Is there anyone here who can direct me to a publication that specifically discourages Witnesses from having beards? One Witness I am debating claims it is not frowned on. Can anyone help me out?
Much thanks.
Where in Watchtower literature are beards frowned upon?
by Kenneson 8 Replies latest jw friends
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Peppermint
its all in the pictures you know.
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Jourles
One Witness I am debating claims it is not frowned on.
Ask this witness if he is a MS or an elder. If he is, or is aspiring to be one, tell him to grow a beard and see what happens. If it's not frowned upon, then I'm pretty sure the elders will not say a word to him.
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blondie
*** dx30-85 Beard ***
when inadvisable: w75 501
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w75 8/15 pp. 500-501 Do Not Let Yourself Be Ensnared by Fads and Entertainment ***Extreme hair styles can easily lead one into a trap of the Devil also, and cause others to stumble. For example, a young man in the United States was making fine progress in his study of the Bible, and he was moved to share with an experienced Witness in preaching to others about the good things he was learning from the Bible. From early youth he had let his beard grow, and since some in the business community wore beards, he felt that his wearing one in preaching to others would be acceptable generally. But in speaking to a lady he was unable to do more than introduce himself, when she said: "I’m sorry, young man, I do not want to become involved in student revolt." No amount of explanation after this sufficed to clear up the misimpression. After the conversation ended with the closing of the door, he asked the experienced Witness what had happened. He was invited to consider his appearance in relation to what he claimed to be, a servant of God. Not wanting to be responsible for even one person’s being stumbled so as to miss the way to everlasting life, this new Kingdom publisher shaved off his beard. Would you be willing to do the same or to make similar adjustments if your appearance gave the wrong impression in a certain community?
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w73 3/1 pp. 139-140 Rights or Duties—Which? ***NOT
STYLE, BUT SEPARATENESS FROM WORLDLY PRACTICES23
We can view the matter of style, or of dress, from another standpoint. Suppose that you, as a man, lived in Israelite times, under the Law, and did not like a beard. Perhaps you liked the way Egyptians looked, clean shaven. What would you do? Would you exercise your personal right to shave? No, for you would not have such a right. You would have to wear a beard, because the Law commanded all males: "You must not cut your sidelocks short around, and you must not destroy the extremity of your beard."—Lev. 19:27; 21:5.24
Was this Law given because of style? No. It was to keep the Israelites from imitating the practice of some of the pagan nations around them. Israelites were to keep their beards trimmed, neat, well groomed, however. An untended beard or a shaved-off one betokened grief and mourning because of some calamity. (2 Sam. 19:24-28; Isa. 7:20) The hair was also periodically cut, unless one was under a Nazirite vow. In Ezekiel’s prophecy the priests are commanded to clip their hair and not wear it loose.—Ezek. 44:15, 20.***
w99 4/1 p. 24 In Search of Paradise ***On the door, I wrote "Paradise Now," the slogan of American hippies. A young German girl who was passing through became my companion. It was out of the question to get married in front of the mayor, a representative of the system. And the church? Forget it!
Most of the time, we walked barefoot, and I had long hair and a shaggy beard.
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w98 1/1 p. 4 The Truth Transforms Lives ***A Bible study was started with him, and as Bible truth began to affect his heart, the changes he made were visible to all. One of the first evidences of his change was that he cut short his long hair and shaved off his straggly beard.
*** w95 5/1 p. 24 Perseverance Leads to Progress ***
I showed him what the Bible had to say, and to my joyful surprise, the next day he called me over to watch as he broke his pipe and lighter along with his crucifix, destroyed his pornographic films, and shaved off his beard.
*** w89 9/15 p. 32 "There Was the God I Had Been Looking For" ***
The young Spaniard was a drug user, with a beard and long hair. However, after the young man received the book, there was a remarkable transformation in the lad. He shaved off his beard, cut his hair, and stopped using drugs. Learning this, Edwin was eager to meet him.
