Could This Have Been in Paul's MInd?

James Frazier, writing in his classic book on the history of religion and magic, The Golden Bough (NY: Macmillan, 1951) notes that at Byblus, people were required to shave their head in annual mourning for Adonis. Women who refused had to serve as temple prostitutes. (pg. 384).

This may inform the thinking in Paul's confusing comments in 1 Corinthians 11. In Ephesus, where the many Gods were actively worshipped, something similar may have been required. In Paul's quest to balance Jewish ideals of propriety and local culture with the new faith - this may explain his comments.

Is The US No Longer A "Christian" Nation?

These recent words by the US President are not reflected in major demographic sources. According to Adherents and Pew Forum, the US has approximately 76% (159,030,000) of its population identified as "Christian." Islam comprises about 1% (1,104,000) of the population.

Of note, 'mainline' protestantism is listed as 18%, Catholics 24%, and Evengelicals at 26%. The remainder (4.5%) are Mormon, Jehovah Witness, etc.