Runtu wrote:I've lived in three different states in the last 25 years, and in my experience, the "beard" thing is a big deal for Mormons everywhere, not just in Utah county. Again, most people here have a lot more experience with Mormonism than you do. It's not surprising that you keep projecting your limited experience on the rest of us.
But to be fair, I'll add my two cents. I've sported a beard much of my adult life. Not one soul from Church, as far as I'm aware, ever took any sort of issue with my beards throughout the years. As of this week, I spent time loading and unloading hay with a nice fella. He's an active LDS fellow who teaches Gospel Doctrine. He's had a beard for quite some time. No apparent affects. After hauling hay I went and met up with an old friend--one I might call my best friend. He doesn't have a beard at all and I've never seen him wear one, but he is active LDS. As it turned out though, I met his brother that night. His brother is also an active LDS with a beard. Last night I met up with two other good friends of mine. I met them both in college and find them to be two of the most wonderful gents I know. Both of them have beards, both are active LDS, one is a YM's President and the other is on some sort of Activities committee.
My limited experience, which I agree doesn't pertain much to Utah county (although one of the dudes did go to BYU) is this whole thing is overplayed. I don't know Zee's family, of course, but I can't imagine anyone making stink over a beard. I've never seen it. I'm not say it couldn't happen, or hasn't happened, or won't happen. So that's that.