Can we symbolize our roles using a different symbol?
This view would understand 1 Corinthians 11 essentially the same way we would, but proposes a different symbol than a head covering. In other words, they think only the principle is unchanging whereas the symbol itself can be modified. Joshua Harris, in his sermon on 1 Corinthians 11 proposed that we use wedding rings instead of a head covering. 1)
”Head Coverings” by Joshua Harris. Preached on Sept 2, 2007.
Daniel Wallace listed some concerns with using wedding rings and proposed wearing modest clothing instead. 2)
http://www.bible.org/article/what-head-covering-1-cor-112-16-and-does-it-apply-us-today
Those are two of the most commonly suggested replacement symbols.
I’m concerned about the hermeneutic of separating the principle from the symbol and believe it can have dire consequences when taken to its logical conclusion. As you’ll see in a minute, this concern isn’t unfounded. A head covering is a visual picture of our gender roles and what scares me about the proposed hermeneutic is both baptism and the Lord’s supper are in that same category. They are symbols (visual pictures) that point to a greater reality. Read more
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