Beards and missionaries.


PrinceofLight2000
 Share

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 97
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Hidden

Here is another caution for men at BYU:

Posted Image

You may not wear skirts or unisex fashions!

(Ixnay on the hand holding too and do not bring tigers to campus and put on some shoes)

Wow!! I thought it was just a stupid joke, but it looks like it's true!

What happens when you release a man-eating tiger on BYU campus? It starves.

Link to comment

There still are some small animals that like to live in hair. It has nothing to do with tidyness ... they spread fast. Short hair is great and easy to keep in form adn clean... beards... uh... some guys are really giving too much attention to their beards! Anyway it grows back after mision! Some guys look really good with a beard...

Edited by Maya
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The reality is, missionaries are junior apostles. They dress and look like the modern apostles. It sets them apart from much of the world that seeks their own path. It is a standard.

As LDS we can choose whether to follow the standards or not. But if we choose not to follow standards, then we also choose the consequences: not going on a mission, not being allowed in the temple, not being called to a position of trust, etc. We set minimum standards - and a shaved face is part of that minimal standard right now.

It may not make sense to some people, but it makes sense to the Prophet and Apostles. Sometimes we have to be like Adam, who sacrificed even though he didn't know why he was doing it. It didn't make sense to him, but he was obedient anyway. Sometimes the answer comes to us only AFTER we obey. Giving up 10% of one's salary to tithing also doesn't make sense to most of the world, but those who do pay it usually have received a witness of it and its inherent importance. Same with the Word of Wisdom. The same with not having a beard on a mission. BTW, you also cannot be a temple worker with a beard. They also have a minimal standard of dressing/looking like the modern prophets.

I love wearing a beard, but I don't. Why? Because I understand that some things are more important than my own style and likes. It is worth sacrificing the beard in order to be more like Pres Monson, and hence, more like Christ.

If it doesn't make sense, then the thing to do is to patiently have faith, obey the precept, and allow the Lord to bless you for your obedience and humility.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There still are some small animals that like to live in hair. It has nothing to do with tidyness ... they spread fast. Short hair is great and easy to keep in form adn clean... beards... uh... some guys are really giving too much attention to their beards! Anyway it grows back after mision! Some guys look really good with a beard...

I figured you would be in favor of beards

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=247017907732&id=6f1d3932ea83c594684b34b7c48c7351&index=ch1

:P;):D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So...

Does Heavenly Father and our Savior have beards?

Considering that Pres Monson is His representative here on earth--do we really care if Jesus and Heavenly Father have beards, long hair, wear sandals, wear robes, not pay 10%tithing, etc? If I have faith that the Lord has appointed Pres Monson as HIS prophet and spokesman, then if I follow what President Monson says I can be assured that I AM following the Lord. President Monson has not said missionaries or temple workers can have beards. Whether it's a cultural thing or some other reason, I honestly don't care--I won't have a beard while a missionary or temple worker.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Considering that Pres Monson is His representative here on earth--do we really care if Jesus and Heavenly Father have beards, long hair, wear sandals, wear robes, not pay 10%tithing, etc?

Why not? One is the Prophet, the other is Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father himself.

For me, is all about image and nothing more than image. I am not a fan of beards so I think it looks pretty neat to see young kids nicely shaved.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Why not? One is the Prophet, the other is Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father himself.

For me, is all about image and nothing more than image. I am not a fan of beards so I think it looks pretty neat to see young kids nicely shaved.

Because he is implying that if Jesus and HF wear beards, then so should missionaries. But, if we use that reasoning, then doesn't it stand to show that we should do ALL things like Jesus and HF? Yes, Jesus is our Example--and we should strive to live as closely as He lived, but I do not think He expects us to wear the clothes He wore when he was on this earth. Or are you saying that since Jesus (reportedly) wears sandals, a robe, etc. that we should do so also? Or at least that our missionaries should?

My point is that Pres Monson is our prophet--he has the authority to speak on behalf of Jesus for the church (and the world, for that matter)--and while doing so, he speaks as if The Lord Himself was speaking. So, if Pres Monson says that missionaries should be clean shaven--then it really doesn't matter the reasoning behind it. It could be cultural, it could be a test of faith, it could be because he just said so.

And I was also being facetious....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Because he is implying that if Jesus and HF wear beards, then so should missionaries. But, if we use that reasoning, then doesn't it stand to show that we should do ALL things like Jesus and HF? Yes, Jesus is our Example--and we should strive to live as closely as He lived, but I do not think He expects us to wear the clothes He wore when he was on this earth. Or are you saying that since Jesus (reportedly) wears sandals, a robe, etc. that we should do so also? Or at least that our missionaries should?

