that root and drew life from it. He passes that life onto us, grafting us back in to a tree we had either abandoned out of disobedience or altogether rejected from the beginning.

What He does not do is plant a new seed, a new root. He restores; He doesn’t re-create.

Modern-day Christianity no longer draws from the proper root. We have many high-minded theological reasons why the root no longer feeds us, but scripture does not bear those out. We have, in essence, planted a whole new tree, while borrowing roots from trees other than Israel.

We claim to be connected to our Vine, the Messiah; but if we are not drawing from His root, we are fruitless!

It’s time we began to examine our roots. Many of our teachings, customs, practices, and even holidays do not flow from Israel’s root but from the roots of other, pagan religions and deities. Simple internet research will prove this is true.

If we are to bear fruit and not be cut away by the Husbandman, we need to search out the root of all we do and reject all roots but His. Only when we are fed by His roots, will we bear His fruit and remain attached to His Vine.

Where Religion Went Wrong - 3 - A Downstream Understanding & Interpretation of Scripture!

 I am borrowing the term “downstream” as well as its concept and explanation from Brad Scott of Wild Branch Ministries. I believe this terminology clearly describes the problem I will be discussing. I am including this first, as I believe this to be foundational. If we, the Body of Messiah/Christ as a whole, would rectify ourselves in this one aspect, we would inevitably fall much more in-line with Him in all aspects. This, along with the issue I will discuss next, forms the root of our issues and failings today.

Think of a mountain stream. At the top of the mountain, it has a source from which the water flows. At the source, it is pure, and clean.

As the stream flows downward, it comes into contact with more and more sources of impurity. Maybe animals use it as fishing grounds or a watering hole. Eventually, maybe it runs through a town and collects waste and pollution. Regardless of how it occurs, the further the stream flows away from its source, the more changed it becomes. Someone tasting the water in the town would have a much different experience than if they had traveled up the mountain. The more towns the stream flows through, the more changed it will become.

Scripture is the Word of YHWH. He is its source. Originally, it was written in Hebrew as well as Aramaic and Greek. (Though, there is good reason to believe that the Greek New Testament was translated from Hebrew originals.) In its original, scripture is its purest – the closest to its Source.

Today, we read in English and many other languages into which scripture has been translated. What’s more is that many of these translations are translations of translations, not of the original language. As we translate, we lose some things. We lose nuance, plays on words, meter and rhyme, and even intended meaning. Anyone who speaks more than one language knows that language is not linear. Thoughts and statements do not translate from one language to another seamlessly. Many times translators are forced to do the best they can because they are unable to fully convey the original idea in the new language.

This is natural and to be expected. However, an issue arises when we only know and understand the 3rd and 4th generation translations. I may read my Bible in English because I do not understand Hebrew, but if I don’t take into account that I’m reading a translation, I can get myself into trouble.

Let’s say for example that I want clarity on something I am reading. I read that I am supposed to love my enemies. How do I do that, exactly? So, I look up the word love in the dictionary. I find, naturally, an English definition for an English word. What I don’t find is that Hebrew has several words with different nuances of meaning that all translate into “love” in English. They use terms that are more specific as to the types of love to which they are referring. In English, we have one word for all of it. We say both, “I love my mom,” and “I love pizza,” although we mean slightly different things.

Because I tried to find understanding in the translation and not in the original words of the author, I have missed something. I do not have proper understanding of what was written – only what I can make out of the downstream product.

Sometimes this may lead to partial understanding, but sometimes, this could cause us to be in error. It’s much like playing the children’s game “Telephone” - the one where a message is passed through a circle of people to see how it is received on the other end. Most times, the last person is saying something completely different than the original message. Now image if each person had to speak the message in a different language. How much more difficult would it be to get the original idea across?

Reading translations isn’t wrong. In fact, men and women of God lost their lives over this issue – translating and reading the Bible in English. We owe a great debt of gratitude for those who fought that battle because without them, we would likely have no knowledge or understanding of scripture at all!

However, we MUST treat the English Bible as it is – a translation. We must recognize our need to travel upstream, closer to the source, in order to derive pure unadulterated understanding. We have all the resources we need, and many of them are free online. We only need to recognize the situation and put in a little effort to overcome the translation challenges.

