Jehovahs Witnesses and the Unreasonable Beard Ban: A Critical Analysis

Jehovah's Witnesses and the Unreasonable Beard Ban: A Critical Analysis

In my two years of studying with the Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs), a question that has persistently intrigued me is the prohibition on men wearing beards. According to the JWs, individuals cannot be baptized if they have facial hair. This policy is deeply perplexing given that the Bible does not mention anything about facial hair. In this article, I will dissect the rationale behind the JW's beard ban and examine its application in various cultural contexts.

The Complexity of JWs' Beard Ban

The JWs present a complex and contradictory set of guidelines regarding facial hair. Admittedly, they are a global organization that acknowledges the historical and cultural significance of beards in ancient Jewish and other societies. However, they swiftly move from this acknowledgment to complicating matters by suggesting that the allowance of a beard is contingent on cultural norms. This means that a man can have a beard if the majority of men in his country also have one, thus avoiding any potential "stumbling" or "distraction" that may upset fellow JWs or society at large.

More disturbingly, this rule is a universal one: even a single instance of a man with a beard causing distress to a fellow JW member anywhere in the world necessitates immediate action. This can range from shaving off the beard entirely to simply shortening it. Such ambiguity leaves JWs at the mercy of cultural and social pressures, with no clear and consistent guidance from their leadership.

Recent Developments and Confusion

In recent years, the JW policy has been further muddied. Some articles have suggested that a beard is a personal choice, aligning somewhat with their earlier stance about cultural norms. However, the issue of "stumbling" remains a looming threat. Any JW member can call attention to a man with a beard, effectively "punishing" him until he complies with the policy. This creates an environment of constant stress and anxiety for those who harbor a preference for facial hair.

Global Context and Discrimination

On a global scale, beards are not a cultural norm in most countries. Middle Eastern or Islamic regions and areas near India are exceptions, where beards are more commonly seen. In the majority of the world, beards are not culturally significant, and thus, JWs tend to enforce their no-beard policy rigorously. Men who join the JWs with facial hair often face indirect discrimination. They may be excluded from important leadership roles, such as elders or ministers, and their fellow members may perceive them negatively.

Control, Discipline, and Humility

From a broader perspective, I believe the JWs' beard ban serves as a form of control and discipline, similar to policies in the military that mandate facial hair removal to promote uniformity and humility. This rationale is particularly ironic given that Jesus had a beard, contradicting the JWs' claim to be a model of conduct.

The JWs have neither retracted their stance on the beard ban nor provided clear explanations for the years of resistance to changing the policy. Instead, they continue to justify it under the guise of cultural norms, which are more often than not imposed within their own congregation rather than external societies.

Conclusion

The JWs' beard ban is irrational and does not align with the biblical text or the diverse cultural practices of various societies. While the organization claims to not be part of this world, its adherence to cultural norms within its congregations is indicative of a control mechanism. I challenge anyone to present evidence to the contrary, as I personally find no valid reason other than maintaining tight control over their members.