Don Johnson

Use a bad translation, get bad theology.  It is a garbage in, garbage out principle.

The whole “head covering” thing is 1st century cultural, which is why it can be hard to figure out what Paul is saying.  In 1st century culture a married woman wore a head covering when in public, it is similar to a wedding ring today.  When she was home or in another home, she took off her headcovering among friends.  The question is what is appropriate in church, which is a semi-public/semi-private setting.  Paul’s answer is brilliant, she can decide for herself.  If she is uncomfortable if a unfamiliar face shows up, she can wear her headcovering; if not, not; she is free.

Notice the men are NOT free, they are NOT to wear a headcovering.  Again this is for 1st century cultural reasons but is seldom discussed by non-egals, as this is an example where men are less free than women, if you can imagine that!