"Give none offence...that they may be saved" (1st Cor. 10:32-33) introduces the "Veil" question of 1st Cor. 11 extremely well.
Are you hypocritical in expressing your beliefs because her hair is 14 ft. long?
Just because we may not understand 1st Corinthians chapter 11 today doesn't mean that the Corinthians didn't understand these passages fully. After all, the Corinthian church was greatly endowed with special gifts of the Spirit as well as the understanding of who and what existed in their church. Many Greek women wore their hair in a ponytail or knot at the nape of the neck or at the back of the head (look up the word “chignon”).
As you know, hair style follows "custom." Many women in the churches felt undressed if they didn't wear a veil in public (just as they do in many Middle Eastern countries today). Christ was a Jew and the church was established in Jerusalem. We might ask why so many in the church are unfamiliar with the Jewish customs of that day?
Are we so centric that we think the world of 2,000 years ago revolves around our thoughts and the culture of our day? We might understand more fully what was taking place in scripture and the natural conflicts in society if we study history. Don't think of these people as naïve children. From what I've heard and read on this subject in the church we are the naïve children that need to study more.
Resistance to information that challenges our worldview is the rule rather than the exception. Various forms of fear that underlie our resistance, our religious “sacred myths,”and the observation that many of us unconsciously relate to parental figures. Religious beliefs are often unconscious habits based on example. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) Perhaps that could mean that if we train up a child with a false doctrine that they will not depart from that either?
"Verb. Komao, (pronounced kom-ah'-o) signifies to let the hair grow long, to wear long hair, a glory to a woman, a dishonour to a man (as taught by nature). 1st Corinthians 11:14.15." W.E. Vine
“At the time of his death, Tran Van Hay’s hair was over 6.8 meters long and weighed around 10.5 kilograms.” Source: Odditycentral.com or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYaYCPmFWKw
His hair was certainly not attractive like some of the long hair I’ve seen online and in the church assembly. If you calculate those meters into feet you will find that Tran Van Hay had 22-1/3 feet of hair at the age of 79.
Here’s my first question: If you have been in the church for a long time why isn’t your hair 3 or 4 times your body length? Admittedly, you would be forced to wear it up on top of your head (like Tran Van Hay) just to function in life. It appears to me that it would be difficult to do much of anything else other than attend to your long hair. Question the validity of this story and video all you want because we will point out other pictures and videos as we go along. This is an appeal to reason but we will use the bible too.
According to this video Asha Mandela's hair (dreadlocks) measured 55 feet 7 inches.
"The 50-year-old Atlanta resident has earned the name 'the Black Rapunzel' because she holds the Guinness World Record for 'World's Longest Dreadlocks,' which she has owned since 2008." The Huffington Post
Ever hear of long, longer, longest? Why do languages have these words? Religious legalist couldn't figure that out so they changed the word completely to uncut. Note: Translators didn't make this change--adding to or taking away from the word of God (see below).
You call that Long Hair?
Here’s my second question: What is causing your hair to defy the “let the hair grow” verb (Komao) argument used by religious legalist? If you are not a young person, and have been routinely going to the barber since you were a small child because your hair grows long, then what has stopped your hair from growing very long if you don’t cut it? Is it the fact that you no longer cut your hair causing it not to grow any longer? Or, is it something else you are doing to your hair that is defying the “let your hair grow” argument? My hair continually grows long and I continually cut it to keep it reasonably short—this has been the case since I was born so I speak from personal experience. Has your hair been continually growing too? Have you been to the barber again this month?
1st Corinthians 11:14 Verb. Komao....W.E. Vine
Here's my third question: If hair grows continuously inside the hair follicle (before, during, and after cutting the dead part of the hair) does a man have to spend his life at the barber shop to keep it from growing? Doesn't the "let you hair grow" argument apply equally (if a man have long hair verse 14) to men and women? If a woman must have uncut hair so that it will continue to grow then a man must somehow stop it from growing inside the hair follicle and this is impossible. This is one of the reasons that no translation group (including KJV) has ever translated this bible passage as "let the hair grow."(A) It is impossible to "let the hair not grow"if you understand "where" the hair actually grows. (Note: See phases of hair growth for normal hair below.)
