Covering the Glory: Anabaptist Reflections on 1 Corinthians 11

Jerry Eicher of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives examines a focused subset of the head-covering debate, centering on 1 Corinthians 11:15 and the idea that a womans long hair is her given "glory." He critiques readings that claim hair itself is the sole covering and argues instead that the covering must hide the hairs glory, which is the textually identifiable concern. Eicher explores the biblical logic and historical practice behind veiling, how the hairs longness creates the glory that must be covered, and how this practice functions as representation—linking the woman to the church and mankind in humility before God. He addresses common objections, practical questions about how much hair to cover, and the consequences of diluting the practice. The episode also considers the Apostle Pauls reference to angels and the promise of spiritual authority for those who live out the covering in worship and public life, emphasizing humility, fear of God, and the representational power of the practice.