My point is that Pres Monson is our prophet--he has the authority to speak on behalf of Jesus for the church (and the world, for that matter)--and while doing so, he speaks as if The Lord Himself was speaking. So, if Pres Monson says that missionaries should be clean shaven--then it really doesn't matter the reasoning behind it. It could be cultural, it could be a test of faith, it could be because he just said so.

And I was also being facetious....

But we can also wax philosophical and ask questions like

"If Christ were born in the 1920's USA, would he have worn a beard?"

"If Christ were born in 18th century Japan, would he have worn a beard?"

"If Christ were born in 2010, would he wear a beard when he matures?"

And here's another question...do Christ and Heavenly Father wear beards when they appear to mankind because that's the image we've conjured up for them? Is the wearing of a beard something they do because of personal preference, or do they do it to make it easier for those they appear to to recognize them? Do the wear beards because that happened to be the social custom in the times that they lived?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And here's another question...do Christ and Heavenly Father wear beards when they appear to mankind because that's the image we've conjured up for them? Is the wearing of a beard something they do because of personal preference, or do they do it to make it easier for those they appear to to recognize them? Do the wear beards because that happened to be the social custom in the times that they lived?

I don't know about Heavenly Father, but wouldn't Jesus wear a beard because He's Jewish?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The reality is, missionaries are junior apostles. They dress and look like the modern apostles. It sets them apart from much of the world that seeks their own path. It is a standard.

As LDS we can choose whether to follow the standards or not. But if we choose not to follow standards, then we also choose the consequences: not going on a mission, not being allowed in the temple, not being called to a position of trust, etc. We set minimum standards - and a shaved face is part of that minimal standard right now.

It may not make sense to some people, but it makes sense to the Prophet and Apostles. Sometimes we have to be like Adam, who sacrificed even though he didn't know why he was doing it. It didn't make sense to him, but he was obedient anyway. Sometimes the answer comes to us only AFTER we obey. Giving up 10% of one's salary to tithing also doesn't make sense to most of the world, but those who do pay it usually have received a witness of it and its inherent importance. Same with the Word of Wisdom. The same with not having a beard on a mission. BTW, you also cannot be a temple worker with a beard. They also have a minimal standard of dressing/looking like the modern prophets.

I love wearing a beard, but I don't. Why? Because I understand that some things are more important than my own style and likes. It is worth sacrificing the beard in order to be more like Pres Monson, and hence, more like Christ.

If it doesn't make sense, then the thing to do is to patiently have faith, obey the precept, and allow the Lord to bless you for your obedience and humility.

Oh, is that so?

Posted Image

Again, I'm going to follow the policy. I can't count how many times I've said that in this thread. I don't lack an ability to follow rules or standards, it's just that this rule's purpose seems to have faded out before the actual rule has.

By the way, tithing can't be compared to wearing a beard, neither can a beard be compared to any other commandment. There's a difference between a policy and a commandment. No sin lies in wearing a beard, only in breaking protocol. Culture has changed, so why can't the rule? Furthermore, tithing and other commandments have easily identifiable objective spiritual consequences when broken. How would having a beard, out of personal preference, not rebellion, stop anyone from becoming like Christ?

Lastly, why does one have to "dress/look like the modern prophets" in order to be worthy to do temple work? I'm fairly certain modesty doesn't conform to one particular style of appearance, rather, it encompasses many from each culture around its boundaries.

Society needs to start realizing that beards don't automatically make a man look sloppy, and it needs to do it now. It's a real shame that a bunch of malcontents (hippie, drug culture) had to come along and ruin a particular style of fashion via stereotyping that was otherwise modest, professional, and presentable several decades prior.

Edited by PrinceofLight2000
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Society needs to start realizing that beards don't automatically make a man look sloppy, and they need to do it now. It's a real shame that a bunch of malcontents had to come along and ruin a particular style of fashion via stereotyping that was otherwise modest, professional, and presentable several decades prior.

Let's be careful here. This thread was about "Beards and Missionaries." The First Presidency and General Authorities set the guidelines. Anyone just coming onto the site could read the title and read this comment and misinterpret that you are calling the First Presidency and the GA's who set the standards for missionaries as malcontents.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Let's be careful here. This thread was about "Beards and Missionaries." The First Presidency and General Authorities set the guidelines. Anyone just coming onto the site could read the title and read this comment and misinterpret that you are calling the First Presidency and the GA's who set the standards for missionaries as malcontents.

I'll edit my post then. ;)

Thanks for pointing that out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So...