(A) Here's a recognized list of English translations and how they translate komao (let the hair grow long). As you can see, the translators do not agree with the primary argument of the "uncut" position. The English translations are consistent so why do you disagree with these translations and argue for "uncut" hair instead of "have long hair?" Long hair is based on observation and abstract reasoning (as we will show in this article). Komao’ i.e., is not an absolute word, but a relative word.”[Both Greek and Latin are inflective languages; word meanings change with context.] Kome is human hair [noun].
American Standard Version: Have long hairThis last translation (The Living Oracles) was written by Alexander Campbell who was the main leader in the Restoration Movement in early America. Here's a picture of him and his wife. Do people dress anything like them today? Why not if "custom" is never the issue?
Cambridge Basic English: Has long hair
Darby Version: Have long hair
King James Version: Have long hair
New American Standard Version: Has long hair
New International Version: Has long hair
New King James Version: Has long hair
New Living Translation: Have long hair
New Revised Standard Version: Wears long hair
Revised Standard Version: Has long hair
Weymouth's New Testament: Has long hair
Young's Literal Translation: Have long hair
The Living Oracles: Have long hair
The hair you are cutting, burning, etc. is not the alive growing part of the hair! Somehow you are "managing" the dead hair so how are you managing it?
Talk about dead ends...tease or backcomb your hair much?
Because backcombing rubs against the scales of the hair's cuticle, it can cause serious and progressive damage to the hair's integrity. Over time, this leads to weakening and breakage. It can also cause tangles near the root that are very difficult to remove. Frequent backcombing is not recommended for people who want to maintain long hair. Wikipedia
No doubt there are many reasons (including medical or genetic) why hair may defy the “let the hair grow” verb argument used by some when it comes to the so-called long hair question. Hair dryers, hot curling irons, and chemicals are very effective in diminishing the hair growth of normal healthy hair. (If I were to state this correctly it would be hair "length" and not "growth" but I will use the common terminology in this article.) Some of these methods appear to be just about as effective as scissors even though they may cause frizzy broken hair or split ends. How many women actually use hot curling irons, perms, etc.? In reality, even washing or combing hair can "technically" remove hair. I suspect Tran Van Hay’s hair could have been shortened if he had washed it and removed the dead hair cells that we can actually see.Hair Length and good nutrition: "The living part of hair is under the scalp skin where the hair root is housed in the hair follicle. The entire follicle and root are fed by a vein, and blood carries nutrients to the follicle/root. Any time an individual has any kind of health concern from stress, trauma, medications of various sorts, chronic medical conditions or medical conditions that come and then wane, heavy metals in waters and food, smoking etc. these and more can affect the hair, its growth, and its appearance. Generally, eating a full diet that contains protein, fruits, vegetables, fat, and carbohydrates is important (several vitamins and minerals require fat in order to be delivered or absorbed by the body). Any deficiency will typically show first in the hair. A mild case of anemia can cause shedding and hair loss. Among others, the B group of vitamins are the most important for healthy hair, especially biotin. B5 (pantothenic acid) gives hair flexibility, strength and shine and helps prevent hair loss and graying. B6 helps prevent dandruff and can be found in cereals, egg yolk and liver. Vitamin B12 helps prevent the loss of hair and can be found in fish, eggs, chicken and milk. When the body is under strain, it reprioritizes its processes. For example, the vital organs will be attended to first, meaning that healthy, oxygenated blood may not feed into the hair follicle, resulting in less healthy hair or a decline in growth rate. While not all hair growth issues stem from malnutrition, it is a valuable symptom in diagnosis." Source: Wikipedia Do you eat properly in order to comply with the "let your hair grow" verb argument?
Normal Hair Growth: Each hair on your body grows from its own individual hair follicle. Inside the follicle, new hair cells form at the root of the hair shaft. As the cells form, they push older cells out of the follicle. As they are pushed out, the cells die and become the hair we see. A follicle will produce new cells for a certain period of time depending on where it is located on your body. This period is called the growth phase. Then it will stop for a period of time (the rest phase), and then restart the growth phase again. When the hair follicle enters the rest phase, the hair shaft breaks, so the existing hair falls out and a new hair takes its place. Therefore, the length of time that the hair is able to spend growing during the growth phase controls the maximum length of the hair. The cells that make the hairs on your arms are programmed to stop growing every couple of months, so the hair on your arms stays short. The hair follicles on your head, on the other hand, are programmed to let hair grow for years at a time, so the hair can grow very long. Source: TLC.howstuffworks.com
Questions: Are the hairs on your arm "long" or "short?" Do you "cut" the hairs on your arms? What about the hairs on your legs? Yes, I've known Christian women that did not believe in shaving their legs--let the hair grow! Even though God created "hair" why are men removing it from their face and why do they get a hair cut? What about women with unwanted facial hair and women that trim their eyebrows?
