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The Historic Faith

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Question 5
Tertullian describes women who technically wore something on their heads but used tiny coverings, turbans, or bands in ways that “nullified” the discipline of the veil. What are some modern examples of outward compliance that may actually reveal resistance to obedience?
Another way to ask: Tertullian describes women who wore something on their heads but used tiny coverings, turbans, or bands in a way that avoided the real purpose of the veil. What are some modern examples of obeying outwardly while still resisting true obedience?

Direct Answer

The transcript gives examples from Tertullian’s time rather than modern examples: some women wore partial, tiny, or inadequate coverings while claiming to be covered. Based strictly on the transcript, the principle is that outward compliance can become resistance when it minimizes or “nullifies” the substance of the command.

Support from Transcript

- Tertullian warned married women “not to outgrow the discipline of the veil, not even for a moment of an hour.” - He said some tried “to nullify it” by going “neither covered nor bare.” - Some women “do not veil their heads, but rather bind them up with turbans and woolen bands.” - Others used “small linen coifs that do not even quite reach the ears.” - During prayer, some placed only “a fringe, tuft, of cloth, or any thread whatever on the crown of their heads.” - Tertullian says, “And they think that they are covered.”

Discussion Follow-ups

The transcript does not name modern equivalents. A careful discussion could apply the principle to any act where a person technically obeys while intentionally reducing obedience to the smallest possible gesture.