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Which Christian Leaders Believe in Headcovering?

Who Believes in Headcovering Today?

Last Updated: Oct. 15, 2022

One of the false impressions about headcovering is that it’s “theology-lite.” Meaning, it’s only practiced by those that have a simple faith and don’t understand hermeneutics (how to interpret their Bible correctly). To help lay this myth to rest, we’ve compiled a list of modern evangelical Christian leaders who believe that headcovering is for today. Many of these leaders have exceptional academic training and are trusted by millions for their sound theological teaching. We will continue to update this list as we discover new names.

If you know of a notable Christian leader who believes that this symbol is for today, please e-mail us so we can look into it.

NAMEEducationKnown For
Dr. Michael Bar­rettPhD, Bob Jones UniversityFormer President of Geneva Reformed Sem­i­nary. Pro­fes­sor of Ancient Lan­guages and Old Tes­ta­ment The­ol­ogy at Bob Jones University for almost 30 years. Now the Aca­d­e­mic Dean and Pro­fes­sor of Old Tes­ta­ment at Puri­tan Reformed The­o­log­i­cal Sem­i­nary.
Tim BaylyMDiv, Gordon-Conwell Theological SeminaryFormer Executive Director of The Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood 1996-2000. Pastor at Clearnote Church since 1996. Writer at Bayly Blog.
Dr. Joel BeekePhD, Westminster Theological SeminaryPresident and Professor at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Editorial Director of Reformation Heritage Books. Author of "A Puritan Theology."
Dr. Ger­ald BilkesPhD, Prince­ton The­o­log­i­cal Sem­i­naryPro­fes­sor of New Tes­ta­ment and Bib­li­cal The­ol­ogy at Puri­tan Reformed The­o­log­i­cal Sem­i­nary.
Dr. Robert Culver (1917-2015)ThD, Grace Theological SeminaryAuthor of "Systematic Theology: Biblical & Historical." Has taught at Grace Theological Seminary, Wheaton College, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Northwestern College.
Dr. S. Lewis Johnson Jr. (1915-2004)ThD, Dallas Theological SeminaryProfessor of Systematic Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary for 31 years. Also taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Pastor for 40+ years.
Dr. David GoodingPhD, University of CambridgeProfessor Emeritus of Old Testament Greek
at Queen’s University (Belfast). Member of the Royal Irish Academy. Author of numerous books.
Wayne JacksonMA degree (unknown school)Founder and editor of the Christian Courier. President Emeritus of Apologetics Press. Author of numerous books including "A New Testament Commentary."
Dr. Elliot JohnsonThD, Dallas Theological SeminarySenior Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. Founder of the Asian Theological Seminary. Author of "Expository Hermeneutics."
Mary KassianStudied Systematic Theology at the doctoral levelProfessor of Women’s Studies at the Southern Baptist Theologial Seminary. Author of "Girls Gone Wise" and "The Feminist Mistake."
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981)MD, London UniversityMinister of Westminster Chapel in London for almost 30 years. Author of numerous books and commentaries.
Witness Lee (1905-1997)N/AFounder of Living Stream Ministry. Chief editor of a new translation of the New Testament into Chinese and English (Recovery Version). Author of "The Life-Study of the Bible" which comprises 25,000+ pages of commentary on every book of the Bible. Ministered alongside Watchman Nee.
William MacDonald (1917-2007)MBA, Harvard Business SchoolPresident of Emmaus Bible College. Author of "Believer's Bible Commentary."
John MurrayThM, Princeton Theological Seminary; ThM, New College, EdinburghProfessor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary and Westminster Theologial Seminary for nearly 40 years. Also helped found Westminster Theologial Seminary.
Watchman Nee (1903-1972)N/AInfluential Chinese Leader who started the "local church" movement. Author of "The Normal Christian Life." Imprisoned for his faith for 20 years until his death.
Dr. Ian R.K. Paisley (1926-2014)Honorary doctorate of divinity from Bob Jones UniversityFounder of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster/North America. Minister for 60+ years. Founder of the Democratic Unionist Party and former First Minister of Northern Ireland.
Zac PoonenN/AAuthor of 25+ books. Church planter (India) for 40+ years. International conference speaker.
Derek Prince (1915-2003)Language scholar (Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Aramaic); studied at Cambridge University (England) and Hebrew University (Jerusalem) International Bible teacher and founder of Derek Prince Ministries International. Wrote more than fifty books.
Dr. Charles RyrieThD, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, University of Edinburgh; LittD, Liberty Baptist Theological SeminaryEditor of "The Ryrie Study Bible." Former professor of Systematic Theology and dean of doctoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Andrée SeuGraduate of Westminster Theological SeminarySenior Writer for WORLD Magazine. Instructor at the World Journalism Institute. Author of "Won't Let You Go Unless You Bless Me."
Dr. R.C. Sproul Sr. (1939-2017)PhD, Whitefield Theological SeminaryFounder of Ligonier Ministries. Can be heard daily on the Renewing Your Mind radio broadcast. Written over 60 books including "The Holiness of God."
Dr. W. Andrew SmithPh.D. in Biblical Studies, University of EdinburghAssistant Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, Shepherd's Theological Seminary. Greek Scholar specializing in Textual Criticism.
Alexander StrauchMDiv, Denver SeminaryAuthor of "Biblical Eldership." Served as an Elder at Littleton Bible Chapel for over 40 years. Former professor of Philosophy and New Testament literature at Colorado Christian University.
Dr. Bruce TerryMDiv, Abilene Christian University; PhD, University of TexasProfessor of Bible and Humanities at Ohio Valley University
Milton VincentMDiv, The Masters SeminaryAuthor of "A Gospel Primer for Christians." Former Faculty Associate of Old Testament Language and Literature at The Master's Seminary. Conference speaker. Pastor of Cornerstone Fellowship Bible Church since 1992.
Dr. Bruce WaltkeThD, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, Harvard UniversityTaught at Dallas Theological Seminary, Regent College, Westminster Theological Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary and now Knox Theological Seminary. Former President of the Evangelical Theological Society. On the translation committee for the NASB and NIV.
Dr. Latayne C. ScottPhD in Biblical Studies from Trinity Southwest UniversityAuthor of 25 published books including "The Mormon Mirage" (2010, Zondervan) & "Talking with Teens about Sexuality" (2021, Bethany House).
Dr. H.A. Ironside (1876-1951)Honorary doctorates from Bob Jones University and Wheaton CollegeFormer Pastor of Moody Church. Prolific author of 100+ books and pamphlets.
A.W. Pink (1886-1952)N/AInfluential American/Australian pastor. Author of “The Attributes of God” and “The Sovereignty of God.“
Israel WayneUnknownConference speaker and founder of Family Renewal. Author of "Pitchin’ a Fit" and "Education: Does God Have an Opinion?"
R.J. Rushdooney (1916-2001)Honorary Ph.D. from Valley Christian University Founder of the Chalcedon Foundation. Prolific author.
Dale PartridgeUnknownFounder of Relearn Church. Author of "People Over Profit" (2015, HarperCollins Leadership) and "Saved From Success" (2018, Thomas Nelson).
Doreen VirtueM.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Western SeminaryAuthor of "Deceived No More: How Jesus Led Me out of the New Age and into His Word" (2020, Thomas Nelson).
Dr. Finny KuruvillaMD, Harvard Medical School; PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from Harvard University; degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MITProfessor at Sattler College; Author of "King Jesus Claims His Church" (2013).