Perhaps a study of Jewish history, regarding women being veiled during the times of Christ, would free the minds of a lot of women that have fallen prey to various religious arguments. Religious arguments often avoid common sense. (Note: I won't cover in this article women that disguise their uncut hair to make it appear cut. Jewish women have used similar techniques to "cover" their hair so that it looks unveiled or uncovered today. The Internet provides significant information on various techniques to hide religious beliefs or traditional arguments.) Do Christian Women actually comply with this next paragraph quoted from an article supporting uncut or unburned hair?
Do you actually believe what the author of the following paragraph believes even though common sense defies his statement and makes some religious women habitual sinners?
"Allow me to state my position at the very beginning. I understand that the apostle speaks of 'hair' as being given 'instead of' or 'to take the place of' a veil. I do not believe that a Christian woman may rightfully remove any part of her covering [hair] whether it is by cutting, breaking, burning or whatever. To do so is to disobey the apostle's inspired instructions in the verses before us." Source: Old Paths AdvocateIn this particular article we will cover the "whatever" along with other issues not normally covered regarding this subject.
Anemia (based on a lack of good nutrition and lack of understanding of how to take care of yourself) is a sin, whatever?
Have you ever defied the growth phase of your hair growth or "let the hair grow?" (Note: cutting your hair is just "one" method. In fact, growth only occurs in the hair follicle because the hair you see is dead. Dead hair cells don't grow and are "normally" replaced after breaking off. The life cycle of a hair defies the let you hair grow normally.) The very hairs on your head are "numbered" so-to-speak.
Cutting your "dead" hair, and repenting afterwards, is a vicious cycle.
My observation tells me that this is how many Christian women deal with this "hair" doctrine when their hair length overcomes their ability to deal with the consequences of growing hair. They cut their hair and privately ask for forgiveness in order to comply with this doctrine. "Cutting" the hair seems to be the focus (sin) for some women so they may use another technique to shorten their hair not being fully cognizant of the arguments in the "Old Paths Advocate." While the temptation to cut your hair may be great at times we can obtain liberty in Christ Jesus, escape a prison of guilt from impossible requirements, and escape a cycle of habitual sins against our conscience. Jesus took away impossible requirements by going to the cross. If uncut hair is a blessing for you, instead of a problem, then I bid you Godspeed and trust you will not bind your viewpoint on fellow servants in Christ. I would ask you to do this in light of others that might possibly leave the church or not join the church over this false doctrine. Souls are at stake. Perhaps even your soul for falsely condemning and binding heavy burdens on others. The following quote is from a Pentecostal Lois Gibson."Over time I saw many responses to this teaching. For some such as myself, it was not a problem or struggle to adhere. However, for others it seemed to be an ongoing battle, with the hair being allowed to grow for awhile and then being cut. Afterward these women felt guilty for cutting their hair and would allow it to grow again, yet later succumb and cut their hair once more, thus repeating an endless cycle. There were also those who were seemingly just plain rebellious, never believing or adhering to this doctrine. Others would comply with the teaching only out of respect for the pastor, though disbelieving the necessity."Why is it that men never see the logical outcome of this uncut hair position and women never tell them? So your hair just won't grow or is it time to repeat this cycle again because you won't explain something simple to your husband? My hair just won't stop growing! Doesn't the truth sound better than my hair just won't grow after you've done something to control it?
I believe it is necessary to be very direct and pointed when it comes to various religious beliefs. People have to understand where their arguments lead or the final consequences of their religious arguments. I have zero animosity for those with these religious beliefs that have a trained conscience against women cutting their hair. On the other hand, I have little patience with a religious bigot or unstudied opinions.
Hair grows continually for normal people and “naturally” defies the “let the hair grow” argument with time. The “uncut” theory is a theory (in reality) and it is almost impossible for some. If your hair is not growing continually (really long in a few years) there is a reason why. Yes, it may be a very good reason for you. Others may not be so lucky.