*** w89 11/1 p. 30 Do You See Only the Outward Appearance? ***
Take Frank, who showed up one Sunday at a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in southern Germany. What did those in attendance see? An unkempt young man with a beard and shoulder-length hair, dressed in dirty clothes, well-known as a frequenter of local bars and a heavy smoker—an individual who had neglected his girlfriend and their baby twins. Nevertheless, he was warmly welcomed at the meeting. He was so impressed that he returned a week later. What did they see then? A neatly groomed young man in clean clothes. The third week they saw a young man who no longer smoked, this time accompanied by his girlfriend and their two children
*** w88 12/1 pp. 30-31 We Turned to the Source of True Righteousness ***
We arrived shortly before it began. I had long hair and a beard and was dressed in jeans and T-shirt. Linda was wearing her aunt’s 30-year-old navy-blue wedding dress. I saw a man in a jacket and tie standing at the entrance and thought: ‘A real square! What a great beginning!’
*** w85 7/15 p. 29 Kingdom Truth Blossoms in ‘the Flowered Island’ ***
As in many parts of the world, drug abuse is taking its toll in Martinique. However, one young man, who was once bearded, long-haired, and heavily involved with drugs, was so impressed by the love and warmth of the Witnesses and the clear Bible message they offered that he gave up his drug habit, changed his life-style, and dedicated his life to Jehovah God.
*** w77 8/1 p. 462 Venezuelans Take Advantage of Jehovah’s Unfailing Treasure ***
In a cool mountain town near Caracas, a young long-haired, bearded hippie, with a guitar slung over his shoulder, and his friend, a fanatical atheist and Communist, had been seeking the means to a better world and had been reading up on Oriental religions. Finally, they came to the branch office of the Watch Tower Society asking for a free Bible study. Both cleaned up from their former ways and are now baptized Witnesses, basing their hope for the future on the wisdom and knowledge contained in the Scriptures.
*** w77 9/1 pp. 533-534 Developing Spiritual Interests in Malaysia ***
The next day he accompanied them in rural territory to learn how to witness. Some time later the spiritual uplift he had received spurred him to ride another 120 miles (about 190 kilometers) to an assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kuala Lumpur. Here he disassociated himself from the Sikh religion by having his hair cut and shaving off his beard. After his baptism he decided to be known as George Puran Singh.
*** w76 2/15 p. 109 We Thought the System Could Be Changed ***
Over a hundred people, from little child to old man, came up and gave us the most friendly greeting we had ever received. We were especially surprised since I had long hair and a beard, and Jeanne was dressed in a way identified with hippies.
*** w74 8/15 p. 510 It Was Just a Brief Printed Message ***
The next day he was at the Kingdom Hall for the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting, the two meetings scheduled for that evening. At first no one recognized him. He had trimmed his hair and shaved off his beard.—1 Cor. 11:14.
As he progressed in his study of the Bible he told the Witness that ‘he could never go from door to door,’ telling other people about the Scriptures. Soon, however, he was sharing in the house-to-house preaching work. After studying just five months he brought his life into harmony with God’s righteous requirements, dedicated himself to Jehovah and symbolized that dedication by water baptism.
*** g99 2/8 p. 16 The Kind of Clothes We Wear—Does It Really Matter? ***
Many popular styles of the ’90’s find their seeds in such fringe cultures of yesteryear as the hippie movement in Western society of the ’60’s. Beards, unkempt long hair, and bedraggled clothing announced a rejection of traditional values. But the dress of rebellion also kindled a new conformity, a new peer pressure.
*** g70 3/8 p. 14 Hippies Who Have Found the Answers ***
"The results during this period of time have been a chain reaction that has resulted in eight new Bible studies, all with young people. Another young man attended an assembly to see what could possibly have caused such a radical change in the first man. He too had hair down to his shoulders, a full beard, and a typical hippie style of dress.
"He was favorably impressed at the assembly with the way he was treated and by the information he heard. He immediately began studying with the Witnesses and attending every meeting of the local congregation. He also recognized that much in Christendom was not Christian.
"In two months, the clarity of Bible teachings caused him to shave his beard, cut his hair, and clothe himself in an appropriate manner. And through his activity, four Bible studies have been started with young people."
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Nathan Natas
How many elders or servants in your local congregation have beards?How many in your circuit?
How many in your district?
