Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord.For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.
Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.
But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.
I suspect that many of the divisions that have occurred over the centuries are a result of not heeding the last sentence in this section. We get our knickers in a twist as our British friends put it.
It is important that we recognize that the marital being created in a marriage is composed by the union of two unique beings. And that we need to do so in a manner that is recognized by the culture in which we live and testify.
Paul is emphasizing that we need to recognize that uniqueness as appropriate but that it is not essential.
What is essential is that we swear total obedience and fealty to the LORD, God the Almighty alone.
Readings:
Morning Psalm 132, Noon Psalm 119:153-160, Evening Psalm 82