Given this dilemma, we can study 1st Corinthians 11:1-16 and come to the conclusion that it is primarily a veil question. Yes, hair is discussed so we will cover that subject too. I’ve written two previous articles that cover or include information regarding the “veil question” (Customs, and Walking in the Lesser Lights). If you are interested in this subject please review these previous articles. Why do some overlook Jewish history and customs when studying this subject? "The Hebrews were prohibited by biblical law from cutting their hair or beards. Thus, following ancient tradition, Orthodox Jewish men through the centuries have worn long hair and beards. After the exile, in the 1st century ad, Orthodox women, upon marriage, cropped their hair and wore wigs, a custom which is still practiced to some extent." Source: frugalbride.com "The majority of Hasidic women, being Haredi, will wear clothing adhering to the principles of modest dress in Jewish law. This includes long, conservative skirts and sleeves past the elbow. In keeping with Jewish law, married women will cover their hair using either a sheitel (wig) or a tichel (scarf) which is often used to cover a shpitzel. In some groups, such as Satmar, women cut their hair short and wear a wig or tichel." Source: Wikipedia
In my opinion, women not cutting their hair can be boiled down to a simple argument for some. This argument can generally be defined in one sentence and primarily by one “verb” found in a Greek lexicon based on Thayer's and Smith's Bible Dictionary. And, the word is: “Komao, (pronounced kom-ah'-o) to let the hair grow, have long hair.” Furthermore, this can be limited to these four words: “Let the hair grow.” Thus the argument of 1st Corinthians 11 neatly summarized by some. Even so, here is my question: When did your hair stop growing and did it get long before it stopped?
At some point you went to a church where women are taught that cutting their hair is wrong and this verse was often used as a proof text: “But if a woman have long hair [komao], it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering [peribolaion, veil].” (1st Corinthians 11:15) You learned that your NT bible was originally written in the Greek language and that the translators turned the Greek into Old English (KJV). The translators then wrote this verse about “long” hair and not “uncut” hair. (Why don’t you believe the translators?) When you studied this verse you noticed that it didn’t say anything about cut hair so you went to a bible commentary or word authority or teacher. The word authorities say something like W.E. Vine said: “Komao signifies to let the hair grow long, to wear long hair, a glory to a woman, a dishonour to a man (as taught by nature).”
Some ignore Greek meanings, defined by various bible translations, found in verses 4, 5, 6, 7 and 13 akatakaluptos (akatakalup, unveiled.) Many scholars are ignored because their definition doesn’t fit neatly their focus on the woman’s hair. For example: “The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the OT completed in 247 BC) used various forms of katakalupte to describe a fabric or cloth covering. In Genesis 38:14-15 the same word (ekalupisato, katekalupato) is used to describe Tamar covering herself with a vail [veil].” Source: http://www.reformedonline.com (Even in those days customs of dress could define morality if we understand this verse correctly.) “In the Greek Septuagint usage of kalupto (also: apokalupto, katakalumma, katakalupto, kalumma, krupto, sunkaumma, and sunkalupto) refers to an external fabric covering over 80 times but never once to long hair.” Source: http://studyholiness.com/
Being unveiled [a (un) kata (down from) kalupto (cover or hide)] is often ignored as is men being uncovered. Men covering their hair during a worship service is taught against by the Apostle Paul in 1st Cor. 11:4 and 2nd Corinthians 3:18. That is a big departure for the Jewish Priest who would die if they had uncovered heads in the tabernacle. (Leviticus 10:6, see also Ezekiel 44:18)
The covering being described as hair alone (hair being a substitute for various coverings like hats and veils) has created a dilemma for some. Some men argue that they can wear a hat during the worship service or during prayer. Even those that are not religious observe the long standing custom of removing their hats during prayer. However, I have noticed some that see the dilemma and actually do wear a hat during prayer or would argue that removing the hat is not necessary because the issue is strictly "hair." And so, at the grave side you will see them wearing their hat during prayer. If hair is the only covering then the hat or veil is invisible in such a situation because these items are not considered "the covering" of 1st Cor. 11. Men do normally wear hats outside of worship (praying or prophesying) so Paul explains "when" they should not wear this covering. He explained the same for "when" women were to wear their covering (praying and prophesying).
The "down from" principle, or "Kata Principle," is an embedded meaning for those fully covered. In applying the kata principle to hair it would have to be long descending hair (unbound hair). I agree with those word scholars who believe that this is a veil worn during a worship service.
