Because of the Angels: First Corinthians Eleven and Head Coverings in Divine Worship

by Paul C. Edgerton

We are created man and woman in the image of God. And we are called to worship our Creator in the beauty of holiness. Discover the ancient and Scriptural practice that reveals what it means to be men and women in grace.Edgerton explores Saint Paul's teaching, found in 1 Corinthians 11, that men ought to pray and prophesy with heads uncovered while women ought to do so with heads covered. Is this an archaic - and possibly sexist - practice we are best to leave to history, or is this a commandment which Christians are obligated to obey?Moving beyond arguments from culture and patriarchy to the biblical and theological foundations of the tradition, this book offers a moving case for its continuance in our parishes today.This study addresses the implications of head covering for the relationships between men and women, husbands and wives, clergy and laity. The Corinthians passage is allowed to shed light as well on the debates concerning the ordination of women to priesthood. Above all, the reader will find the practice of head covering to be rooted in worship rather than inequality. These issues are explored from a Reformed Catholic perspective that rests on the authority of Scripture, consults Church history, and links theology to worship and discipleship as well as pastoral care. This study serves as a resource for clergy and laity alike and as a call to godly worship on the part of Christians of both genders.

Genres: History

152 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2017

Reviews

[Camille Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Thought he broke down the passage in First Corinthians very well. He also did a great job at describing how the passage doesn’t describe women as inferior; it describes women as the glory of the glory. Reading through this book helped me see how beautiful it truly is to be a woman. Loved it!

[Bekah Baty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words to describe how much this book impacted me. As someone who used to not understand the spiritual reasons for headcovering, this book gave me a new perspective on it. He goes into detail about how it is not just a cultural issue or an "issue for that particular time period", but it is a biblical command given to us directly from St. Paul. It is not a way to suppress women, but it is a way to protect their glory as we worship with the angels! I have not stopped recommending this book and will save it for all my future daughters to read.

[Justin Denlinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

He does a really solid job of explaining a lot of the symbolism that is tied to the head covering and the headship order.
He has a humble and kind tone.
He lands on a little different of a conclusion than I would, but I would still give a strong recommendation to Christians to read this book.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thought-provoking book. I need to think on what I read for awhile.

I highly recommend the book, however!

[Ryan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the most thorough teaching on head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11.