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Is Head Covering Legalistic?

Head Covering Objections
The Objection: Head covering is legalistic and a return to the Law. We are saved by faith in Christ, not by what we do. Since it doesn’t affect our salvation, we don’t have to practice it.

Many who practice head covering today are viewed as legalistic. In order to comment on this charge, it’s important we first define the term. The word “legalism” isn’t found anywhere in the Bible nor is anyone in the Scriptures referred to as “legalistic.” It’s a word we’ve coined that refers to an incorrect view of law-keeping. Generally speaking, when someone is legalistic they’re doing one of two things:

  1. They believe their law-keeping makes (or keeps) them in a right-standing with God.
  2. They make laws out of issues that a Christian has liberty to decide for themselves.

For the first definition, it’s possible to be legalistic about any teaching in Scripture. Head covering should not be singled out, as no command is immune from this error. Read more

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The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible

The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible

Today we’d like to introduce you to the Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible. The reason we’d like to highlight this Bible for you is was just released and it endorses the practice of head covering.

The New Testimony Editor is Dr. Gerald Bilkes (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) and the General Editor is Dr. Joel R. Beeke (President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary). Here’s a short promo video for this Bible:

In their notes on 1 Corinthians 11 they say that head covering was the “universal custom (practice) of the churches.” They rightly call it an ordinance and say that “by man having his head uncovered and by woman having her head covered, all glory points to God in public worship.”

One of my favorite things about their notes on 1 Corinthians 11 is the “Thoughts for Personal/Family Worship.” I like this section because it takes what you just learned about head covering and then asks you what you’re going to do with it. They say:

“When you come to the house of God for corporate worship, how you conduct yourself matters. Paul argues for proper decorum in public worship according to His created order. When you enter the house of God for worship, how should you act in a way that honors the glory and will of the Lord?”