Does Heavenly Father and our Savior have beards?

Whether they have beards or not does not matter. Their representatives here on earth, who receive revelation from them, have declared the current standards. The question is, are we going to listen to Christ's representatives and comply or kick against the pricks because we think we know better than they do?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Or are you saying that since Jesus (reportedly) wears sandals, a robe, etc. that we should do so also?

No.

My point is that it is a non-issue for ME and possibly has to do more with policy than anything else. Not every word coming out of the Prophet's mouth constitutes revelation.

My point is that Pres Monson is our prophet--he has the authority to speak on behalf of Jesus for the church (and the world, for that matter)--and while doing so, he speaks as if The Lord Himself was speaking. So, if Pres Monson says that missionaries should be clean shaven--then it really doesn't matter the reasoning behind it. It could be cultural, it could be a test of faith, it could be because he just said so.

Hmmmm I think we need to differentiate between policies and revelations from God (and speaking on his behalf). They're not mutually inclusive. The Church has groups of people who professionally handle the "image" of the Church. The whole use of the word "Mormon" comes to mind (first the Church didn't like much the idea and tried to stick with LDS as much as they could, then they started using it back and so forth) because they have specialists in the area who advised them about it, etc. Politics. Same with correlation and with a lot of other areas...My point is, the whole issue with beards and missionaries IMO probably has to do everything with policies put in place to reach "X" point and give "X" image and little to do with what "Jesus" tells the Prophet about what He wants the missionaries to wear. I cannot speak for him of course however I believe he must be pretty busy than wondering about facial hair.

So in the end, the rule is there. Those who wish to serve a mission must adhere to it like any other rule.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, is that so?

Posted Image

Again, I'm going to follow the policy. I can't count how many times I've said that in this thread. I don't lack an ability to follow rules or standards, it's just that this rule's purpose seems to have faded out before the actual rule has.

A painting of Christ does not prove your point. Christ wore a beard 2000 years ago because it was part of the Mosaic Law. We now no longer live under that law, AND we have a living prophet that gives us council on current dress. For all we know, Jesus could be clean shaven right now.

The policy makes sense for now. It has nothing to do with hippies, etc. It has everything to do with wanting to make the right impression on people who are watching us. We're also discouraged from going into casinos, tattoo parlors and bars, regardless of whether we gamble, get tats, or drink alcohol. Why? Because of the appearance. We are to set ourselves apart from the world. It doesn't matter if someone knows how to keep a nice beard. It does matter if someone sees two young men in suits riding down the street and think, "I wish my kids were good, well dressed, and respectable like that."

There's the story of the teenager who wanted to wear a beard, and his father said, "no." The boy asked the father what would he do if he didn't obey, and the father said he'd take away his driving permit. The boy quickly responded by saying Jesus had a beard and so should he be able to have one. The father replied, "Jesus didn't drive, either."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A painting of Christ does not prove your point. Christ wore a beard 2000 years ago because it was part of the Mosaic Law. We now no longer live under that law, AND we have a living prophet that gives us council on current dress. For all we know, Jesus could be clean shaven right now.

The policy makes sense for now. It has nothing to do with hippies, etc. It has everything to do with wanting to make the right impression on people who are watching us. We're also discouraged from going into casinos, tattoo parlors and bars, regardless of whether we gamble, get tats, or drink alcohol. Why? Because of the appearance. We are to set ourselves apart from the world. It doesn't matter if someone knows how to keep a nice beard. It does matter if someone sees two young men in suits riding down the street and think, "I wish my kids were good, well dressed, and respectable like that."

There's the story of the teenager who wanted to wear a beard, and his father said, "no." The boy asked the father what would he do if he didn't obey, and the father said he'd take away his driving permit. The boy quickly responded by saying Jesus had a beard and so should he be able to have one. The father replied, "Jesus didn't drive, either."

If it doesn't have to do with catering to others' misconceptions of outdated stereotypes which no longer exist, then what does it have to do with?

Frankly, I wouldn't look down on anybody who goes into a casino, tattoo parlor, or bar. I don't know what their intentions are. Nor would I look down on someone who chooses to grow a beard. How do I know they're growing it to make a statement, or if it's just personal preference? The bottom line is that we're taught not to judge others, even if how they appear is different from us, and we're not supposed to just assume reasons for why they do what they do until we find out more from them. Why should we have to pander to those who would judge us? If people would make a point of conflict out of something as insignificant and mundane as a beard, I doubt they'd be interested in the message the missionaries bring.

I'll just defer to Suzie's post now. I'll end up repeating everything she's already said if I keep going with this.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share