Ideally, though it would take time and effort, we should learn to speak the language of our Father – Hebrew. Then, we could read His Words as He spoke them and understand Him as He intended Himself to be understood. I feel this is self-evident and a reasonable act of devotion toward a God Who is so good to us. After all, Hebrew is also the language of our Bridegroom, is it not? It seems quite obvious that anyone engaged to be married to someone from another country than themselves would put forth an effort to understand that person’s language. After all, they will spend the rest of their lives together, relate with each other’s families, etc! Why do we, as a whole today, not make this effort toward our God and our King???

Drinking only from downstream sources has led us also into the trap of interpretation. The Bible clearly tells us that scripture is not open for interpretation! (See 2 Peter 1:20) Our effort should not be placed in interpreting what it means “to us,” but, rather, we should seek to understand the Father’s heart – what it means to Him. This is part of seeking Him!

How many divisions and disagreements among us today would cease to exist if we would seek to understand scripture through His eyes instead of our own?

In the next section, I will discuss another foundational problem that ties closely in with this one. Together, these two problems alone, when solved, would radically change Christianity as we know it and bring us much, much closer to our King…

Where Religion Went Wrong - 2 - A Note About Names

Throughout this book, you will see me use the names YHWH and Yeshua.

Some have expressed concern that those who use these names are intending to “preach another Jesus” or another gospel. This isn’t true.

 YHWH (or YHVH) is known as the Tetragrammaton. It is the Name of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It consists of 4 Hebrew letters – י) Yod), ה) Hey), ו) Vav), ה) Hey). There is quite a bit of debate on its proper pronunciation. Some say Yah-Wey, some Ye-Ho-Vah, and some Ye-Hu-Ah. I am not an expert and cannot attest as to who is right. However, I’m sure YHWH will straighten it all out eventually. As for now, however, many of us (including myself) view using His Name as a simple way to honor Him. If you are concerned about proper pronunciation, you may choose to say Yah, which is the poetic form of His Name, and (so far as I know) isn’t debated. In fact, you already use it every time you say, “Hallelu-Yah!”

Likewise Yeshua is Jesus’ Hebrew name. We should know that His mother did not call Him by the Je-sus pronunciation of today. They were Jews living 2000 years ago. They spoke Hebrew, and His given Name was Yeshua. In fact, I believe the movie The Passion of the Christ probably shows us this best. It is recorded in Aramaic (a sister language to Hebrew), and that pronunciation (Yay-Shwa) of His Name is likely most accurate. However, it is usually pronounced Ye-Shoo-Ah today. Again, we use this Name as a way to Honor Him.

 Both of these Names are consistent with scripture in its original form before translation.

ישוע Yeshua

יהוה YHWH / YHVH 

Where Religion Went Wrong - 1: LETTER TO THE READER

      In writing this book, it is my desire to cause Christians everywhere to take a much-needed look in the mirror of scripture – especially as it pertains to the practicing of our faith.

     It is our mandate to preach the gospel to the entire world and to be the body of Messiah on this earth. The same ministry He did on earth is now in our hands, and if we are to do it well, we must operate in accordance with His Truth – the Word of YHWH (God). Only then will we be powerful and authoritative in this life.

     The further we stray from scripture, the more damage we do – not only to our own selves, but also in the world we are trying to reach. We cannot fulfill the great commission apart from the truth and direction of YHWH’s Word; and even unwitting, gradual, or seemingly-slight departure from the Word muddies the waters and undermines our intent.

      Some believe it is wrong – heresy, even – to question our religion or our church in this manner, as if this were somehow tantamount to questioning YHWH Himself or the veracity and infallibility of scripture. However, it is not YHWH or scripture which I intend to put on trial. Rather, I intend to cast the light of Truth (of scripture) onto our own works. Mankind has taken scripture and faith and attempted to “tame” those into religion. Our church, our denominations, our doctrines are often our own doing, and we will, in the end be held accountable to our Creator for those. It is wise that we should (while there is yet time) examine our own organizations, our own traditions, and ultimately our own hearts. Should we, indeed, find that any of those are contrary to or out-of-line with scripture, there is still room to repent and set it right. In doing so and returning to YHWH’s ways, we may again find ourselves powerful and effective in His redemptive mission.

