Is it okay for a Christian to wear a Kippah?

Question:

Some people say that wearing a Kippah reminds us of God, who is the Higher Authority above us. But it seems that only the Jews wear Kippahs. Is it okay for a Christian to wear a Kippah?

Answer:

A kippah is a small skull cap that is worn by many Jewish men during prayers, though Orthodox men will tend to wear them all day. "Wearing a kippah is not a religious commandment. Rather it is a Jewish custom that over time has come to be associated with Jewish identity and showing respect for God" [Judaism.About.com].

But Christianity is distinct from Judaism.

"Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head" (I Corinthians 11:2-4).

When it was common for men to wear hats, the tradition was that the man removed his hat when he entered a home, was introduced to someone -- especially someone important, or wished to pay respect to someone -- such as at a funeral. That tradition came from Christianity, but it was lost in recent years as it is no longer fashionable to wear hats. But regardless of fashion, the point remains. For Christians, baring the head is a sign of respect to someone greater and in prayer, it is a sign of respect toward God.

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