Another interesting comment made by a PIMI JW (page 2)

Beth Sarim

I don't know what 'they' have with this thing on facial hair,,,but they just have fits with any hair past the corner of your mouth no matter what. Drives them nuts to this very day.

smiddy3

I was chastised for growing a beard and had to shave it off many years ago of course .

Vidiot

There were a couple (kinda lame-ass, shallow) reasons for it initially, but at this point, it’s basically just a rule for rules’ sake.

fastJehu

1974 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses p. 97-98

(the real reason for the "no beard rule" - written down in there own yearbook)

But more equipment was needed. For that reason Brother Balzereit asked Brother Rutherford for permission to buy a rotary press. Brother Rutherford saw the necessity and agreed, but on one condition. He had noticed that over the years Brother Balzereit had grown a beard very similar to the one that had been worn by Brother Russell. His example soon caught on, for there were others who also wanted to look like Brother Russell. This could give rise to a tendency toward creature worship, and Brother Rutherford wanted to prevent this. So during his next visit, within hearing of all the Bible House family, he told Brother Balzereit that he could buy the rotary press but only on the condition that he shave off his beard. Brother Balzereit sadly agreed and afterward went to the barber. During the next few days there were several cases of mistaken identity and some funny situations because of the “stranger” who was sometimes not recognized by his fellow workers.

FedUpJW

they just have fits with any hair past the corner of your mouth no matter what

And we can't forget the "credit card" rule for a mustache. A strip of bare skin at least the thickness of a credit card must be trimmed between your lip and the longest 'stache hair. At least that was a rule in the area I live.

Diogenesister

Wozza And yet many elders have a moustache ,now that's what I call Pharasaical.

They were forced into accepting moustaches because in many regions of the world a man without facial hair - a moustache at minimum - is viewed with suspicion!! Think Turkey, the middle east, even Mexico etc

Fooley Beth Sarim- I had all the qualifications as an Elder but I have a skin condition that makes shaving not practical or healthy for me. " Sorry, can't make you an elder because of the hair on your face." Who cares about your book smarts and teach

I know I've mentioned it many times before, but my best friends dad had a beard when he was baptised in the 70s. They used him to the fullest extent in every way - doing accounts, carpentry, building, designing, advice etc you name it. He designed aircraft for British Aerospace and tested them out so really smart.

I believe he got baptised to please his wife, a modest man he had no ambitions in the cong. Elders tried to get him to shave but he refused, rightly stating if it was good enough when he got baptised it's good enough now. He was never an elder but otherwise would have qualified. Perfect JW family & wife a pioneer almost from baptism until the day she died, supported financially by him of course

Phizzy

Only in certain Congregations here in the U.K were beards frowned upon in any way. I grew mine in early '75, 6 months or so before that W.T came out, interestingly I had at the time received a letter from H.Q in N.Y saying that they could not make Rules for the whole World as to dress and grooming, and that the local BOE would make any decision on appointments, taking in to consideration local attitudes.

I was appointed M.S later that year, with a beard, I kept the beard and gave even away Public Talks etc. for about 13 years after that.

I also grew my hair long for a while, down to my shoulders, I would not have got away with either in even some neighbouring K.H's. My Congregation was a one off, known as Rebels, one C.O told me on his first visit that other C.O's had told him they didn't like coming to us, because we questioned everything the "Society" said.

If I hadn't been in such a liberal, rebel type Congo. I would never have stuck it for as long as I did, I'm sure.

exwhyzee

Splash

OP’s comment from a JW that “Jehovah’s organisation has never stopped anyone from growing a beard” is true.

The org in fact cannot stop you from growing a beard.

In true JW fashion they have deceitfully reframed the problem into something they can defend.

The more accurate truth is that Jehovahs organisation will penalise and punish you for growing a beard.

Beth Sarim

"The org in fact cannot stop you from growing a beard."

Or, any kind of 'spiritual progress' or 'privileges' will be taken away from you.

Another interesting comment made by a PIMI JW

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