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Men With Long Hair And Beards

Thunderfire

By Thunderfire
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Cobalt-70 Grand Master

Cobalt-70

Posted
Posted (edited)

A Rabbi friend of mine knows that I am involved with Native American Ministry. He sent me this for consideration. Do you think their is any truth to this and if so is it time for men to grow out those beards? :D

http://www.sott.net/...Their-Hair-Long

Fascinating theory. However, even if it is true, the problem from a Mormon perspective is that (1) long hair and beards is associated with polygamy, and (2) since the early 20th century, the LDS Church has worked hard to portray itself as being composed of clean-cut, conservative, patriotic Americans. Until we get over our current being-embarrassed-about-polygamy phase, and until as a result of this embarrassment phase we stop thinking we have to prove by our grooming that we are more patriotic and conservative than other Americans, then this argument is not going to fly within the LDS Church.

Edited by Cobalt-70
Matthew J. Tandy Proficient

Matthew J. Tandy

Posted
Posted
Fascinating theory. However, even if it is true, the problem from a Mormon perspective is that (1) long hair and beards is associated with polygamy, and (2) since the early 20th century, the LDS Church has worked hard to portray itself as being composed of clean-cut, conservative, patriotic Americans. Until we get over our current being-embarrassed-about-polygamy phase, and until as a result of this embarrassment phase we stop thinking we have to prove by our grooming that we are more patriotic and conservative than other Americans, then this argument is not going to fly within the LDS Church.

Nice theory. However, until the Hippie free-love and drug movement of the 60's and 70's, long hair and beards were allowed on BYU campus and were not prohibited in any level of the church (other than it needed to be tidy). The policy was instituted (originally for "just a season") to help LDS memebrs, especially BYU grads, adhere to modern business standards, making them more accepted in the world (versus a scruffy looking already strange Mormon...). So sure, the back history of polygamy during the hippie-movement may have had some part in the decision, but it wasn't made until the last half of the 20th century. All LDS Prophets (with the exception of Joseph Smith) up until David O. McKay, had beards (and McKay had some crazy hair in my opinion...). Not a single one consistently had long hair. None. George Albert Smith, who had a sweet looking beard, died in 1951.

rodheadlee Grand Master

rodheadlee

Posted
Posted

CFR

The website linked states it cannot confirm it.

It's true, when ever I cut my hair, I turn into a dork. I can't get any work done (I'm a carpenter), I can't sail right either.

1
rodheadlee Grand Master

rodheadlee

Posted
Posted

Fascinating theory. However, even if it is true, the problem from a Mormon perspective is that (1) long hair and beards is associated with polygamy, and (2) since the early 20th century, the LDS Church has worked hard to portray itself as being composed of clean-cut, conservative, patriotic Americans. Until we get over our current being-embarrassed-about-polygamy phase, and until as a result of this embarrassment phase we stop thinking we have to prove by our grooming that we are more patriotic and conservative than other Americans, then this argument is not going to fly within the LDS Church.

I don't know about that. I haven't cut my hair in several years. nobody treats me different at the various wards I attend. The newbies relax when they see normal people in church, the bishop hasn't said a word. I've had several interviews.

Matthew J. Tandy Proficient

Matthew J. Tandy

Posted
Posted

For the record, if I had the physical ability to grow a beard, I would. Blasted American Indian blood instead leads to the most ridiculous splotches across my face of baby smooth skin and hairy spots. Probably wouldn't grow my hair out long except on vacation.

KevinG Grand Master

KevinG

Posted
Posted

Just don't trim your whiskers or you could get your butt stuck in a tight place.

...at least if your a cat.

1
The Nehor Grand Master

The Nehor

Posted
Posted

A lot of the article is silly pseudoscience.

Also, the clean-shaven short-haired Romans kicked the everliving snot out of the long-haired and bearded Gauls. What went wrong?

selek1 Mentor

selek1

Posted
Posted

A lot of the article is silly pseudoscience.

Also, the clean-shaven short-haired Romans kicked the everliving snot out of the long-haired and bearded Gauls. What went wrong?

Yeah- but that was also the last war the Italians ever won....;)
blackstrap Grand Master

blackstrap

Posted
Posted

A lot of the article is silly pseudoscience.

Also, the clean-shaven short-haired Romans kicked the everliving snot out of the long-haired and bearded Gauls. What went wrong?

I guess that the Gauls were busy being "sensitive"

1
CV75 Grand Master

CV75

Posted
Posted

A Rabbi friend of mine knows that I am involved with Native American Ministry. He sent me this for consideration. Do you think their is any truth to this and if so is it time for men to grow out those beards? :D

http://www.sott.net/...Their-Hair-Long

This has an interesting correlation with the "Santa at Ward Parties" thread.

