There is nothing wrong with facial hair, and that's the reason the Society bans it. It's a way of weeding out men who might show a grain of independent thought and spirit. The WTS needs men who will unquestioningly "take the lead" in dispensing and enforcing cult bullshit in the congregation.
what sin is facial hair supposed to lead to?
by little1 57 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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jaredg
it's interesting to me that the old testament actually forbids a man to shave his beard. at the time shaving of the beard was done by homosexuals so they could look more femine and it was an outward expression of their homosexuality. so in reality shaving your beard has pagan roots just like chistmas or the wedding ring. the WTS c onveniently keeps this point undercover though.
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little1
Little Toe-
I wasn't raised JW, and I wasn't ever one (thank God!). I'm here because I had dated a guy who was a JW and he acted really squirelly-which now I have come to find out is pretty normal for one in the org! I am constantly fascinated by what attracts and holds people in the WTS. He is a very intelligent man, but I can see now that he has emotional needs that hold him in the web of the watchtower.
Recently he showed back up in my life after a year and a half of absence, claiming to be ready for a committed relationship. He was trying to convince me that the org wasn't that importatnt to him-something that is belied by his actions. Let's see...you go on Sunday mornings, Tuesday nights, book study on Friday, D to D on Saturday, and it really doesn't mean that much to you??? Well I'm a dance fanatic and even I only get to go out maybe once a week! Duh!
The thing that brought up the facial hair question is that he picked up a magazine on my coffee table with a picture of a guy with a goatee and asked me if I thought he'd look good with one. I told him he wasn't allowed to have facial hair (which I learned here-thanks guys!) and he said, "Why not?" I said the WTS won't let you. He acted like he was going to be rebellious and grow one anyway. He asked, "What can they do to me?" The naivete of the guy just floored me. He has been associating with them for over 20 years, just got baptised 2 years ago and I know more about their doctrine and practices than he does! I asked him several questions that he couldn't answer and he said he would ask the elders and get back to me. I haven't heard from him since Sat, so I'm sure they told him to stay away from me. Bad associations spoil useful habits, you know.
I am so grateful for all I learned here that enabled me to see how he really is. I stick around because it's interesting and you guys are a great bunch of people.
L1
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LittleToe
Little:That's a fascinating story. I'm glad you're here it's nice to hear some other perspectives.
I hope your friend does make his way out. -
Elsewhere
The thing that brought up the facial hair question is that he picked up a magazine on my coffee table with a picture of a guy with a goatee and asked me if I thought he'd look good with one. I told him he wasn't allowed to have facial hair (which I learned here-thanks guys!) and he said, "Why not?" I said the WTS won't let you. He acted like he was going to be rebellious and grow one anyway. He asked, "What can they do to me?" The naivete of the guy just floored me. He has been associating with them for over 20 years, just got baptised 2 years ago and I know more about their doctrine and practices than he does! I asked him several questions that he couldn't answer and he said he would ask the elders and get back to me. I haven't heard from him since Sat, so I'm sure they told him to stay away from me. Bad associations spoil useful habits, you know.
Sounds like the elders got ahold of him and straightened him out. So much for his "rebellious" streek.
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little1
My thoughts exactly! I wonder if now he's having second thoughts about what, exactly, he bought into. He didn't know that to date me or marry me could cause him to be disfellowshipped!? Either he's really ignorant, in denial, a big liar or "D" all of the above! I say, "BYE! Thanks for playin'-NEXT!"
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Elsewhere
Eveturally the elders will have him so scared of breaking the myriad of unwritten rules, he will have no choice but to consult them with every decision he makes.
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lazyslob
We have heard that it makes you play violin and sing Vietnamese karaoke. If thats not a sin it should be.
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PinTail
I love your beard Mungobob, I look like a dust bunny with mine.
Shane
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Euphemism
At this point, I think it's purely tradition and inertia, nothing more.
Long before I questioned anything serious about the Society, the beard rule was one of my pet peeves. When I was studying with a guy who was ready to become an unbaptized publisher, I actually refused to tell him that he had to shave his beard; I made the elders tell him instead. (I know, I know... straining the gnat and swallowing the camel. But I was a dub.)
What I found when I challenged the rule is that no one really understood why it was in place. But it had become reflexive, almost subconscious... someone with a beard simply couldn't be 'spiritual'. It was an conditioned instinct that was impervious to logic.