The zeros pretty much speakl for themselves, don't they
A Close Shave BY AWAKE! CORRESPONDENT IN AUSTRALIA IF A man spends five minutes a day shaving and does so every day for 50 years, he will have spent just over 63 days of his life removing hair from his face! How do men feel about this daily ritual? A recent informal survey yielded these comments about shaving: "I don’t like it." "I hate it." "One of the hazards of life." "Something to be avoided whenever you can get away with it." If some men feel so strongly about removing their facial hair, why do they do it? Let’s learn a little more about shaving. Perhaps we’ll find the answer. From Clamshells to Disposable Razors Can you imagine shaving with a clamshell? A shark’s tooth? Perhaps a sharp sliver of flint? Humans have shown remarkable ingenuity in choosing implements for shaving! In ancient Egypt men shaved using a copper razor that resembled a small axhead. More recently, in the 18th and 19th centuries, what became known as cutthroats were manufactured, primarily in Sheffield, England. Often ornately decorated, these razors had a hollow-ground steel blade that folded safely into the handle when not in use. These devices had to be handled with great care, and learning to master them no doubt cost more than a little skin and blood. For the less dexterous, initiation must have been traumatic. However, the 20th century promised relief. In 1901 a man in the United States named King Camp Gillette patented a safety razor with a disposable blade. His idea took the world by storm and eventually led to a variety of designs, including razors with silver- or gold-plated handles. Recent developments include totally disposable razors, razors with twin or even triple blades, and razors with flexible, pivoting heads. Not to be forgotten, of course, are electric razors, which first appeared on the market in 1931. Their efficiency and popularity have steadily increased, but the keen edge of a blade is still preferred by many who want a truly close shave. An On-Again, Off-Again History From earliest times mankind has had an on-again, off-again relationship with beards. Ancient Egyptians, says the book Everyday Life in Ancient Egypt, "were not remarkable for body hair and prided themselves on being clean-shaven, using well-made razors which they kept in neat leather cases." This custom may explain why the Hebrew prisoner Joseph shaved prior to appearing before Pharaoh.—Genesis 41:14. Assyrians were a race of splendidly bearded men. To the point of vanity, they lavished care and attention on their beards, having them elaborately curled, plaited, and arranged. Israelite men of old wore beards of moderate length, and they used a razor to keep them well trimmed. So, what did God’s Law mean when it commanded Israelite men not to ‘cut their sidelocks short around’ or "destroy the extremity" of their beards? This was not a command against trimming one’s hair or beard. Rather, it discouraged Israelite men from imitating the extreme religious practices of neighboring pagan nations.—Leviticus 19:27; Jeremiah 9:25, 26; 25:23; 49:32. In ancient Greek society, beards were normally worn by all except the nobility, who were often clean-shaven. In Rome the habit of shaving seems to have started in the second century B.C.E., and for several centuries thereafter, a daily shave remained the custom. With the fall of the Roman Empire, however, the beard once again prevailed, doing so for 1,000 years until the second half of the 17th century, when shaving became the vogue. The clean-shaven look continued through the 18th century. But then, by the mid-to-late 19th century, the pendulum began to swing the other way. Hence, photographs of C. T. Russell, the first president of the Watch Tower Society, and fellow Christian W. E. Van Amburgh show both men wearing stylish, well-trimmed beards that were dignified and appropriate for their time. In the early part of the 20th century, however, shaving enjoyed a resurgence of popularity that has endured in most countries to our day. Are you one of those millions of men who use a blade to go through that daily ritual before the mirror? If so, you no doubt want to make it as painless, bloodless, and effective as possible. To that end, you might like to consider the suggestions in the box "Tips for Shaving With a Blade." Likely you already employ some of these suggestions. Whatever the case—enjoy clean, close shaving! See Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 1, pages 266 and 1021, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. Tips for Shaving With a Blade The book Men’s Hair makes the following suggestions for effective shaving with a blade. 1. Softening your whiskers: The only way to soften facial hair really well is to apply plenty of hot water. If possible, shave after taking a shower, as this allows more time for the water to soften the whiskers.
2. Applying preshave products: All the various soaps, lathers, creams, and gels accomplish essentially three things. (1) They lock moisture into the whiskers, (2) they keep them erect, and (3) they lubricate the skin so that the razor slides over it more easily. Choose the product that works best for you. Oh, have you tried hair conditioner? It is also designed to soften hair.
