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

by Paul C. Edgerton (Author)

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.

Author Biography

The Rev. Dr. Paul C. Edgerton is a presbyter of the Reformed Episcopal Church, ACNA. He has studied at Cranmer Theological House (ThM) and The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (DWS). He pastors in North Carolina where he lives with his wife Christie and their children Isaac, Elizabeth, and Josiah.