We’d love it if the followers of the Head Covering Movement would get behind this Bible by either buying a copy yourself or letting others know about it. These men have taken an unpopular stand for the ongoing practice of head covering and we’d like to support them for that. You can buy a copy on Amazon here.

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Where did the “Long Hair” view come from?

When & Where did the Long Hair view come from?

The view that a “head covering” refers to a woman’s long hair is a very popular belief held by many Christians today. We decided to embark on a search to find out where this view originated and how recent it really is.

A. Philip Brown II (PhD, Bob Jones University) is one of the more prominent and articulate defenders of the “long hair” view. He says:

On the whole, modern interpreters deviated little from identifying the covering Paul requires as a veil or material headdress until the mid-twentieth century. Although the view that the covering Paul required or forbade was itself long hair had been held popularly by various groups throughout the 20th century, Abel Isaakson was the first to offer the scholarly community an extended argument for this position in print. 1) A. Philip Brown II – A Survey of the History of the Interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (Aldersgate Forum, 2011) Page 12 [Read here]

So Dr. Brown identifies the starting point of this view (which he holds himself) as the 20th century. He indicates that Abel Isaakson writing in 1965 was the first to make a scholarly defense of this doctrine. However, he footnotes that in 1947, the Roman Catholic priest Stefan Lösch “made a similar argument…however, it received little attention.” 2) A. Philip Brown II – A Survey of the History of the Interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (Aldersgate Forum, 2011) Page 12, footnote #49 Read more

References

1.
↑ A. Philip Brown II – A Survey of the History of the Interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (Aldersgate Forum, 2011) Page 12 [Read here]
2.
↑ A. Philip Brown II – A Survey of the History of the Interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (Aldersgate Forum, 2011) Page 12, footnote #49
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Why ‘Because of the Angels’ does not refer to the ‘Sons of God’ in Genesis

Why 'because of the angels' does not refer to the 'sons of God' in Genesis

In 1 Corinthians 11:10, Paul says we’re to practice head covering “because of the angels.” This is rightly called an obscure verse because Paul does not explain what he means by that phrase. There are many theories, which we’ve already articulated, but today we’d like to talk about a popular view that we think is highly improbable. This is the belief that the angels are the “sons of God” mentioned in Genesis 6. Here’s what that portion of Scripture says:

Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. (Gen 6:1-4 NASB)

The identity of the “sons of God” is debated 1) For an overview of the various views please visit this page: https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/who-were-the-nephilim/ , but one of the more popular views is that they refer to fallen angels. In this theory, demons lust after human women, which leads them to take wives for themselves and have children with them. Thus it is asserted that when Paul tells women to cover their heads “because of the angels” (1 Cor 11:10), he means so that the fallen angels will not lust after them or sexually assault them. Read more

References

1.
↑ For an overview of the various views please visit this page: https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/who-were-the-nephilim/
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How to Talk about Head Covering on Your Church Web Site

How to Talk about Head Covering on Your Church Web Site

Churches that practice head covering are a minority in the Western World. Those who are visiting these churches for the first time will immediately notice the distinction between men and women and many will wonder (especially those who are not Christians) what it means. On many church websites there are sections for frequently asked questions, beliefs and/or a page telling visitors what they can expect when visiting. We’d like to share some examples of church websites that do mention head covering and how they introduce the topic to potential visitors. Read more

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A Critique of Bruce Winter’s “Roman Wives, Roman Widows” (Part 2)

A Response to Bruce Winter Regarding Head Covering

[Note: This is a response to pages 78-81 in Roman Wives, Roman Widows (Eerdmans, 2003) by Bruce Winter. The content appears under the heading “The Significance of the Veil in Marriage.” For part one of our response which deals with pages 81-83 (The Significance of the Removal of the Veil in Public) please click here.]

In Roman Wives, Roman Widows, Bruce Winter seeks to make a case that a woman wearing a veil communicated that she was married, faithful and modest. He begins his case by linking the veil to marriage through various historical sources. He mentions that Plutarch believed that “‘veiling the bride’, was in effect, the marriage ceremony” 1) Bruce Winter – Roman Wives, Roman Widows (Eerdmans, 2003) Page 78 and that “other writers in the early Empire confirm that the bride’s veil was an essential part of her apparel.” 2) Ibid Winter, by pointing out this evidence, seeks to convince the reader that the headcovering women were removing in 1 Corinthians 11 was their “marriage veil.” By taking it off they were identifying themselves as independent and immodest women.

The Connection between “Marriage” and the “Veil”

It would be helpful for us to now take a look at the original writings that Winter puts forth to support the connection between marriage and the veil. He references the writings of Plutarch, Juvenal and Tacitus. Read more

References

1.
↑ Bruce Winter – Roman Wives, Roman Widows (Eerdmans, 2003) Page 78
2.
↑ Ibid
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