But I want you to understand that Christ is the head (authority over) of every man, and man is the head of woman, and God is the head of Christ. Every man who prays or prophesies with something on his head dishonors his head [and the One who is his head]. And every woman who prays or prophesies when she has her head uncovered disgraces her head; for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved [in disgrace]. 
1 Corinthians 11:3-5 AMP

These verses in 1 Corinthians is the primary scripture we use to define coverings in church, but a critical aspect of these verses is the culture that Paul is speaking about. Far too many scriptures we take literal without a thought on what they were trying to say originally. Expressions and cultural meaning change and coverings is certainly one that has changed tremendously.

Men in the First Century Church

Firstly, they did not wear ballcaps in the 1st Century church or hats at all as we see them. Paul is speaking to a Roman colony and all Roman male citizens veiled their heads with their toga to offer sacrifices and/or pray (capite velato). Let us remember that Rome at this time was a pagan nation with a lot of gods. Also, in that same Roman culture, a man having his head covered outside of these two acts was odd. They would appear effeminate or in mourning (both shameful to do).

Let us look at this now with the Christian lens. In that context, a veiled or covered head, would blur the distinction between a man and a woman. It also would bring in pagan gestures into worshipping God, plus it would be distracting to people because of what that was in culture at the time.

Women in the First Century Church

Verse 5 speaks to the women and as you might guess it shouldn’t be taken literally either. In that same time, women having a covering was a showing of modesty. Loose, uncovered hair was indicative of a prostitute or promiscuous woman. That same view was in the early church as it would have been a “mix setting” (men and women, married and single). Again, a determining factor in this was the cultural view of what made the woman look immoral. Paul speaks for women covering themselves so they aren’t presumed to be immoral, doesn’t create scandals within the church, and keeps from distraction.

How Can This Be Applied for Today?

Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it].

1 Thessalonians 5:22

What we can take from what Paul was saying is to avoid what would cause disgrace to yourself, which intern disgraces the Lord (our chief cover). Honor how God created man and woman to be, and not have men weaken themselves by presenting them as effeminate or under the authority of the mother or wife. Also, we are not to present gospel in a way that is rebellious just to be rebellious or immoral. All of our actions and words should be inline with how the Bible says we should interact and present ourselves.

While men not wearing ballcaps is not what the scripture means, removing the hats is a show of respect (within culture) and prevents a distraction to others. Both men AND women should dress modesty, and I’m not saying long sleeve dress shirts for men and skirts to the floor for women. I mean to not dress provocatively that would case someone to stumble by your appearance. A list of dos and don’ts is not what is needed here, rather reflect on the Holy Spirits direction for this.

How about Amish, Mennonites, Brethren, or Catholics who still wear coverings?

Simply comes down to this, is it conviction or religion? If it apart of your faith to wear a covering or bonnet and you feel that the Lord that is part of the Body of Christ God has called you to, then follow the Holy Spirit. If that is a reminder to you to be in an attitude of prayer consistently then no one should be telling you otherwise. I’ve spoken with many of those faiths who have said that they wear the clothing of that denomination because God placed them there and made them to be that.

Helping Those New to Faith

Too quickly are we to judge how someone is dressed when they start going to church. Rather than judge the outward appearance, get to know them. Maybe they would like to dress better but cannot afford clothing or they were never taught the concept of modesty. Take them shopping, come along side and disciple, encourage them and don’t beat them down. We are called to train and equip and helping someone to see the value of themselves is a critical start.

With this all being said, I hope you see that there is far more into the scriptures than what seems. And even this topic I have kept rather short. Remember, all we should try to do is please the Lord in all we do and say. With these little things to adjust to keep others from stumbling and to show honor to the Father, let’s make that choice to seek Him in all we do. Let’s also make the choice to ask Him why we do these things to ensure they are from God.