     Such scrutiny is never easy. Inevitably, we will all find that we have missed one mark or another. It is then that we find ourselves in a position where we must choose. Will we rectify ourselves, our teachings, our traditions to please the Father? Or, will we stay the course as we have set it?

     What if we are willing to change and the rest of our group isn’t? What if our family isn’t? How many people are we willing to disappoint, if necessary, to please YHWH and do His work? What are we willing to lose for Him? For His cause?

     Many believers world-wide are currently facing such dilemmas. I believe that YHWH is calling us back to a pure faith, and we are made to choose whether we will follow or not.

     As you read this book, it will challenge you and everything you’ve ever known about your faith. Please understand, I am not the one shaking foundations. YHWH Himself is purifying His church for the end time. He has a purpose for us to fulfill, and we must be a set-apart people in order to do it. He is calling us to set ourselves apart from man’s ways and to set ourselves to His.

     As such, His Word is Truth. His Word will be the only standard which this book uses to distinguish true from false or right from wrong. Man’s opinion of that Truth or man’s own doctrines and organizations must be made subordinate. If any are found to be false in the light of scripture, then they should be disqualified in our hearts, our minds, and especially our churches.

     The Father wants His people to worship Him in Spirit AND Truth (John 4:23). Either one without the other is only half as effective as it is intended to be.

     This book is an attempt to spark the level of self-examination needed to ensure that we are that people. YHWH willing, that spark may eventually fan the flames of revival as His church on earth purifies herself and steps, unified and unstoppable, into her true calling.

     May YHWH bless you as you read this book, and may you have the courage to follow Him in all things.

Where Religion Went Wrong - Book

Hello, everyone!

     I've been out of sync here lately, and haven't written much.  I'm trying to get back on track, however, so I thought I'd start with this.

     Not too long ago, I wrote a book entitled, Where Religion Went Wrong.  It is available here in pdf format for free!  I will also be posting each section here on the blog for your enjoyment, and, hopefully, your edification!

     This book is a VERY short read.  The entire thing can be finished in one lunch break, or it can be broken into each section and finished in a week.  Either way, I hope this proves to be a clear and easily-understood presentation of the main, fundamental reasons why many of us have left our churches.  If you have had difficulty putting your thoughts into words or if you would like a short and easy resource to share with friends and loved ones, check this out!  It may be what you're looking for.

     At the link, the pdf can be downloaded and distributed free of charge, so long as it is shared in its entirety and without changes.  Feel free to share via print, email, Facebook, etc if you find that this book helps you.

     Many times, others haven't understood our position.  Maybe this will help!

     Enjoy! :)

Straight Talk About Head Covering - Part 2 - My Experience

I find it very interesting that so many Christian women seem to be running head-long into 1 Corinthians 11, and, for the first time in their lives, wrestling with YHWH concerning covering their heads.  Personally, I fell this is one of several areas where I have noticed YHWH bringing His people back to His ways!!!

If you have not read "Straight Talk About Head Covering - Part 1,"  please do so before continuing with this post.  In the first segment, I discussed the biblical passage in 1 Corinthians and what is does and does not say about the issue.  That post was intended to be as straight-forward as possible and to stick solely to scripture.  After all, in the end, our experiences, opinions, cultures, etc. are no match for YHWH's Word.  While those things can and do provide valuable insight, ultimately, His Word alone is the authority.  It is always the bottom line - the last Word on any subject!

In this post, I want to discuss my personal experiences and feelings while and about head covering.  This post is much more subjective, and much less authoritative, but I hope to share something that may either be beneficial or encouraging to you.

Personally, I feel that the admonition for a woman to cover her head when she prays/prophesies to be biblically valid.  I always try to remember to grab a scarf when I pray or when I go to church.  I have come to this understanding because of the biblical passage and reasoning I shared in the first post.

However, as a woman, it still remains for me to make sense of the whole thing!  Because I did not grow up in a culture where head covering was normal (I never saw it until I was an adult.), and because there is so much discrepancy in modern teaching on the subject, it really came down to me trying to figure it all out on my own.  Internet research and YouTube videos were helpful but not concretely decisive.   I found myself working through many of the questions and considerations I have heard other women discussing and trying to talk it through with YHWH to come to an absolute understanding.

