Jumpstarter 4 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion

Question 4

In discussing 1 Corinthians 11, David argues Paul grounds head covering not in culture but in “creation…headship…the angels”; what view of God’s order and authority is implied in Paul’s reasoning as David presents it, and why do modern Christians instinctively reach for “that was cultural” as a default escape?

Another way to ask: In 1 Corinthians 11, David says Paul bases head coverings on creation, authority, and angels—not culture. What picture of God’s order and authority does that suggest, and why do Christians today quickly say, “That was just cultural”?

Direct Answer David’s reading implies God built spiritual authority and order into creation itself, not merely into local customs, so Paul’s instruction carries lasting moral weight. Modern Christians reach for “that was cultural” because it lets them avoid obeying a difficult command without having to deny the authority of Scripture outright.

Support from Transcript:

David says Paul “never refers to culture… He refers to creation… the order of headship… the angels.”
He contrasts this with evangelical teaching: “Oh, no, that’s just cultural. That doesn’t have any application today.”
He frames the real issue as whether we will “apply that” or create “a jillion excuses of why that doesn’t apply.”
He ties this to the “blank slate” issue: explaining away commands shows “you’re not reading the Scriptures with a blank slate.”
He says early Christian understanding helped him see that the New Testament “means exactly what it says” and that “if there is a commandment there, then it means we’re supposed to obey.”

Discussion Follow-ups How do we decide when something truly is cultural if Paul doesn’t appeal to culture? What happens to church obedience when “cultural” becomes the default move?

Jumpstarter 4 of 10

Add your phone number?

Thank you!

Jumpstarter 4 of 10