3. Using the right razor in the right manner: The right razor is a sharp razor. Blunt razors can damage your skin. Cut with the grain of hair growth. Shaving against the grain may give a close shave, but it can cut whiskers below skin level and cause them to grow into surrounding tissue instead of out through the pores of the skin. According to some sources, careless shaving habits—by men and women—can cause viral infections leading to warts.
4. After-shave skin protection: Each time you shave, you remove a microscopic layer of skin, leaving your skin vulnerable. Therefore, it is important to rinse all residues off your face with clean water—warm at first, then cool to close your pores and seal in moisture. If you wish, you can apply a moisturizing after-shave lotion to protect and refresh your skin.
This article discusses shaving for men. In many countries women also shave parts of their bodies, and so they too might find some of the points mentioned to be helpful. What Are Whiskers? Whiskers are hairs that grow on the face. They are made of keratin and related proteins. Keratin is a fibrous, sulfur-containing protein manufactured by the body of man and animal and is the basic building block of hair, nails, feathers, hooves, and horns. Of all the hair on the human body, the whiskers are among the toughest and most resilient, being as hard to cut as a copper wire of equivalent thickness. There are as many as 25,000 on the face of the average man, and they grow at the rate of about half a millimeter every 24 hours. -- AWAKE! January 22, 2000, pages 22-24 -
stev
Charles T. Russell had a beard. Many of his pilgrims had beards. I recall reading in Schnell's "Watchtower Slave" book that many of the Bible Students wore beards to emulate Russell, and Rutherford as President didn't like them emulating Russell, and ordered one brother to shave his beard.
Steve
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undercover
photographs of C. T. Russell, the first president of the Watch Tower Society, and fellow Christian W. E. Van Amburgh show both men wearing stylish, well-trimmed beards that were dignified and appropriate for their time. In the early part of the 20th century, however, shaving enjoyed a resurgence of popularity that has endured in most countries to our day.
What the hell?? Russell's beard was well-trimmed??
So are beards okay if they're dignified? I know lots of dignified people with beards. I guess theirs are okay but Bubba down at the gas station isn't dignified with his.
Appropriate for their time. What the hell does that mean? Beards were stylish during Russell's time, sure. After the first WW they became less fashionable. America remained a stodgy, stuffed up nation of cookie cutter looking clones until the late fifties into the sixties. Then everything changed. Long hair and facial hair once again was fashionable. So why wasn't it okay for JWs to be fashionable as they once were way back in the day? Today, fashions are all over the place. Some guys have long hair, some have short. Some guys go for the GI look, some shave their heads. Some are clean shaven, some have beards, some have goatees, some have just mustaches. Fashion in this country has changed dramatically in the last couple of decades to the point that there is no one "in style" fashion anymore.
The beard rule is all about control. If you buck the system when it comes to grooming, it's an early sign that you are heading down a dangerous path. Not a path of self-destruction as they want you to believe but a path of rebelliousness, of questioning authority, of dissenting ideas. They cannot back the beard policy up with any scripture, period.
I got the lecture about corporations sometimes impose strict grooming policies on employees because they represent the company and the company doesn't want a bad rep, so similarly the Society wants us to set a good example of how Christians should look. First of all, who is anyone to say what a Christian "should" look like? Second, are JWs a religion or a corporation? Well, we know the anser to that, but it's a telling indication of how the Society and the elders think of themselves. Christian freedom or a bible-trained conscience comes second to how the Society wants people to conform to their idea of respectablity.
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Oroborus21
*** w75 8/15 500-1 Do Not Let Yourself Be Ensnared by Fads and Entertainment *** 9 Extreme hair styles can easily lead one into a trap of the Devil also, and cause others to stumble. For example, a young man in the
Blondie already gave this cite. It may be 30 years old but the attitude isn't.
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Ticker
Just take a look at some of the older publications where they even go as far as taking the beard off of Jesus and you will know the overall mindset of the Witness Organization. Just a couple weeks ago I was thumbing through some as I was moving and not sure if I wanted to take them along or not. "From Paradise lost to Paradise Regained", essentially aimed at children but it has illustrations of a beardless Jesus. I am pretty certain beards are still frowned upon causing loss or restriction of priveledges, but probably would not result in ones ex-communication.
Ticker