White shirt and no beard evidence of "born again"?

[_Rollo Tomasi]

You'd think so if you read this article in the June 2008 Ensign (link below):

http://www.LDS.org/Static%20Files/PDF/M ... 00_008.pdf

Enjoy (particularly the first picture)!!!

[_evolving]

-- turn the page -- what a shocker -- there is Christ with a beard... turn the page again -- there is Brigham with a beard. and lastly the Bruce R. quotes from "Mormon DOCTRINE" I wonder if anyone has told the author those are only his opinions, in no way binding to the church as a whole. I was too offended to turn to the last pages and read stories about miraculous spontaneous rain in the spring, or testimonies about found keys & wallets...

[_John Larsen]

I think there is a more dangerous subtext. During the "before" portrait his clothing is described as "well-used" and "threadbare". These are terms that aren't associated with bad hygiene or indifference, but to poverty. The clear implication is that conversion to the Church is reward with economic means. This has long been a foundational theme in the Church that God rewards his followers with financial gifts. This is clearly implied in the story.

[_Yong Xi]

You'd think so if you read this article in the June 2008 Ensign (link below):

http://www.LDS.org/Static%20Files/PDF/M ... 00_008.pdf

Enjoy (particularly the first picture)!!!

Well, at least he didn't end up with blonde hair.

[_The Nehor]

-- turn the page -- what a shocker -- there is Christ with a beard... turn the page again -- there is Brigham with a beard. and lastly the Bruce R. quotes from "Mormon DOCTRINE" I wonder if anyone has told the author those are only his opinions, in no way binding to the church as a whole. I was too offended to turn to the last pages and read stories about miraculous spontaneous rain in the spring, or testimonies about found keys & wallets...

Unless you're seeking to be offended, not sure why you picked it up in the first place then. ;)

[_Blixa]

I think there is a more dangerous subtext. During the "before" portrait his clothing is described as "well-used" and "threadbare". These are terms that aren't associated with bad hygiene or indifference, but to poverty. The clear implication is that conversion to the Church is reward with economic means. This has long been a foundational theme in the Church that God rewards his followers with financial gifts. This is clearly implied in the story.

Yes and the gospel is no more than a fashion makeover, though in reverse: the guy on the first page ends up looking bland, featureless and devoid of personal style. Even the hardly uncommon trimmed beard he started with is better than that.

[_SatanWasSetUp]

Wow. This article is almost a parody of Mormonism. Especially the irony of showing a picture of Brigham Young, with a raggedy beard, in the middle of a lesson about a guy who overcame his raggedy beard. Of course, the article is not doctrine, so who cares? I don't even know why Mormons would waste their time with those kinds of lessons.

[_silentkid]

That picture makes me sad. It makes me sad for my nephews who have been taught that being clean-shaven and wearing a white shirt is the proper way to represent god. I hope they learn to use the tactic that my brother and I often used; if you don't want to pass or administer the sacrament for whatever reason, just wear a colored shirt. Mormon males should be forever grateful to the great Ernest Wilkinson for the no facial hair policy. He didn't want any "beatnik types" at BYU and that was his way of rooting them out. What a stupid policy.

[Anonymous]

Keith K. Hilbig was the mission president for the entire second year of my mission. I liked him as an MP. I wonder what it would be like to talk to him now that he's been hanging out with the muckety mucks for so long, and become one of them.

edit: wanted to add that it does make me sick thinking about the modern Mormon meme regarding white shirts and lack of beards. It's really stupid, and I can't believe that Hilbig has bought into it so wholeheartedly.

[_karl61]

"You and I can
become beneficiaries
of a mighty change
of heart and a
spiritual rebirth,
thereby reaping the
promised blessings of
peace, love, true joy,
and a disposition to
do good continually"

sounds like a line by Joseph Smith when flirting with someones wife when someone was on a mission.