Did God Command The Veil?

The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) claims that the practice of women covering their heads during worship is a commandment from God.  The WMSCOG actually lists this practice under “Commandments of God” on their website.  Here is the direct link to the sermon online.

Necessary For Salvation?

The WMSCOG supports its claim that the veil was commanded by God by stating that the practice of women covering their heads with a veil was instituted according to the teachings of the man they mistakingly believe to be the Second Coming of Christ (Ahn Sahng Hong). The WMSCOG goes on to claim that the veil is necessary for salvation, stating on their website:

God gave us this veil regulation as a sign representing God’s authority. Even though this regulation seems minor, it cannot be neglected. None of God’s commands were instituted meaninglessly. All of the regulations were given to God’s people because they are necessary for our salvation and allow us to enter the kingdom of God.

english.watv.org

The WMSCOG Says Men With Long Hair Are Ugly?

The WMSCOG says that men with long hair are ugly under their Truth of Life > Fundamental Truths section of their web site. Don’t believe me? It’s right on their official web site under the heading “Woman’s Veil is Shown Through the Very Nature of Things“:

This verse implies that it is not proper for a woman to worship God with her head uncovered. We unconsciously know that if a man has long hair he looks ugly, and it can even become his disgrace. God gave men “the nature” not to cover their heads…Contrary to man, if a woman has short hair, she is not seen as beautiful. This is only because God gave women the “nature” to feel beautiful when their heads are covered with long hair.

english.watv.org

There you have it, straight from the official web site of the World Mission Society Church of God: “if a man has long hair he looks ugly”, and “if a woman has short hair, she is not seen as beautiful“. Does your church preach this as a “Fundamental Truth” or a “Truth of Life?” Doesn’t sound anything like the message of Christianity to me.

Paul Said No Such Custom

Now let us examine what the Scriptures have to say about the regulation of the veil. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Apostle Paul addresses the custom of head coverings (1 Corinthians 11:3-16). Apostle Paul appears to be clarifying an issue of contention among the Corinthians regarding the regulation of head coverings during the time of worship.

Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.

1 Corinthians 11:13-16

Perhaps, it is a little unclear in the NIV (a notoriously poor translation).  Let’s look at it in the KJV where the Apostle Paul refers to head coverings:

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

1 Corinthians 11:16

It is then very clear then that the Apostle Paul is referring to a custom, not a command.

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6 Comments
  1. NotSoLostAnymore says

    Is it wrong to wear a veil? If I was to attend another church would it be strange to be the only one wearing a veil? I was just wondering because I always liked wearing the veil while in the WMSCOG. I still don’t feel right praying without it.

    1. admin says

      hi there NotSoLostAnymore,

      no, it is not wrong to wear a veil, it just does not appear to be required based on the text above.

    2. Rahab says

      If you are coming out of the WMSCOG then it will take baby steps to find your new way. If you are attendiing another church and you feel it in your heart to cover your head, then do it. It is not for anyone else to judge. Keep praying for the Holy Spirit to guide you. Remember that Jesus’ death made it possible for us to have an intimate relationship with Him. Strive to discover God’s Grace. It is so amazing and is in EVERYTHING! The indwelling of the Holy Spirit will give you authority, not a piece of lace. Good luck with your new journey and remember that you are never alone.

  2. jaypee says

    ok, can anyone clarify to me what the verses meant? I just don’t understand how this proves both of your points here. (‘how wearing a veil is not needed’ and ‘how wearing a veil is needed’)

  3. Shawn says

    If God had really substituted veils with long hair on women, why would short-haired women not wear veils? If long hair was truly a substitute for veils, why would Apostle Paul tell women to cut or shave off their hair.

    1 Corinthians 11:6 If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.

  4. Mountainmom says

    Someone once asked a member,”If your head has to be covered, then couldn’t we just wear anything, like maybe a hat? Where does it say in the Bible that it has to be a veil?” No answer.

    The Wms has them all wear white lace veils of the same size, and that is the only thing they can wear. Why? What difference does it make?

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