The Narrow Path Ministries

Beards on Men: Yea or Nay?

Men: Why or why don't you wear a beard? And tell me why or why not. Any Biblical reasons?

I wear some chin hair, does that count?

No, for two reasons. Work and the inabuility to grow one.

I can't grow a good one b/c every sunday and wednesday i can't look scruffy for church or people will make comments I'd need to take a 2 week vacation to avoid being seen in the in between stage

No for 3 reasons;
1. Work
2. Wife doesn't like it.
3. After 3 days the itching starts to drive me bonkers.

Mivac


PS I always figured a beard was part of the undocumented curse put on men for the sin of Adam

Would if I could. When I try it just makes me look like I have dirt on my face!

i am just curious-- is there a biblical reason- either way-- that you have in mind?

thx, TK

TK wrote:i am just curious-- is there a biblical reason- either way-- that you have in mind?

thx, TK

I asked you first.

LOL at you guys' replies. I don't really have a proper beard, rather I've got one of those slimline beard things going on. When I was younger, I wanted a big fat bear, but now I realise even the little I have is a real pain keeping looking respectable. But if I shave it all off I look about 17 years old.

In Islamic culture, it seems like the bigger the beard, the more respect you get.. That's why it's so funny when you come across those Muslim men who are impeccably dressed in the Islamic attire but then they have one or two sheepish-looking whiskers. I think it might exclude them from being Imams or something

TK wrote:i am just curious-- is there a biblical reason- either way-- that you have in mind?

thx, TK

Okay! Thank you, guys, for all your input. To speed this topic along, I will give the common arguments people use in favor of wearing a beard as demonstrated from the scriptures, and then I will give common rebuttals to counter those arguments. My personal opinion shall be left out for right now.

Argument # 1: The Levitical Law/Shaving was a sign shame, or illness

Levites/Priests were required to wear a beard: “nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.” (Deut. 14:1; Leviticus 19:27, 21:5). In addition, according to fulfilled prophecy, Jesus had a beard, and we should follow the example of Jesus. (1 Pet. 2) Hanun in 2 Samuel shaved the beards of King David’s servants, thereby putting them to public shame. (2 Sam. 10:4; Isaiah 15:2). In eastern cultures, shaving the beard was a shameful thing to do. Also, according to Levitical law, a men must shave his beard if he had leprosy (Leviticus 13:30). Even in Middle Eastern cultures today, men can be executed for shaving their beards.

Argument # 2: Gender Distinction/God Gave it to Me

Since women cannot grow a beard (not very well at least), men should grow a beard in order to bestow an additional gender distinction. Also, since God gave men (not women) facial hair, they have no business shaving it off.

Rebuttal # 1: The Levitical Law/Shaving was a sign shame, or illness

We are no longer bound by the Levitical law. Jesus was required to wear a beard because of the prophecy and the Levitical law. However, since Christ has fulfilled the law, we are no longer bound by it.

Rebuttal # 2: Gender Distinction/God Gave it to Me

While the beard does provide some gender distinction, there is no NT directive to do so. Also, God gave us finger nails, and hair on our head, and we cut them, don’t we? Why then should we not shave our beard?

Another forum discussing the same topic:

http://www.upci.org/am/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1355