Worshipping is the context of Paul to the 1st Corinthians in much of his letter and particularly in later chapters. The communion service during worship is considered in chapter 11 along with this subject. Why does Paul qualify when they should wear or not wear a covering if the covering is just hair? While many will assume that Paul is changing subjects to how they communed (fellowshipped) incorrectly in verses 17 and 18 it may be somewhat presumptuous. Perhaps it could apply to what was just said too? “Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.” (1st Corinthians 11:17-18) Perhaps the Jewish Christians were feeling more than uncomfortable because Greeks were defying strong cultural traditions held by Jews? Perhaps men and women being uncovered (unveiled) in worship required Paul’s attention? Men worshipping with open face honoring Christ and women worshipping veiled honoring their husband (custom, sunetheia, 1st Corinthians 11:16). Please don’t overlook that word sunetheia when you study this subject. Custom is expediency when they come together in the church. “Judge in yourselves: is it comely [prepo, becoming, befitting, seemly] that a woman pray unto God uncovered [unveiled]?” (Verse 13)
Some people become confused because of verse 5 of 1st Corinthians 11. "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." We understand the the primary meaning of prophesieth is "telling forth the Divine counsels." However, women are to keep silent in the church assembly according to Paul. Even so, we see many situations where women and men are prophesying (even by the way the look). There are many instances where women do prophesy. For example, we see the daughters of the evangelist Philip in Acts 21:9, "And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy." The way people act in public tells most people everything they need to know about us. If we are angry our body language often gives us away. If we are immoral our actions and dress tell others that we may be available. That was historically the situation of the veil "custom" for women. Paul said, "You might as well be shorn or shaven if you are uncovered." They dishonored their head (husband) by not wearing their veil in the public assembly (perhaps even in the community when they went out publicly). Praying and prophesying is most likely Old English speak for worshiping but can be used in a much broader context. Certainly Christian women (not Jewish women in the Synagogue) could sing in the assembly. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16) In fact, if you will look at your song book you will see that many of the songs were written by women. Perhaps you have heard of Fanny Crosby that wrote over 8,000 hymns even though she was blind. We sing her hymns often in the church assembly.
Custom Expediency: Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised? (Acts 16:3) Did Timothy need circumcision to be saved? Why not read Acts 15? “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment.” (Acts 15:24)
Which one of these people has the most "outward" religious influence?
"But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:29)
When it comes to the "custom" of the covering (veil) you might want to spend some time reading Clement of Alexandria (second century Christian) regarding a woman being fully covered (shawl) or the “Open Face Principle” in 2nd Corinthians 3. In my opinion, Paul knew that women would be shaming their family (particularly Jewish families) by the accusations of immorality even though women are equal in Christ and can rightfully worship with open face. Paul advised women that they might as well be "shorn or shaven" if they were going to overlook the "custom" of being covered or veiled. Why? Because being "shorn or shaven" was the consequence for Jewish women for immoral behavior (instead of being stoned) when the Romans conquered the Jews. “But we all….” (2nd Cor. 3:18) Why do we worship with open face? The veil covers or hides (from top to bottom) and separates us from God. Only the priest could enter the holy place of the temple but that temple veil was eliminated at the cross. The veil of the temple was torn from the top to the bottom (Matthew 27:51) Where is the temple now? “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1st Corinthians 3:16) We don’t worship veiled but unveiled because Christ is not hidden and his glory shines in our lives. We worship God with open face. Christ was covered behind a veil but Isaiah 25:7 says, “And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.” This covering has spiritual significance to each of us and we let the glory of Christ shine in our face. He is not hidden as he was under the law of Moses. Look at all the “physical” manifestations of the spirit in scripture.
What is the subject? You begin to study history and find that immoral women in some religions or cultures were shaven or shorn, weren’t veiled, and wore a toga instead of a stola, etc. You then noticed verse 16: “But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom [sunetheia], neither the churches of God.” Then you asked yourself: How does this verse relate to verse 15? Is long hair a custom? Is the veil a custom? Is the subject about customs? We are told to forget about all those questions and concentrate on “let the hair grow” as taught by “nature.”
