Opening Statement: What’s the Point?
Brett Baggett’s To Cover or Not to Cover? is a short theological treatment of 1 Corinthians 11:2–16. Baggett describes his purpose clearly:
“The goal of this book is not division but faithfulness to Christ above all.”
The book examines what Baggett identifies as twelve concrete truths in the passage, followed by nine applications that remain debated among Christians. Its central question is simple: Does Paul instruct men to uncover their heads and women to cover theirs today? (Amazon book description)
What Is the Tone of the Book?
Baggett is a pastor, and the book reads much like a sermon—or perhaps a short sermon series—transcribed and arranged for publication. Its tone is earnest, pastoral, and focused closely on the biblical text.
There is nothing wrong with that approach. Readers who appreciate listening to a pastor work carefully through a passage may find the style comfortable and familiar. Those looking for a more conversational book, however, may find it closer to a theological treatise than a conversation across the table.
Baggett’s pastoral experience qualifies him to teach Scripture, but the book does not present him as uniquely qualified to address head covering. He does not write as a specialist in ancient history, Greek culture, textiles, or women’s experience with the practice. His likely audience is Christians—both men and women—who want a straightforward biblical argument for the continuing relevance of 1 Corinthians 11.
What Is the Purpose of the Book?
The book promises to examine the passage itself and determine which teachings are clear, which applications remain debated, and whether head covering belongs only to ancient Corinth or continues today.
It largely accomplishes that goal.
Baggett keeps his attention on Paul’s argument rather than wandering into unrelated questions. Theologically, I found nothing objectionable. Socially, the book is also measured. It does not burden women with elaborate dress codes, supernatural claims, or layers of hedge laws. That alone distinguishes it from some books on this subject.
The limitation is not that the book says anything particularly wrong. It is that it says little that has not already been said by other men writing about 1 Corinthians 11. Readers familiar with existing theological treatments will probably recognize most of the arguments.
The book also includes little church history and relatively little practical application. It explains the passage more than it explores what accepting that interpretation might mean for the woman who must actually wear the covering.
Why Does It Matter?
Before wrapping up a review, I like to ask what sets a book apart.
In this case, the most honest answer is that To Cover or Not to Cover? does not appear to be trying to reinvent the conversation. It offers a concise, pastorally delivered argument focused almost entirely on the biblical text. That may be precisely what some readers want.
The difference between Baggett’s book and my own is largely one of purpose and voice. His reads like a theological treatise. My goal in writing Recovering Covering was to sound as though I were sitting across the table having coffee with another woman—working through the theology, history, objections, and practical questions together.
Those approaches do not have to compete. They serve different readers.
What Do I Think?
Reviews are subjective; none of us can remove ourselves entirely from the evaluation.
My overall impression is that this is a sound, focused book that does what it sets out to do. I found nothing that would cause me to warn readers away from it. At the same time, I did not find a distinctive contribution that would make it essential for someone who has already read several traditional theological defenses of head covering.
And the Verdict Is:
Verdict: Read it if you want a short, sermon-like exposition of 1 Corinthians 11:2–16 from a pastor who believes the passage remains applicable today.
If you are primarily looking for church history, a woman’s perspective, practical “what if” questions, or a more conversational introduction to the practice, you will probably want to supplement it with another resource.
