by Coop Man 33 Replies latest jw experiences
In the United States having beards is not generally accepted as being well kept in the business world.
That's what the JWs will tell you. The problem is that it's crap. As others have mentioned, there are plenty of lawyers, doctors, accountants, businessmen, and politicians who wear beards.
I think the WTS has no business trying to control its members' grooming anyway. But even by the standards that it officially sets, the ban on beards is ridiculous.
Welcome Oracroth.
With regards to wearing what is seen in the Watchtower and Awake....
Sure, I don't see any Brothers wearing beards, but I do see Brothers wearing the typical "Bahama Look", (flowered shorts), Sisters with large flowered "Turbans", typical of Tropical areas of the world. So if Witnesses are to follow what is seen in the publications, what do you the Elders would do if Brother Ministerial Servant were to show up for a Sunday meeting in flowered shorts and sandals?
"Look at the pictures of brothers in the Watchtower and Awake. Do you see any of them with beards?"
Yes! The apostles had beards. Moses and Abraham had beards. If any of them are resurrected, they will be my brothers.
They do a lot of double talk always have. They sent me a letter after I sent them one, saying its OK to wear a beard and do most anthing in the hall if its OK with the Elders. Get the point.
Shane
An elder told me that many "corporations" in the business world have restrictions on facial hair and hair length because they want to present a certain "clean-cut" image. The same is similar with the "congregation". To present "ourselves"(themselves) separate from the world, facial hair is not allowed.
There is a certain irony there. Certain corporations don't allow facial hair. The WTS doesn't allow facial hair. How is that keeping separate from the world?
Two other things that don't wash in this explanation: 1. I can't accept that an explanation basing your argument on what the business world does has any thing to do with what a religion stipulates. The explanation from that elder really showed me that the Organization is more of a corporation than a religion. I've never heard anyone use corporate practices in explaining why a religion does what it does. 2. There is nothing in the Bible that backs up that policy. Nothing. Unless you're a Levite. The book of Galations speaks of Christian Freedom. Where is that freedom when a religious corporation dictates how you will dress and groom?
My ex had a moustache during the time he was serving as a Ministerial Servant. Is that viewed differently than a beard or goatee?
Mustaches are allowed provided that they are trimmed fairly short. They can't be long on the sides around the corner of the mouth or long over the lips or long enough to wax up like Bill the Butcher. I was often counseled on mine. I was always pushing the edge. I wanted it longer than they allowed plus it was easier to groom when it was longer.
Two other things that don't wash in this explanation: 1. I can't accept that an explanation basing your argument on what the business world does has any thing to do with what a religion stipulates. The explanation from that elder really showed me that the Organization is more of a corporation than a religion. I've never heard anyone use corporate practices in explaining why a religion does what it does.
My thoughts exactly.
While I lived in Japan, the land of business, college men could express their individuality thru haircuts, moustaches/beards, clothing, etc. As soon as they graduated and became businessmen, they had to get a haircut, shave, lose rings, etc., and wear the almighty business suit. These days there's quite a bit more individual expression allowed, but it's still tight.
There is tremendous pressure to conform there; your job depends upon it. No wonder the WT has had success in Japan, where coporation = religion. I do think the rationale of the WT is the same as the companies of Japan: a conformist image.
bebu
but in the U.S. of A., facial hair is a sign of rebellion
In the last few weeks, I have dealt with quite a few "rebels", including doctors, lab techs., paramedics, male nurses, repairmen, salesmen, grocery clerks. Hmmm............don't they know that generation was the 60's and 70's. Kind of a long time ago, isn't it?
I've worked in a number of business since 1988 when I grew my beard. No one cares. Of course I live in Seattle, but one of the companies I've worked for was Cushman and Wakefield, a big NYC based real estate outfit. Several people there had beards.
