Beards

[Bernard Gui]

I've had facial hair come and go over the decades. Once when I had a goatee, a stake leader stopped me in the hall and said,

"I don't understand why some people want to cultivate on their face what grows wild on their a--." I guess he didn't understand

that the hair on my face grew out on its own, too. Maybe he had to push really hard for his to come out.

[Garden Girl]

Heaven's no. I didn't mean it to come across that way. I'm speaking of the cultural things in the church getting in the way of doctrine.

That's good, Tacenda... but you see, too many members do let "cultural" things that have no basis in policy or doctrine offend them instead of focusing on the importance of actual teachings. They go inactive over such things and cut themselves off from the blessings of the gospel.

I do wish for you a New Year filled with many joys and blessings.

GG

edit to add: I just read your response above and can only say that I hope that people will reconsider if they let themselves be affected by something like you describe... and not let it keep them from attending or "enjoying church circles."

Edited January 7, 2013 by Garden Girl

[Tacenda]

That's good, Tacenda... but you see, too many members do let "cultural" things that have no basis in policy or doctrine offend them instead of focusing on the importance of actual teachings. They go inactive over such things and cut themselves off from the blessings of the gospel.

I do wish for you a New Year filled with many joys and blessings.

GG

edit to add: I just read your response above and can only say that I hope that people will reconsider if they let themselves be affected by something like you describe... and not let it keep them from attending or "enjoying church circles."

Same to you and hopefully you're enjoying nice weather on the beach unlike Utah weather, smog and in the teens.

[Hamba Tuhan]

Several years later, this same guy was appoached in Sac. meeting by older HP. He (HP) said he thought it was time that they started teaching their son, age 2, to start wearing regular shoes to church, not sandals or crocs.

About six years ago, our bishop gave me standing orders to report to him any ward member who might comment on another's appearance. (I was then still serving as YM president, and he was especially concerned about comments to the Aaronic Priesthood holders.) I've had to do so 2-3 times, and each time the bishop has called the offending member into his office and lovingly explained to him why we don't do such things. End of problem.

By the way, I didn't realise there was an age at which one outgrew sandals. I note that our newly set-apart elders quorum president showed up for church for his first day of service this past Sunday wearing his best skirt and thongs. He's a powerhouse, and we're thrilled to have him in this role!

Edited January 7, 2013 by Hamba Tuhan

[Hamba Tuhan]

Especially with the "I'm a Mormon" campaign, I think the beard is going to be looked at as perfectly fine. Since it shows people with all sorts of looks, no cookie cutter looks.

You just reminded me, Tacenda, of an email we got from our Area Presidency a few years ago when they were preparing to film the new ads for our area. We were asked to identify local members who might make interesting spots and then specifically warned that we not 'disqualify faithful Church members who don’t necessarily fit the Latter-day Saint stereotype'. The email then specifically pointed out that, amongst other things, facial hair should be a non-issue.

Edited January 7, 2013 by Hamba Tuhan

[EllenMaksoud]

You just reminded me, Tacenda, of an email we got from our Area Presidency a few years ago when they were preparing to film the new ads for our area. We were asked to identify local members who might make interesting spots and then specifically warned that we not 'disqualify faithful Church members who don’t necessarily fit the Latter-day Saint stereotype'. The email then specifically pointed out that, amongst other things, facial hair should be a non-issue.

Hmmm. That's interesting.

[Garden Girl]

Same to you and hopefully you're enjoying nice weather on the beach unlike Utah weather, smog and in the teens.

It's cold, windy, and rainy these days... we did have several days of cold and crisp but sunshine. A wonderful break...

The beaches are windswept. with rain pelting anyone brave enough to walk along the shore...

edit to add: We have visitors, whole families, who come from the valley... we call them valley people... just to watch the storms. Motels have special rates... many will bundle up and spill out onto the beach to embrace the full force of the wind and rain, and watch the waves crash (the waves are spectacular)... then it's back to their rooms where they get dry and enjoy evenings by the fire (many of the motels have fireplaces and kitchens) with family as they watch from the comfort of their rooms.

Last Sunday we had to open up part of the cultural hall because we had so many visitors.

