Introduction
For centuries, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has been known for its strict stance on facial hair. But are there any exceptions to this rule? Can Mormon men have beards? In this article, we’ll examine the history of this policy and explore some of the exceptions that have been made in recent years.
History of the LDS Policy on Facial Hair
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has had a long-standing policy that prohibits its members from growing beards. This policy dates back to the early days of the religion, when the church’s founder, Joseph Smith, declared that beards were not appropriate for members of the church.
Since then, the church has been unwavering in its stance on facial hair. In fact, the church’s official handbook states that “men should be clean-shaven,” and that “beards are not acceptable.”
Exceptions to the Rule
Despite its long-standing policy, the LDS church has made some exceptions in recent years. For example, some members of the church are allowed to wear beards if they have medical reasons for doing so. Additionally, some members are allowed to wear beards if they are in an occupation that requires it, such as a law enforcement officer or a military officer.
In addition, the church has also made exceptions for certain religious observances. For example, members of the church are allowed to wear beards during the LDS Church’s annual general conference and during the faith’s annual temple rituals.
7 Tips for Mormon Men with Beards
For those Mormon men who are allowed to wear beards, here are seven tips to keep in mind:
1. Keep it well-groomed: Make sure that your beard is neatly trimmed and well-groomed at all times.
2. Avoid extremes: Don’t go overboard with your facial hair. Unless you have a medical or occupational reason for doing so, avoid extreme styles such as goatees or long, unkempt beards.
3. Be respectful: Be aware of the fact that not all members of the LDS Church are comfortable with facial hair. Be respectful of their wishes and avoid flaunting your beard in public.
4. Follow the rules: Make sure that you follow all of the church’s rules regarding facial hair. This includes avoiding any facial hair styles that are prohibited by the church.
5. Keep it clean: Make sure that your beard is clean and well-maintained. This includes washing it regularly and using a beard oil or balm to keep it soft and manageable.
6. Be patient: Growing a beard can take some time. Be patient and don’t give up if you don’t see results right away.
7. Seek advice: If you’re not sure how to care for your beard, seek advice from a barber or other experienced beard-care professional.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has a long-standing policy that prohibits its members from growing beards, there are exceptions to this rule. Some members of the church are allowed to wear beards if they