One example, which helps me to understand better, is this...

When Kings ruled Europe, they held court.  Court has protocols, certain behaviors and standards which are considered proper and are expected to be adhered to.  You can read about this in Esther when she goes before the King uninvited, taking her life into her hands.  The point is, you don't just go into a King's presence any-old-way you please!  Even today, if visiting the Queen of England, there are proprieties to be adhered to.  If this is true of earthly Kings, how much more would it be true of YHWH - the King of the Universe, the King of Kings!  Scripture mentions the head covering for women who are praying or prophesying.  In my understanding, you have to come into His presence for both - to speak TO Him and to speak FROM Him to others.  The head covering, then, becomes proper attire!  It shows our place in His created order, submission to the authority structure He has put into place, and it covers "man's glory" in deference to YHWH's glory!  (Please see 1 Corinthians 11 for clarity on these points.)  Even the creatures before His throne cover their heads and feet in His presence and sing, "Holy, Holy, Holy!"  Incidentally, I also consider head covering proper attire for worship, based on this same understanding.  While it isn't directly mentioned in the scripture, it follows logically in my mind.

Also, consider this....

1 Corinthians 11 refers to head covering (on a  woman) as a "sign of authority because of the angels."  I don't know anyone who fully understands this verse and can explain it to me, nor have I found anyone online.  The details of this are pretty much a mystery.  However, we know what a sign of authority is!  If a man knocks on your door, claiming to be a police officer, and asks for entry into your home, you would ask to see his badge!  This is the symbol of the authority he has as an officer of the law.  Without it, you may rightly doubt that he is who he says he is or that he has such authority!  If an officer came into work without his badge, could he even work???  (I don't know, just a thought.)  Part of the reasoning given by scripture for women covering our heads is authority to angels!  The passage clearly spells out the authority structure for us - YHWH, then Messiah, then the husband, then the wife.  When we wear our head coverings, it is the symbol that we are in line under our husbands, and therefore, we are operating according to the proper authority structure!  I can't help but wonder if prayer would then be more effective!!!  Remember, angels serve us, and the evil spirits are fallen angels and their offspring! (We won't go into all that here.)  The point is, whatever reason for your prayer, it will most certainly involve angels in some way!

So, that's it for my understanding of head covering.  I have many questions to which I would love to have answers, but I don't.  Maybe the Father will bring some of those answers to me as time goes on.

But what about my experience?  Well, my husband is supportive of my decision either way.  If I wear it, he likes it, if I don't he's fine.  It's pretty much between me and the Father.  Not all women have it that easy; some husbands aren't very supportive, and this causes the woman herself some issues.  Because that is not my experience, I won't try to discuss those, but if you are a man reading this, please prayerfully consider what I'm saying.  Your wife is more dependent on your leadership and support than you know.  Most women face opposition from family, friends, and the public at large when making this change, and your support could be everything to her!

As for style, I have worn a few.  I haven't tried any that are associated with a particular group, such as the Amish, and I certainly steer clear of Muslim hi-jab styles because I do not wish to be associated with Islam.  My preference is to cover my hair completely in an up-do, kind of way, much like Jewish  married women sometimes do.  If you're interested, find "Wrapunzel" on YouTube to see what I'm talking about.  I typically wear my hair up anyway, so this is a natural fit to me.  I have also worn my hair down and covered, but not as often.  The scripture indicates we should cover our heads, not our hair, so, in my view, as long as your head is covered, you are within the "code".  I consider a headband a covering as long as it is wide enough to cover the crown of my head as well as the top.  As mentioned in the previous article, modesty is not the point!  It is a great side benefit, but not the point according to 1 Corinthians 11.  I say that not to encourage wild, immodest coverings, but to say that different styles can meet the requirements of scripture.

As I stated before, however, head covering is not a part of my culture - either in society or in my family.  As such, many people I've encountered have had many reactions.  I have come to understand, however, that ALL of the reactions are based on ignorance!  Not one person has asked me to explain or tried to understand my views; and because these views aren't common in today's world, they don't understand what they are seeing.  That, for me, is the most frustrating part!  I don't mind if someone disagrees with me, but it irks me when people assume or jump to conclusions without seeking to understand. It's a personal pet-peeve of mine.

