The elders and ministerial servants are looked to for direction and to set an example in the congregation. Our work is very scrutinized by those outside our organization. I
n western countries in particular, a few years ago beards were often confused with a segment of society that reflected rebellion, namely the "hippy" movement of the 60's and 70's. It was felt that we should not in any way resemble those that reflected an attitude like this, or the drug culture that went along with it. We have to separate ourselves from that, and to have a beard a few years ago could be confusing, especially to an older generation of people at that time that were especially repulsed at the conduct of those of the younger generation. Even though we are some 30 or 40 years removed from that situation that existed during the late 60's and early 70's, it has been proven by experts that some people on some subconscious level do not trust a man with a beard.
The underlying message that some get from a beard is that if you have one, you have something to hide, as if you are hiding behind the beard. I have even heard that idea expressed in sales courses that I have taken for secular activities. Beards are discouraged by some sales trainers because of the subconscious message that some people receive from a person with a beard, and some feel that a person without a beard generally speaking has a more professional appearance than a person who does. So, even though the reasons for not wearing a beard may have changed somewhat, the practice of not having a beard itself still has merits. Jehovah's Witnesses do not want to give any cause for stumbling others, either inside the congregation or outside the congregation. So, we generally do not wear beards. This may be different in some countries where social circumstances are different, just like in some countries the manner of dress is also different.
We do not want there to be any reason for anyone to feel uncomfortable around us, especially before we have even had a chance to speak a word to them yet, and a beard can send the wrong subconscious message to someone.
Additional InputThe first answer is partially correct, in that male Jehovah's Witnesses my wear beards without suffering more than a stern talking-to and withdrawal of opportunity to carry any special position or responsibility in the congregation. However, if the real reason was proven current public perception, the same rules would probably apply to obesity, lack of fashion sense, or social ineptitude - all of which can make people very uncomfortable and unwilling to perceive someone as scholarly or to be taken seriously.
In the 1950s, in the the USA, beards were widely unpopular among the general public and most men who wore one were immediately perceived as beatniks (and later, hippies). In that American, Cold War climate, a young man who didn't sport a military-esque brush cut and bare chin was out-of-hand labeled a communist or homosexual. This attitude permeated even into the upper echelon of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, to the point where articles were printed denying even Jesus wore a beard, while on earth. The men currently on the Governing Body have an average age of 75. This would have made them teenagers at the time this perception existed and they are probably, simply (like most old people) not quick - or even willing - to change their minds.
Paul, the apostle, said something similar in 1Cor 11:14 about long hair being a dishonor to a man. Obviously, this needs to be taken in some kind of social context, as God told Samson's mother never to cut his hair. Absalom is referred to as "flawless" and "handsome" with his hair that he allowed to grow until the weight of it became too unwieldy. Also, the Nazirite priests were not to cut their hair as long as they served in the temple. Obviously Paul's words were intended for his militant Roman contemporaries. That society started the cropped military haircut and clean-shaven face to keep lice to a minimum and avoid giving an enemy something to grab, in a skirmish.
call the branch of Jehovahs witnesses. The number can be found on most of their books and magazines
jehovahs witnesses are christians and choose not to do holidays
Anyone can become a jehovahs witnesses
jehovahs witnesses dont gamble but the do drink not to the point that they get drunk
Yes. There are aproxtimately 15,000 of Jehovah's Witnesses in New Zealand.
To the best of my knowledge this individual is not one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Because jehovahs witnesses are pacifist and therefore anti military and therefore do not believe that a person that participated in the military deserves to be honored.
The modern day history of Jehovah's Witnesses began in 1870.
Yes they were. Jehovah's Witnesses were one of the groups targeted in the Holocaust by Hitler.
How many Jehovah's witnesses were killed on 9/11
pray to Jehovah (jehovahs witnesses god)
Please elaborate. Thank you.
Jehovahs witnesses call fellow Jehovah's Witnesses brother or sister. We are all Jehovah's children and like any family would call their sibling brother or sister or by their first name we do the same within our brotherhood.
As a Jehovahs Witness, I can inform you that Jehovahs Witnesses as a group do not have any birthing rituals.
To the best of my knowledge, no they did not.
If required and able yes.
About seven and a half million.
The model? Very unlikely.
Look at the related link for your location. Its the official website of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Jehovah's Witnesses drink most every type of alcohol, just not to the point of intoxication.
Jehovah's Witnesses do not have headquarters in Rio De Janeiro, nor in the vicinity.
According to the 2010 Report of Jehovah's Witnesses Worldwide there was a peakof 218,698 Witnesses in Japan reporting time spent preaching.
yes, they do. it's their most important Holiday.
I believe in 236 lands now
a little bit over 7 million