The following resources are collected to provide material for those researching and assessing the Biblical and historic Reformed teachings and practice related to Women’s Head-Coverings and Modesty in Dress.

The position of the editor is not indifferent on this matter.  He concurs with other Christians of our day who look upon present cultural practices as being too corrupt to give direction to Christians about matters of modesty, gender-appropriate clothing, and the issue of head-coverings particularly.  In that regard, whether we look upon the “light of nature” as giving determinate direction in this matter, or appeal to the customs of former culture, shaped by Christian principles, the conclusion necessitated is that it is the obligation of women (Christian or not,) to apparel themselves in public with a head-covering significant of their respect for God’s appointment of headship and order within human society.  From this it follows, as the apostle Paul observes in 1 Corinthians 11, that the same order ought much more to be kept in the public assembly for worship.

Commentary from the Reformers

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11.1-16 by John Calvin, with Notes.

Commentary from ‘Fathers’ or Early Writers

Homily on 1 Corinthians 11.1-16 by John Chrysostom, with Notes.

Commentary from the Church of England

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11.1-16 by John Mayer, 1631.

Resources with Occasional References to Women’s Head-Coverings

Sermon on 1 Timothy 2.9-11 by John Calvin.

Resources with Occasional References to Modesty / Immodesty

A Summary of Christian Practice from the 1837 R.P. Testimony (Scotland.)