Questions for Thought & Discussion
(1) Why are fashionable
hats not considered contrary to the letter and spirit of 1 Corinthians 11?
(2) Is the emphasis put on
“covering” by hats, berets or scarves, compatible with the freedom so strongly
endorsed in Christ? (“You observe days, and months, and seasons and years!”
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit
again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 4:10, 5:1; Colossians 2:16-23)
(3) A sister commented: “If I am asked to wear a headcovering or a
veil, then I am being put back behind the veil which Paul says is removed in
Christ.” (2 Corinthians 3:12-18; see also Hebrews 10:19-22, Mark 15:38.) Is she
correct?
(4) Is there any reason to
suppose that 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 is referring to a Breaking of Bread meeting,
i.e. a meal in New Testament times? Or is it referring to a different, more
public, type of meeting as described in 1 Corinthians 14 – if this distinction
can be made?
(5) Is there any reason to
suppose that 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 is referring to all sisters in attendance as
distinct from those publicly praying or prophesying?
(6) Since 1 Corinthians 11
approves of women speaking in prayer and prophecy in ecclesial meetings, why do
we not allow them (at least) to read the Word of God and to pray out loud?
(Some explanation needs to be given of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 compatible with 1
Corinthians 11.)
(7) Is there biblical
support for dressing up to come to meetings (hats, suits, ties, jackets), or is
the practice an intrusion of worldly standards?
(8) Does the attitude that
all sisters are subject to all brothers find support in the New Testament?
(9) Why is the section on
length of hair completely ignored? Most sisters wear short hair, but this is a
disgrace according to 1 Corinthians 11:6? If the answer is that length of hair
was a cultural custom, why not say the same about headcovering?
(10) “Let everyone be fully
convinced in his own mind. ... each of us shall give account of himself to
God.” (Romans 14:5, 12)
Is
it consistent with life in Christ under the New Covenant for sisters who, along
with their husbands, regard hats as unbiblical to be compelled to wear a
headcovering by long-standing practice or ecclesial resolutions?
(11) If we favour headcovering for sisters, why do we not follow
literally other New Testament practices like anointing with oil (James 5:14),
or foot washing (John 13:14-15), both of which are given as instructions?
Considerable help has been given to us by
brothers and sisters who have offered advice and comment on our various drafts
of this booklet. We have done our best to incorporate their suggestions and
would like to thank them for their contributions.
We will be pleased to receive any further comments, corrections or
criticisms of our material, will study them with interest, and will attempt to
take account of them in any future versions.
First edition 1994 Revised and updated 2007-2009
Ian & Averil McHaffie
176
Granton Road,
Edinburgh EH5 1AH
mchaffie@tesco.net
16th February 2009
Available by email and on the
internet
Principles and Practice
An Examination of New Testament
practices like Fasting, Feet Washing, Breaking of Bread, Baptism, Laying on of
Hands, and Kosher Food, with suggestions why we think it correct to continue to
observe literally only Baptism and Breaking of Bread today, while keeping to
the principles behind the others. Questions for Thought and Discussion are
included at the end of each section.
All One in
Christ Jesus
What does the Bible say about the
work of brothers and sisters in the ecclesia?
This book begins with Jewish and New
Testament background, the teaching and actions of Jesus, and then the rest of
the New Testament. The book proceeds to examine the Old Testament, historical
understandings, Christadelphian attitudes to women, and the variety of current
practice. After considering the various positions presented on the subject, it
suggests what the position should be today. After a detailed examination of all
the relevant Biblical passages, it is concluded that both brothers and sisters
should participate in all aspects of ecclesial work if we are to be loyal to
the spirit and teaching of the Bible. The criterion is reliability and
faithfulness, not whether male or female.
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