Do Anabaptists "own" the women's headcovering?

[ken_sylvania]

I remember a point in time when most local mennonite churches were afraid of the hanging veil, even though (IMO) they were a lot more modest than most mesh caps. I see that tide turning a little, though.

More modest in what way?

[steve-in-kville]

I remember a point in time when most local mennonite churches were afraid of the hanging veil, even though (IMO) they were a lot more modest than most mesh caps. I see that tide turning a little, though.

More modest in what way?

Typically covers more, can't see through. At least the original Charity versions were that way.

[Joy]

But is I Cor. 11 in the context of modesty, or the God-ordained order in gender? This sounds like modesty is not the issue:

Therefore the woman should have [a symbol of] authority on her head, because of the angels. [1Co 11:10 NASB20]

And if the issue is modesty, the more our heads (not just hair) are covered, the more modest, right?

Lots of interpretations/choices in headcovering outside of these questions, but it seems to me that these are basic principles.

[ken_sylvania]

I remember a point in time when most local mennonite churches were afraid of the hanging veil, even though (IMO) they were a lot more modest than most mesh caps. I see that tide turning a little, though.

More modest in what way?

Typically covers more, can't see through. At least the original Charity versions were that way.

I agree that is typically the case.

Is the head covering a modesty thing? That is to say, is it immodest for a woman to not cover her head? I'm just interested in your thoughts on the matter.

[steve-in-kville]

More modest in what way?

Typically covers more, can't see through. At least the original Charity versions were that way.

I agree that is typically the case.

Is the head covering a modesty thing? That is to say, is it immodest for a woman to not cover her head? I'm just interested in your thoughts on the matter.

For the sake of healthy discussion, I would say its simply a symbol of headship, perhaps modesty was the wrong term to use on my part. Be it a long white veil or a lace doily, if the woman's heart is in the right place, I can't see why either would work. But more on that concept another time... or just search out the dozens of other covering threads we've had in the past four years

[Josh]

I remember the hearing the mindset that requiring strings on the coverings would keep them from getting smaller. Wives' tale for sure.

I think that mindset is true and not a wives tale.

The same people would probably also complain if some women went against the grain and made them bigger and less transparent. Because it is about conformity.

It sure is easy to criticise those "other" people. People more conservative or traditionalist than you are dumb. Obviously, you are the wisest person, who has reached some pinnacle of open-mindedness yet prudent behaviour.

[Josh]

I remember a point in time when most local mennonite churches were afraid of the hanging veil, even though (IMO) they were a lot more modest than most mesh caps. I see that tide turning a little, though.

Has the covering ever been about "modesty"? I mean, children run around with nothing on their heads... yet I don't think anyone is particularly concerned about that...

[Josh]

For the sake of healthy discussion, I would say its simply a symbol of headship, perhaps modesty was the wrong term to use on my part. Be it a long white veil or a lace doily, if the woman's heart is in the right place, I can't see why either would work. But more on that concept another time... or just search out the dozens of other covering threads we've had in the past four years

Some groups, such as barely-conservative Brethren, barely-conservative Mennonites, barely-conservative Beachys, etc., BMA, Lancaster Conference (Martindale District), and so forth, practice a version of plain Anabaptism where they let people choose absolutely any style they want for their clothes, sweaters, coverings, cars, houses, and so forth.

I respect their faith and willingness to try to live out their own practice, although I have scepticism about the longevity of this particular brand of plainness. But I would ask for the same respect from such people towards those who prescribe a bit more of an order. There is indeed something to be said for saying that a congregation or a group of Christians feels they best express a Christian attitude when (for example) we avoid trucks/SUVs that are overly ostentatious or too new, or they feel it's best to just stick with black, or it's best if young men avoid wearing the latest styles of jeans and so on.

[steve-in-kville]

But I would ask for the same respect from such people towards those who prescribe a bit more of an order.

As I've said before, and most likely will have to say again, if the heart is in the right place...

I.
Don't.
Care.

Promise.

[Josh]

But I would ask for the same respect from such people towards those who prescribe a bit more of an order.

As I've said before, and most likely will have to say again, if the heart is in the right place...

I.
Don't.
Care.

Promise.

What is interesting is that less conservative people feel very free to judge more conservative people that none of their hearts are in the right place.

We should stop doing this.