GG

Edited January 8, 2013 by Garden Girl

[Nathair/|\]

By the way, I didn't realise there was an age at which one outgrew sandals. I note that our newly set-apart elders quorum president showed up for church for his first day of service this past Sunday wearing his best skirt and thongs. He's a powerhouse, and we're thrilled to have him in this role!

I think more guys need to wear skirts. So much more comfy.

[Tacenda]

It's cold, windy, and rainy these days... we did have several days of cold and crisp but sunshine. A wonderful break...

The beaches are windswept. with rain pelting anyone brave enough to walk along the shore...

GG

Hot cocoa and blanket weather. And for all the men, time to grow a beard to stay warm.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

OK, so in RS, we just got done studying George Albert Smith, and now we are starting on Lorenzo Snow. I think the studies are great, and I am just completely mesmerized by the principles that are taught within our church.

One thing I have noticed is that both these men had facial hair. But, I keep hearing that men aren't supposed to grow hair there. I thought I saw a thread where all this was discussed but can't find it.

I have one...I am a GA. Georgian thatis...

[pogi]

I think more guys need to wear skirts. So much more comfy.

Maybe you should organize a men wearing skirts to church Sunday.

A little too breezy for me.

[blackstrap]

I think more guys need to wear skirts. So much more comfy.

I'm not sure I could get used to the ' air conditioning ' !

[blackstrap]

As for beards, the Church will not be fully liberated until they accept the Orson Pratt style beard in the missionfield dress code.

[Hamba Tuhan]

I think more guys need to wear skirts. So much more comfy.

I have several sarongs I wear at home for comfort, but they're more 'work in the rice fields' than wear to church:

A little too breezy for me.

I'm not sure I could get used to the ' air conditioning ' !

And hence the comfort, especially on a day like today when the temp is pushing 38C.

[EllenMaksoud]

I have one...I am a GA. Georgian thatis...

Lol, I am starting to think that people should just do what they like. I would just wear complete covering with crossed Katira swords in back.

[blackstrap]

After October ( September?) and before May( June?) here in Canada flipflops and sarongs are not advisable.

[pogi]

I have several sarongs I wear at home for comfort, but they're more 'work in the rice fields' than wear to church:

And hence the comfort, especially on a day like today when the temp is pushing 38C.

38C, that's 100 fahrenheit, dang! Where do you live? Here in Utah it is pushing -3C. The only way I would wear a skirt to church is if I wore fleece-lined tights with them.

[ronin]

I have only had one negative comment on my goatee since I returned from my mission in 99 and I avoid white shirts (and ties) like the plague. that hasn't kept me from being called to serve in a number of different callings

[Nathair/|\]

[Hamba Tuhan]

The only way I would wear a skirt to church is if I wore fleece-lined tights with them.

If I were a woman who wears skirts to church all winter long without the benefit of fleece-lined tights, I might have a thing or two to say about such an attitude...

[blackstrap]

A wise man neither looks nor asks nor assumes.

[JangoPOW!]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned that Church employees are not allowed to have beards. I worked in the COB for 5 years, where beards are strictly forbidden. (I haven't shaved since the day I left.)

[Hamba Tuhan]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned that Church employees are not allowed to have beards.

How many of us do you think are former employees of the Church?

[Tacenda]

How many of us do you think are former employees of the Church?

My daughter recently got a job with the church and is required to wear a dress. It's with the new City Creek Mall development in the apartment leasing department or Deseret Management. I don't understand the need for it. Very cold in the winter.

[Paddy]

I will just note that my daughter who is attending EFY at the moment does have specific dress and grooming requirements to attend a church sponsored activity. Which includes specifications for hair, both style and colour. Also the number of earings which i found very wierd. It also includes the requirement for men to wear white shirts as church attire and includes restrictions on facial hair.

Add to this the statements made by some about the dress and grooming for missionaries and church employees and also add the comments about church leaders specifically stating that some dress and grooming standards dot not apply in some instances and I think there has to be some acceptance that some people will enforce traditional/cultural standards because of the prevailance of standards in many areas of the church.

Antecdotely, I have been restricted from blessing the sacrament because I did not have a white shirt a few times. Once a bishop in other ward would not give my brother a temple recommend for the same reason. He was quickly released (not because of my brother!). This happened in Australia far away from the conservative culture of Utah. So I thing things like this prevail throughout the church. Right or wrong.

Paddy

Edited January 8, 2013 by Paddy