That being said, reactions have varied widely.  I often get glances or stares.  People seem to almost fear me or at least want to stay away from me.  This is uncomfortable, of course, but there's not much I can do.  Some, usually family, are more bold and make pointed remarks about not having washed my hair or something.  If asked, I try to offer a short, concise explanation.  If not asked, I don't offer.  I don't feel anyone is likely to be open to the reasoning if they aren't open to asking the question.  It's a mix between respecting their wishes/boundaries and not wasting my breath!  I have found that when I cover, I am put into the position of being "set apart".  It's uncomfortable (socially speaking), and I have to basically hold Daddy's (YHWH's) hand.

Personally, though, I enjoy covering, and I would like to do it full time.  I am certainly free to do so, but I still find myself struggling with some of the tension it causes, especially in my family.  I am still at a stage where I feel torn, in a way.  This is a very personal struggle, and I'm sure many women face it.

I have to admit, though, it can be lots of fun!  I don't make too much of a fashion-thing out of it because I don't want it to lose it's significance or become unseemly in YHWH's eyes.  However, it can be just as much fun to match your scarves for covering with your outfit as your shoes!  I was never one to spend much time on my hair anyway, and now I have physical limitations in my shoulders due to a nerve injury, so this gives me a quick alternative that looks nice and coordinated.  I do want to caution, though, while head covering isn't about modesty, modesty should still be maintained.  While matching and coordinating to look nice are fine and good (in my opinion), being flamboyant or going "too far" can defeat the true purpose!  In fact, it is believed that head coverings fell out of practice in the western Christian churches after the tradition "morphed" from scarf/cloth coverings to hats.  Those hats because increasingly fancy, and it became a "fashion thing".  Once the fashion faded, women went uncovered all-together.  Even little deviations from the true purpose or expression of a thing can lead much further than we imagine!

If you are a woman reading this, and you are wrestling with the idea yourself, my advice would be this:

1.  Lean on YHWH above all.  Not all people will understand, like the change, or support you, but they are not the King of the court!

2.  Make an effort to understand BIBLICAL headship, not male-dominance (there is a BIG difference)!  This will help you to understand your value (which is very high) and your position (which is one of honor) and allow you to cover for the right reason with joy instead of shame!

3.  Stick with the scriptural requirements as well as any convictions YHWH has given you personally.  Do not feel like you have to fall in line with every opinion given - even those of other covering women!

4.  Be supportive of all women!  We are all in this together!  When given the chance, share your convictions and reasons for covering in love.  You may be the one to plant this seed in another one of YHWH's daughters!

5.  If your husband is not supportive, honor him.  Find out what he is OK with and what not.  Maybe ask him to study it through with you, and pray the the Father will set his heart on the right decision.  However, the whole thing is about authority, so don't dishonor authority in your attempts to honor it!

6.  Try what speaks to you and go find yourself!!!

Thank you for listening to my personal rants on the subject!  If you have any perspective or input to add, either as a woman who covers or a man who supports covering (or not), please feel free to let me know!

May YHWH bless you abundantly as you honor Him in all your ways!!!

SHALOM!

Straight Talk About Headcovering...Part 1

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.
Every man praying or prophesying, having [his] head covered, dishonoureth his head.
But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
For a man indeed ought not to cover [his] head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
For this cause ought the woman to have power on [her] head because of the angels.
Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
For as the woman [is] of the man, even so [is] the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her] hair is given her for a covering.
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
1 Corinthians 11:2-16, KJV

     There is much discussion today (and seemingly always has been) concerning the Christian woman and whether or not she should cover her head.  Some women are deeply convicted of this and do so 100% of the time, while others are passionately against it and refuse.  Still others fall anywhere along the spectrum between those two extremes.

     It is my intention here to offer a straight-forward, no-filler look at what THE BIBLE has to say about the subject.  There are many opinions floating around, but no one has the authority to command or require of us anything that scripture itself does not command or require.  We are held accountable to the authority of scripture, not man.

