Facial hair has long been a topic of discussion within the realm of religion. It is peculiar to think that there is a Holiness standard that many ministers uphold, despite the lack of biblical basis. The rule against facial hair has been enforced for decades, with the belief that it prevents confusion with the hippie movement. But why are biblical truths overridden in favor of this tradition? It’s time to reevaluate this practice and consider the true teachings of scripture instead of dividing the Church over opinion.
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What Does the Bible Say about Beards?
Old Testament Precedent
Beards were not only common but also well maintained and trimmed in biblical times. The mention of David, Aaron, Ezekiel, and Ezra, among others, having beards in the Bible shows that facial hair was a normal and accepted practice. It is worth noting that Joseph, while following Egyptian customs, shaved his beard without any condemnation.
In Leviticus, the Mosaic law forbids certain styles of beards, likely those associated with pagan idolatry. However, this prohibition did not prevent devout Jews from trimming the length of their beards for hygiene purposes. The Bible even records instances of beard trimming being seen as good hygiene.
Furthermore, the Old Testament allows for the removal of beards in specific circumstances. Shaving a beard was required to prove recovery from leprosy, and shaven beards were a sign of mourning.
New Testament Evidence
The appearance of Jesus, including whether or not he had a beard, is still a matter of debate. While Isaiah 50:6 describes a captive whose beard was plucked out, it doesn’t explicitly state that this prophecy is Messianic. However, early depictions of Jesus, starting from the 300s to 400s, show him with a beard.
The New Testament writers did not address facial hair directly, focusing instead on matters of the heart and conduct towards others. The absence of any explicit mention of beards in the New Testament indicates that growing facial hair was not seen as a problem by the disciples.
Pride and Laziness: The Contradictory Assault on Beards
Opponents of beards often argue that they are either prideful or unkempt. However, these arguments lack a solid biblical basis. Whether or not a beard is prideful depends on an individual’s heart and intentions, just as any physical attribute can be a manifestation of pride if one’s heart is in the wrong place.
In biblical times, beards were well-maintained and not considered sloppy. Throughout history, a significant number of regular men wore beards without facing judgment for being unkempt. In the modern era, well-groomed beards are widely accepted, even among top corporate executives. The argument that beards are inherently unprofessional is a subjective viewpoint and not supported by widespread cultural practice.
Why Are We Even Talking About This?
While it is important to evaluate our motives and intentions behind growing a beard, it is equally important to question why some authorities oppose facial hair in the first place. In many cases, this opposition stems from a sense of pride, where personal preferences are elevated to moral significance.
The Church should not be defined by man’s opinions but rather by the unchanging word of God. Opinions may differ, but they should not add value to the Church’s teachings. As one critic aptly asked, “Why would God put hair on my face, and then send me to Hell for it?”
Let us focus on the teachings of scripture and unity within the Church, rather than dividing over matters of personal preference. Remember, the Church is a place where we should seek guidance from an unchanging God, not the ever-changing opinions of men. Let us strive for a deeper understanding of God’s word and embrace diversity within the body of Christ.
Note: This article is based on the original content by Natalie and Nathan Mayo, with additional insights and rewording to provide a unique and engaging perspective.
