Orthodoxy and Long Hair
I’ve been reading the epistles again, and I came across I Corinthians 11:16
:
If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.
The section quoted is about propriety in worship, and I’ve read several translations and heard it “interpreted” many ways. My point is not about long hair and who should pray. What I find interesting is that in verse 16 Paul appeals to orthodoxy (or orthopraxy) in order to justify his position. In verse 14 he appeals to “the very nature of things” (NIV) to justify short-haired men and long-haired women. Now, I know that there’s much more going on here than a discussion of hairstyles. What I’m pointing out is that Paul appeals to common sense and the practice of all other churches to settle a dispute.
So why don’t we? Protestants simply form a new denomination – the “Short-haired Women Church of God”. I’m wondering how we will justify these divisions in the end. Paul goes on in verses 18 & 19:
In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval.
Paul doesn’t elaborate on how the differences will show God’s approval. I for one would love to know that.
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