Why is it so hard for me to have a beard?

[_why me]

So, when you did attended, you attended a small branch on the East Coast? That might explain the un-mormon-like experience you had.

I don't think so. I have been around the block a few times. I have seen no hostility toward beards. People don't seem to care whether a guy wears a beard or not. No problem with facial hair.

[_why me]

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.

My experience is not so limited. I have been in the world--hanging out in places not in the USA. No one in my experience cares or cared if someone is growing facial hair. What this does show is that Mormons thoughout the world are different based on cultural perspectives and experiences. My friend in the bishoporic is sporting a goatee. No problems.

[_Buffalo]

So, when you did attended, you attended a small branch on the East Coast? That might explain the un-mormon-like experience you had.

I don't think so. I have been around the block a few times. I have seen no hostility toward beards. People don't seem to care whether a guy wears a beard or not. No problem with facial hair.

But your experience with the church IS attending a small branch in NY, right?

[_why me]

Where the concentration is small, Mormons tend to be more accepting and open.

With that logic, one would need to conclude that overall, Mormonism should be avoided. Or am I overlooking something here?

Not quite. Much is left up to the culture of the ward. If the ward is used to guys wearing white shirts delivering the sacrament, that is the way it is. If the ward is more used to guys wearing colored shirts, that is the way it will be. We need to remember that a ward or branch is a small community of people. Nothing more. This community sets the standards that people should follow. But this doesn't mean that one has to follow. If you were an active member and sported a beard, maybe your ward would be shocked or surprised but in time, all will get used to it. No problem.

In my experience, Mormons are tolerant of the way people dress. I haven't worn a white shirt in years and no one cares a fig. That is just the way it is.

[_why me]

But your experience with the church IS attending a small branch in NY, right?

No, in NYC there was a ward. And in my other experiences there have been wards and branches. Here is the point: instead of whining go to church with a beard or where a colored shirt. Evenually no one will care and all will get used to it.

[_Buffalo]

But your experience with the church IS attending a small branch in NY, right?

No, in NYC there was a ward. And in my other experiences there have been wards and branches. Here is the point: instead of whining go to church with a beard or where a colored shirt. Evenually no one will care and all will get used to it.

Do you think that your experience out there in the "mission field" is representative of a typical Mormon experience - especially given the aberrant practices you've described being comfortable with?

[_Runtu]

My experience is not so limited. I have been in the world--hanging out in places not in the USA. No one in my experience cares or cared if someone is growing facial hair. What this does show is that Mormons thoughout the world are different based on cultural perspectives and experiences. My friend in the bishoporic is sporting a goatee. No problems.

I would say a non-practicing Mormon's experience is far more limited than that of a high priest who was active for 40 years (and who still attends church more often than you do). The church you describe seems more a product of what you wish it to be than what it actually is.

[_SithLord]

Since I know Zee in real life, I can unequivocally say that he does know how to wear a beard. It does look good on him. He just needs to get past his cultural hang-ups. Hopefully he'll be able to do that soon. SL.

[Guest]

Since I know Zee in real life, I can unequivocally say that he does know how to wear a beard. It does look good on him. He just needs to get past his cultural hang-ups. Hopefully he'll be able to do that soon. SL.

My underline.

How do you wear a beard the wrong way? Mine just sits there on my face.

edited to add: Sorry. Just being a smart ass.

[_why me]

How do you wear a beard the wrong way? Mine just sits there on my face.

It may mean that zee is sporting his hairy face rather well and not exactly looking like a hobo that just left the train. My take on zee is that he is like a 16 year old who has just been giving his freedom from controlling parents. He will do anything within limits to show his rebellious nature. Eventually, he will settle down again and become a Mormon again without the Mormon.