     As such, however, it is our responsibility to understand what the scripture says on the subject and to behave accordingly.  Anything less is both unwise and unfaithful to our King and Bridegroom.

     First, I'd like us to look at what scripture says.  The one and only passage where this is discussed in the Bible is above for your reference.

     The passage begins by reminding us of Adonai's order in our home.  The head of the man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man.  This traces back to the creation of woman from man, as also referenced in the passage.  This is the reason given for head-covering - that it would be a symbol of this order.  Thus, a man covering his head in prayer would be dishonoring his head/authority, Christ.  A woman who does not cover her head in prayer dishonors her head/authority, the man.  The rest is pretty much explanation and illustration.

     There is, however, one more thing the passage tells us.  Apparently, the head covering has something do with the angels.  This is not explained, so it's not possible to be dogmatic about what that may mean, though some inferences can be made based on history, apocryphal writings, etc.  However, this does indicate that there is much more going on that meets our eye.  There is somehow a significance in the spiritual realm, and this affects not only ourselves, but also the angels.  When we consider that it is specifically prayer and prophesying that we are discussing in the passage, it is safe to assume that this spiritual-realm-significance could very likely have a bearing on what it is we are trying to communicate or accomplish.

     Now, some brief notes about what scripture does NOT say.  I mention these because you will hear many of these things mentioned when you do your own research on this subject.  Again, my aim is to be straight-forward, clear, and balanced, so I'd like to point these out from the start.

     Scripture does not mention modesty!  Many people cite modesty as a reason for the practice, and while it is certainly modest (and while modesty is right and proper and important), that is not the reason given by scripture for women to cover our heads.  Scripture simply indicates head covering as a symbol of spiritual authority.  That is not to say that modesty points are invalid, and I especially value a man's input on how a woman's hair is viewed (and often lusted after) by men.  You can look for The Health Watchman on YouTube to find a man's point of view on the subject.  Head covering is, indeed, very modest, and that's a very good thing.  It simply isn't the reason Paul tells us to practice this is the Bible.

     Scripture also does not say "hair" covering.  Some teach that your hair cannot be visible at all or only a certain amount of hair can show.  This seems to me to be personal preference or opinion, but not based on a scriptural requirement.  We are not required to obey commands not found in scripture!  If you prefer or have a conviction of a certain style of covering, that is fine, but that cannot be imposed on others biblically.  The scripture says the head is to be covered.  Past that, it's pretty much left up to us for the details.

     Scripture does not indicate that a covering must be worn at all times.  We are told to wear them for prayer and prophesying.  Many women choose to wear them full-time because of personal conviction, or because of the biblical command to "pray without ceasing."  (1 Thessalonians 5:17)  And while I find these views valid, again, we cannot command anything beyond what scripture commands.  I would ask you to consider, however, since Paul was speaking to a congregation if this might not also include worship...  Just something to think about.

     Also, the scripture does not say that this applies only to certain women.  Many teach that this is only for married women.  However, the word used here for woman in the Greek applies to a woman of any age, whether virgin, married, widowed, whatever.  You can simply reference your Strong's Concordance to see this or visit www.blueletterbible.org to view it online.

     This is certainly not an exhaustive study of the verse, but it should hopefully give a clear platform from which you can study further online.  There are many videos on YouTube as well as independent websites that discuss this matter.  Have at it!

     I would be remiss, however, if I did not mention the last verse.  This causes some stumbling because Paul seems to indicate that the churches do not have this custom.  I admit, this verse confuses me a bit, too, but we should be very careful about being dismissive.  That final "dismissive" verse speaks of those who would be contentious.  As children of the Most High, we are certainly not meant to be in that group!  Furthermore, it doesn't otherwise make sense for Paul to give an instruction for the church to follow, then wipe it clean in the next verse.  Don't be contentious!  Seek Adonai for yourself concerning this matter!

   In part 2, I will share with you  my experience in head covering - good and bad.  In the mean time, go to YouTube and look into some of the many videos on this subject.  You might be surprised what you find!  Also, give it a test drive!  Just drape a scarf or bandana over your head when you pray tonight.  See if it makes a difference and ask the Father to speak to you about what He thinks! :)