We look at verse 15 of 1st Corinthians ll. “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering [Peribolaion, veil].” I don’t feel that the word “for” [Greek anti] in verse 15 would exclude the wearing of a veil, scarf, shawl, wig, etc. in a church assembly or during prayer. Jewish women needed their veil in public due to custom [sunetheia] in order to avoid the accusation of infidelity or adultery. If you don’t believe Jewish Christians (Jewish men and women) wearing a veil in worship is a historical fact we will just use that comment as a hypothetical and apply it to your conscience today:
Would we argue against wearing a veil or a wig if a woman has cancer and loses her hair due to chemotherapy? (Wouldn't this have to be one of the "whatever" arguments of the Old Paths Advocate?) Her hair is not long because she has no hair. Yes, I know some of you would argue against chemotherapy because it removes hair (chemical razor) but there is a weightier matter here called living. She removed her hair in order to remain in this world. Some of us think she is more important than our Ox. (Luke 13:15) In that case perhaps a woman should substitute a veil, shawl, scarf or wig as a covering in the worship service? Most women come to this conclusion without ever studying 1st Corinthians 11.
When we come to the hair question for women (how long is long) we don’t even need to go to the bible to answer this very important question about your hair length. It is a question of observation and abstract reasoning—a picture is worth 1,000 words and some of us are very observant.
I noticed a picture of an oriental girl online and she is standing on a sawhorse probably (3) feet high. Her hair drops below the sawhorse and is on the ground. Her hair has been growing for awhile without cutting it, burning it, etc. I suppose. Perhaps we should spend some time with Google Images and Google words like “long hair.” I have noticed a (12) year old girl with hair over five feet long and longer than she is tall. I noticed an old man with his beard on the ground and I noticed a young boy expelled from school because he was growing his hair long in order to harvest it for sick people needing hair. If you want to argue about all these pictures of really long hair you find online (as if they have all been photoshopped) then I’ll just go back to my original question: “How long was your hair when it stopped growing (Komao – let the hair grow long)?”
Do you believe it is wrong to braid your hair? Why not if you believe Christianity should be displayed outwardly? “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting [braiding] the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;” (1st Peter 3:3) “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1st Timothy 2:9-10) What kind of adorning should it be? “The hidden man of the heart.” On the other hand, if you think Christian women should display their Christianity outwardly (by the way they look instead of act) I suspect a woman should stop braiding her hair. Heard any lessons on that subject lately since Christian women are to be a display of Christianity?
Are you "adding" to or "taking away" from the word of God with your false doctrine or beliefs?
Some of us can’t make the connection with “long” to uncut, cut, shaven, shorn, etc. because these are not the same words and “all” have different meanings. For example, we can use substitution and make verse 6 read like some would interpret this verse: “"For if the woman be not covered [substitute shorn], let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered [substitute not be shorn or shaven]." Or, as Jason Young would say in his article: “For if the woman [has cut hair from her head], let her also [cut her hair]….” Your computer program logic (using Boolean algebra) would probably flag this as a circular argument. Telling you not to write a formula in this illogical fashion because it is meaningless. Programmers become very disciplined to avoid programs with GIGO –garbage in garbage out) Kind of like your three month old baby having long hair because it isn’t cut—that kind of logic (uncut = long) is not a valid argument. Your newborn baby does not have long hair. Compare it to your (18) year old daughter.
Would you keep an employee very long that used that kind of logic: “Please go over there and get me that long rope.” He comes back with a short rope and explains: “I brought you this shorter rope because the other rope has been cut.” Did you say anything about a cut rope? We all use abstract reasoning in life and I greatly suspect we don’t interpret situations in our life like we sometimes interpret the bible.
Are your arguments starting to unravel just like a woman's dead hair naturally breaks off and is replaced?
Online you can find a statue of a woman wearing a stola: “Livia Drusilla, (30 January 58 BC– 28 September AD 29), …wife of the emperor Augustus Caesar…. The stola was the traditional garment of Roman women, corresponding to the toga, or the pallium, that was worn by men. Originally, women wore togas as well, but after the 2nd century BC, the toga was worn exclusively by men, and women were expected to wear the stola. At that point, it was considered disgraceful for a woman to wear a toga; wearing the male garment was associated with prostitution and adultery. Although the stola was a Roman garment, it was inspired by the clothing of ancient Greece. It was a staple of fashion in ancient Rome spanning from the early Roman Republic through the Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire into the first millennium. Probably the most noted image of the stola resides on the fact that it is the garment that the Statue of Liberty in New York City wears.” (Source: Wikipedia)
Including myself, we all have to be careful of violating Matthew 15:9, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” The doctrines of men can have dire consequences including the losing of souls. Is the hair and pants question your true religion? Those who disagree that this “is” religion do not necessarily have reprobate minds.
CONCLUSION:
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." (1st Peter 3:3-4)
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