Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

[JamesCoste]

Just noticed a poll question about tipping your hat to a lady (I don't, but I smile and nod my head as I pas them))and removing my hat at a restaurant(yes, I do).<br /><br />That make me think of a question for which I don't have an answer.<br /><br />When you pray, why do most people take off your hat?<br /><br />I know of no Biblical scripture that tells us to do so. There might be one, but I haven't found it. I, for one, think God is able to hear my prayers whether I think them in my head, voice them loudly, or even when I wear a hat.<br /><br />I've had many occasions to where I was encouraged to remove my hat. I do, but often ask why. Nobody has given me an answer other than "respect" or "tradition". <br /><br />I want a better answer.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

Theres not one James. Thats the devils work wanting you to find a better reason. Religon is full of things where one does just "because". We have no proof of most of the established religons are really true, but we believe "just because" we do.

 

[heycods]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

We remove our hats to show respect to Diety, Old tradition. Same as removing your hat to show respect to ladies.

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

I dont think there is a biblical reference, it is just a show of respect and a nod to the formality of some prayers. If I am in a setting where a formal prayer is being conducted and for some reason I have a hat on, it comes off. If I blurt out a random prayer like "Oh God not again"! or somthing then I dont bother.<br /><br />Respect and tradition are both perfectly acceptable answers IMO.<br /><br />Im not a historian but I waas thinking there might be a functional root to the tradition. Men's headgear would have been somthing largley functional, helmets and the like and inappropriate in a formal setting or at a meal and probably even disruptive. Women's head gear woul;d have been decorative and probably a chore to put on and remove with all those pins and spikes and whathave you, and possibly selected for the occaision therefore not removed. just a guess though.<br />In schoool we were always made to remove our hats only to be told later to put our thinking caps on-confusing

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

I think it is in 1st Corinthians.......it speaks of men not covering there heads and women having to cover their heads while in the Temple praying........thing is, it was writen for a specific period in a specific culture. Paul often spoke on doing what is right socially as long as it didnt go against Gods will. You know dont rock the boat, or dont act out in rebelion. He also spoke of men not having long hair and women not having short....This was because of the practice of temple **********s.....long hair on men and short hair on women were both signs of the profession. There are many things in the bible that were culture specific and yet can still be applied to today. Some things make no sense to me....like Somewere in Leviticus it says not to cook a baby goat in its own mothers milk........There was little chance of that happing in my house........ The hat thing is a social thing that is part of our culture.....

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

Originally posted by Kenneth Brown:<br /> We have no proof of most of the established religons are really true, but we believe "just because" we do.

I agree that many habits are done based on tradition. I, for one, shun those and only try to live my life based on values learned from Bible study and life experiences.<br /><br />This issue (removing a hat when praying) is a mere curiosity. It doesn't really matter too much to me. Surely, there has to be an origin to why we do it.<br /><br />Anybody know the reason we often say, "Knock on Wood" when we don't want something bad to happen? I've researched it, and don't say it because of that research.

 

[MYTJC]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

In the Catholic faith - being prayerful includes being attentive during prayer which includes posture - the issue isn't that you are with God in your head, you are a part of a worshiping community - you aren't alone in prayer when you are with a congregation. It's like greeting someone with your hat on, your head bowed and not acknowledging the other person - when engaging in prayer - be mindful of the respect you are showing the almighty and your community......

 

[jtexas]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

It's a matter of respect...same as pledge, national anthem...<br /><br />Jesus provided some instruction, when asked:<br /><br />

<br />5. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. <br />6. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. <br />7. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. <br />8. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. <br />

Matthew ch. 6, KJV

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

Yea, try getting in your closet with your hat on.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

I respectfully yield and look to Aspeck for a biblical answer to this.....<br /><br />I 100% agree with Heycods answer....it sounds like it is on the level.... <br />

We remove our hats to show respect to Diety, Old tradition. Same as removing your hat to show respect to ladies. <br />

and on a final thought.... It is customary to remove your ski-mask before you enter a bank or your appearance will set off a praying frenzy!!!

 

[brother chris]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

James...if I am in church, I would not have a hat on. I don't think a place of worship, is a place to wear a hat. <br />Anywhere else.....if I am wearing a hat and decide to pray, I don't take it off. God can and does hear my prayers, either way. <br />If I am in a group and we start to pray, I would most likely take my hat off, depending if I had washed my hair or not. "Hat head" is not a pretty thing simetimes. <br /><br />As a christian, we have our own responsibilities for our own actions. We know that when we meet God, we will have to be accoutable for our own actions, but I don't think He is going to be mad at me for wearing a hat, while I pray. <br /><br /><br />"When you pray, why do most people take off your hat?"<br />I do not have an answer to your question.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

"When you pray, why do most people take off your hat?"<br /><br />It just hit me...if I'm a small child, most people will take off my hat to teach me manners - because I didn't take it off myself. Otherwise, I'd have to say most people aren't wearing my hat.

 

[Andrew Leigh]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

Man made rules,<br /><br />When the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth like mikenandronda point out it was specific advice for a specific reason. **********s in Corinth never wore anything on their heads and therefore it was considered unwise for Christians to do so. It had zip to do with the men.<br /><br />What about the poor guys in the army when in battle, would this mean that their prayers are ineffective whilst they have headgear on .... I doubt it.<br /><br />These saying often come from days past and for reasons. There used to be one "Never place your hat on a bed" thats why we have hat and coat stands. Stupid saying .... not at all, it was at a time when head lice were rife, if you placed your hat on a bed the lice would migrate into your linen and then you were in trouble.<br /><br />Ever heard this one "It's raining cats and dogs". In Europe the homes were often built into the hillside, this allowed the pets (dogs and cats) to get onto the roof, which they regularly did to enjoy the heat from the fire inside. The home had wood shingles as roofing which attracted moss and the likes. On a particularly rainy day the animals would slip on the wet moss and fall to the ground (past the window) hence "It's raining cats and dogs".<br /><br />Cheers<br />Andrew

 

[aspeck]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

Good and interesting question. I will have to do a little research. However, on first take, I would say that if we look to the old testament and the Jewish tradition, we should keep a hat on when we enter church. However, our traditions of removing a hat when entering a building have overshadowed the old testament traditions (and Jesus brought us into the age of Grace - we are to respect the Law, but without Christ's Grace we will find it very hard to live by it).<br /><br />So, we do it out of respect for God (tradition) not because of a Biblical basis. If I learn something different on this, I will get back to you.

 

[JB]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

I read that the tradition of doffing one's hat as a gesture of respect started in medieval times, when, in addition to shakings hands (to show that it held no weapon) knights removed their helmets to demonstrate trust by making themselves vulnerable.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

aspeck, I wondered when someone was going to mention Jewish faith. I was thinking of yarmulkes as soon as I read the question. Also, I don't believe Jews bow their head when they pray. Is that the same thing. Not actually written down, just a tradition? And if I, a Presbyterian, were to enter a Jewish synagogue (spelling??), would I be required to wear a yarmulke?<br />At my age, most hats are decoration, not practical, so I always felt removing them was more a sign of respect for anyone or anything.

 

[txswinner]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

Cause my daddy would slap a knot on my head if I did not. Best reason I know but not from Bible.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

The Pope and his entire cabinet wear hats - indoors.

 

[scrapper]

Re: Question for those of the Christian faith or those familiar with the Bible.

I aways remove my cap when entering someones home , church, indoors amywhere, and tip my hat to the ladies , I was just brought up that way .