I'm no longer a JW, but it was the same here in England. It was explained along the lines and principal of women having to wear skirts or dresses and not trousers. (I dont think I owned a pair of trousers till I left!!)

It is how the "world" perceives the JW, beards are associated with the world as being "way out", with "hippies" etc and it doesn't give a good impression.  Bit like wearing a suit to go knocking on doors and at KH, it appers smart and apparently beards don't give that impression.

Well that's what I remember anyway.

Any other thoughts appreciated

Its because Rutherford did not like beards ... bearded brothers reminded him of Russel's presidency and Jews (which were at the top of his long hate list) ... and that's the simple truth.

Its not in the Bible because it was actually seen as a disgrace for a man shave his beard. Never mind the God saw fit to have hair grow on men's faces....that's all superficial, right?

Its like asking where in the Bible it says collard shirts with ties are necessary to show respect for God. Jesus and the Apostles would be disfellowshipped if they were here on earth today.

Its specifically a man made up rule dependant on the whims of whomever deems themselves to be in charge and enslave others to those whims.

Little story on this: when I was still in the Borg a few years back but very inactive, I came back for one meeting (after about 2 years of absence). I had grown a goatie. One of the elders came to me with hand extended. I figured "Oh, he's gonna ask me where I was and what I did"... I was wrong.... he says: "Hum, you forgot to shave this morning?". I said: "No"... then turned my back to him to go talk to "sister hottie!"...

The stupid reason for no beards, is because "we represent Jehovah, and don't want any cause for stumblin' anyone at da doors. Peepos lives depend on the newest issue of the Watchtower"

 

 

 

 

 

Dismembered

 

TheOldHippie,

Yes, in the USA it is seen as offensive by the Society for men to wear facial hair of any sort (although some get away with moustaches).  There are several on the board who left over this issue.  The commonly given excuse for the past 30 years or so in the US is that a beard is seen by society as a sign of rebellion (this excuse seemed plausible after the 60's).  But the fact is that JR Rutherford preferred his acolytes to be clean-shaven.  Apparently he offered to pay Bethelites to get rid of their beards, which many had grown to emulate "Pastor" Russell.  The ban on beards was instituted in the 20's (if not sooner) when it was very common for men who were in no way rebellious to sport beards.  In fact, a full beard and mustache were often signs of success and prosperity back then.

I think Jehovah's view on the matter is found in the Old Testament where he actually FORBIDS cutting facial hair or sideburns.  Ever seen any Hassidim?

Interesting that the ban is not worldwide..... (hypocritical, too!)

outnfree

I know where the Bible says that Israelites have to wear beards.  Leviticus 19:27 "Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard."  So naturally, since Jehovah thus encourages beards, loyal JW's rebel against Jehovah and shave.  Wouldn't want their cult contaminated by any obedience to Jehovah, after all!

Robert Frazier

Edited by - robert_v_frazier on 23 July 2002 10:25:51

I had always wanted to wear a nice pants suit at the meeting.     What do you think, guys?    Sisters in pants suits, don't you think they'd look more professional and serious just like the WTS wants them to look?

It all stems from Rutherford's jealousy of Russell.  Members used to grow beards like Russell's after he died and in order to emulate him.

Rutherford hated not getting all the attention, so he banned beards, starting with the Bethels.  After that, pictures of Jesus being clean shaven started appearing in the society's literature. 

And dubs like to say that, if nothing else, Rutherford removed "creature worship" from the organization.  HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

If God didn't want humans to have beards, he wouldn't have given them to all the women I've dated.

It's all man-made bullshit and the Bible has nothing to do it. 

Farkel

Edited by - Farkel on 24 July 2002 0:23:31

: can this Rutherford "jealousy" be substantiated, or is this "apostate legend"?

William Schnell talks from first-hand experience at Bethel about it.  Any children of old-timers from Bethel can verify it

Farkel