Bernard Gui Grand Master

Bernard Gui

Posted
Posted (edited)

Ain't no sech gubment study.

Our Native American brethren haven't been prowling stealthily through the back woods for a long time. Recent research

has debunked the myth of the stealthy Indian scout:

Lone Watie: [realizes Josey Wales has snuck up behind and pulled a gun on him] They said a man could get rich on reward money if he could kill you.

Josey Wales: Seems like you was looking to gain some money here.

Lone Watie: Actually, I was looking to gain an edge. I thought you might be someone who would sneak up behind me with a gun.

Josey Wales: Where'd you ever get an idea like that? Besides it ain't supposed to be easy to sneak up behind an Indian

Lone Watie: I'm an Indian, all right; but here in the nation they call us the "civilized tribe". They call us "civilized" because we're easy to sneak up on. White men have been sneaking up on us for years.

and

Lone Watie: I'm gettin' better at sneaking up on you like this. Only an Indian can do something like this.

Josey Wales: That's what I figured.

Lone Watie: You figured?

Josey Wales: Only an Indian could do something like that.

[Lone Watie hears a gun click behind him; turns and sees Moonlight]

Lone Watie: It's not right; this **** woman doing something like this to me. I used to have power. Now old age is creeping up on me.

Josey Wales: More like old habits than old age.

Bernard

Edited by Bernard Gui
Thunderfire Enthusiast

Thunderfire

Posted
  • Author
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Thanks for the good chuckle I got from some of these responses! And thank you also for the more serious comments and thoughts. Sheez, I was amazed with all the places you can go with discussing the merits and detriments of men with long hair and beards! :D

On a serious side, all of us have an image in our minds of what purity and nobility in God looks like. Or the church standard which lays out the right and proper way of appearance for the membership. There is nothing to be ashamed about in doing this because all cultures do. That is what makes each a unique culture. For me the issue is who are we seeking to present our cultural appearance too? Are we presenting ourselves first to God or man?

The problem is that I DO care what people think and I seek to present myself in ways where others will like me. It reveals my insecurities when I can recognize that I care! So when is it important to present myself first to God and live by the cultural appearance of "heaven" and does that necessarily look like the acceptable appearance on earth?

Thunderfire Enthusiast

Thunderfire

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Sounds a bit like a Na'vi queue (the braided head-tail used to connect to animals, Trees, and mates.) If this really is true maybe I can finally get my parents off my back about hair.

I really enjoyed that movie and found the message inspiring to say the least. But for me, where the link with God and our ancestors is greater through the restoration testimony is that we don't need a lock of hair to connect. We are always surrounded by the spirit of God. A funny analogy is this: Does a fish know that it is wet? Meaning do we know that we are always immersed in the presence of the Holy Spirit of God? Those of the restoration do.

Maybe our connection to God and our ancestors is through the sacraments and deep abiding prayer. Maybe through other ways as well, even some profound ways that have been forgotten through time. I have been taught that Zion is no closer or further away than the spiritual condition of the people justifies. So what does Zion look like and will I recognize it when I see it?

The problem I see is that from what our church history presents as the expectations for manifestations and outpourings of the spirit in the early days was different than today. Can we honestly say we are beyond them or even at that level now? Frankly, I expect much more and the only one I can blame is myself for not living in a more Na'vi way! :)

In my life I have seen some people do amazing things. I witnessed a native american holy man pray to God and then speak to a thunderstorm, splitting the storm in two causing it to pass us on both sides. In the Inspired Version of the Bible is an account of Enoch speaking the language of God causing profound things to happen. When he spoke rivers turned from their courses and mountains fled. Interesting stuff to ponder in light of what it means to connect with God in the "forgotten ways..." (if even though having long hair and beard)...

california boy Grand Master

california boy

Posted
Posted

What does this say about rock stars???

Pahoran Grand Master

Pahoran

Posted
Posted
Fascinating theory. However, even if it is true, the problem from a Mormon perspective is that (1) long hair and beards is associated with polygamy, and (2) since the early 20th century, the LDS Church has worked hard to portray itself as being composed of clean-cut, conservative, patriotic Americans. Until we get over our current being-embarrassed-about-polygamy phase, and until as a result of this embarrassment phase we stop thinking we have to prove by our grooming that we are more patriotic and conservative than other Americans, then this argument is not going to fly within the LDS Church.

You really just make this stuff up, don't you?

So, "long hair and beards is [sic] associated with polygamy," is that right?

"Associated" in whose mind?

Regards,

Pahoran

Pahoran Grand Master

Pahoran

Posted
Posted
What does this say about rock stars???

That they're unusually sensitive souls who'd never dream of raising the hand of violence to anyone?

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Regards,

Pahoran

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