I appreciate the comments. It’s worth noting that the church in Corinth was composed of both Jews and Gentiles, and that the customs regarding hair coverings in worship were mixed. With some pagan religions the men wore them, with others the women wore them. Sometimes they weren’t worn at all, sometimes they were always worn. There’s also some debate over how the Jews of that era regarding head coverings. I’ve read some commentaries that say Jewish men always wore head coverings in worship and others saying that the custom hadn’t been fully established yet.

Corinth was a port city that attracted a tremendous range of cultures, religions, and gods. Because of that it’s not surprising that there was a division over head coverings. Paul’s commands to them were not based in any particular cultural view, though. He was not defending the culture of the Jews or of the Gentiles. The commands that he gave were not based in the Old Testament law either. Instead, he was laying down a new custom, one that he says all of the churches adhered to. It’s also important to note that he was not saying to not argue over things that have always been, because things had not always been that way. He was telling them that the custom he was instructing them in was taught by all of the early churches, and that they should not be contentious about it.

My complete opinion on the subject, flawed or accurate, can be found here: http://www.whyileft.org/what-does-the-bible-say-about/what-does-the-bible-say-about-hair/

In Christ,
- Josh S.