Hi Jennifer. I've been wearing it for 40 years and whatever hub and I read back then is lost in the mists of memory. It would have probably been mostly old dead Reformed guys.
I would suggest a few things for you to look into and think about. First, in Ch 11, the word translated "tradition, handed down, delivered over", is the same for both head coverings and communion.
Verse 2: παρέδωκα 23: παρέδωκα
Why do we often see headcoverings as "tradition" and think of turkey at thanksgiving, or Christmas trees, or fireworks on the fourth of July, but with communion we see "handed down" which we know was from Jesus? Why? Same word. Who was headcoverings handed down from? Jesus? Paul? Other apostles? In the context of the passage, why would one be perpetual and one just for back then, when the same word is used?
In second Thess 2:15 Paul praises them for holding onto traditions taught orally or in writing. Does this verse apply?
Second- look up the Greek interlinear and note the way her headcovering, the sign of being under the husband's authority, is one word. It is used several times. Later, speaking of the analogy of her long hair, it is a different word. If Paul wanted to say her hair is that sign of authority, why didn't he say so with the same word? Why switch words? How can anybody say her hair fits the command?
Going back to what I said before, Paul said it is a sign to the angels and that is why we are commanded to wear it. So why would somebody say it is a sign to people in the local culture? Are angels present when we gather? Are they ministering spirits? Can they see it? Could there be a reason to God's glory that we do this?
( note to be fair- Michael Heiser sees it as probably a sign to fallen angels who might want to go for a romp with a human woman, and it protects her from the Nephilim baby thing. I disagree, but, he is way smarter than me and I think he is wrong, but maybe he is right).
I think once you see that the same exact word is used for communion and headcoverings, together in this one chapter, you will find it to be an inescapable perpetual command, without needing a lot of mental gymnastics to rationalize that one of them ceased.
Of interest- we have asked dozens of people in leadership (and wives) the past decades if they believe women should wear headcoverings when they brought the subject up first. All but one I can recall said they had to admit it appears the bible says we should. This is what you get:
I dont want to be legalistic.
My pastor (or elders) wouldn't like it or would be against it.
I dont want to cause division.
I dont want to draw attention to myself.
I grew up in the catholic church and it reminds me of having to wear one.
It would cause trouble in the denomination if I supported it.
Ad nauseum.
My husband drops it, but me being more outspoken, I always said- Wait, are you telling me you think this is a new Testament command, but you wont do it for that reason? They say Yes.
I find this horrifying. People here who have studied it and come to the conclusion that they don't believe it is for today I give a pass to, even if I disagree. But do you have any idea how many will admit they DO think it is a command of Paul, but, but, but, all the buts.....well, they are disobeying what they themselves say they think is a NT command! This should make any person here shudder, to think of brethren ignoring what their own conscience and mind tells them what they should do ( even if you think they are weaker brethren with weak consciences).
I have to go. But please look at these Greek words above. Think about the reason to do it- because of the angels. Once you start, you get a heightened awareness of the unseen angelic realm, which is comforting, glorious, and helpful if people get contemptuous about it to you. That guy linked above, RS Clark, has a profound aversion to such experiential things, and is very critical of Lloyd-Jones, Iain Murray, Jonathan Edwards, and other men with an experiential aspect to their writings. I wont even read him anymore.
Have fun. You can look like a British royal in a hat if you don't like the alternatives like the doilies or scarves. You look very pretty; if you decide to do this try the Princess Kate look!
