A R H A T S I N C H U R C H

identify himself. This behavior led to fatal consequences for the knight. Eventually, it became commonly known as proper etiquette for a distinguished gentleman to remove his hat while indoors. Men also removed their hats upon being introduced to or greeting a woman or in the presence of royalty.

Interestingly, the church was one of the primary places where a man removing his hat was a non-negotiable.

However, in this day and age, many have lost sight of some of the simplest things (or, more disturbing, have never been taught them). If removing a hat in the presence of a woman or royalty was a sign of respect, then how have we moved to a place where men wearing hats in the house of the Lord is permitted? I find it extremely disrespectful. How do we not honor the highest authority we know: God Himself? How do we enter a place of worship where we revere a sovereign God and not, at the very least, remove our head covering, especially when we are operating in ministry? Paul explicitly addresses this in I Corinthians 11:3-16, particularly verses 4 and 7: “Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.”; “For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.”

Perhaps some are not aware of this. If that is the case, then it is up to the leadership to make sure they are well-informed.