Here is an idea: why doesn't someone post a poll on Town Hall for all the male posters here, so that we can see how many wear a beard and how many don't.
Perhaps that poll can also ask the females if they like them or not!
Here is an idea: why doesn't someone post a poll on Town Hall for all the male posters here, so that we can see how many wear a beard and how many don't.
Perhaps that poll can also ask the females if they like them or not!
Great idea!
Of course, I knew a woman once who HAD a beard....
"The beard signifies the courageous; the beard distinguishes the grown men, the earnest, the active, the vigorous. So that when we describe such, we say, he is a bearded man." St. Augustine, Commentary on Psalm CXXXIII (133), 4th Century
"But the hair on the chin is not to be disturbed, as it gives no trouble, and lends to the face dignity and paternal terror." St. Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor: Book III, AD 195
Metropolitan Gabriel (Petrov) of Petersburg and Novgorod was once going to a service, where the Archpriest Andrew Samborsky, whose beard was shaved off, was supposed to serve together with him. Seeing Samborsky, the Metropolitan said: "What kind of man are you? Our Church does not accept those who shave the beard. Get out!" Little Russian Philokalia, Vol. 3, St. Herman. Pages 71-72
"You, young men, honor those with beards. And if there is a man of thirty with a beard and one of fifty, or sixty, or a hundred who shaves, place the one with the beard above the one who shaves, in Church as well as at the table. On the other hand, I don't say that a beard will get you to heaven, but good works will. And your dress should be modest, as well as your food and your drink. Your whole conduct should be Christian so that you will be a good example for others" St. Kosmas Aitolos, 1700's AD
It all comes down to the particulr parish. If the Parishioners and or the Church pays the priest enough so that he doesn't need to have a secular job, he should do His best to look like a priest.... beard or no beard....
I do not want to ask this question being disrespectful to anyone's position, but, why is so much time (three pages) being dedicated to this subject of beards? Shouldn't we be talking about JESUS instead? There are countless souls who need His loving touch and forgiveness. Every minute spent on this subject and many others, is one less minute touching the life of a needy soul.
Ray, I understand where you are coming from, but in all honesty, after rebuffing attempts by modernist minded individuals intent on casting away Tradition, ongoing arguments over the Nature of Christ, endless debates on the Procession of the Holy Spirit, etc, it is good sometimes to not have to think so much and enjoy one another's company. Trust me, it will pass in a short while and we'll be right back to arguing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Oh Lord although I desired to blot out With my tears the handwriting of my many sins And for the rest of my life to please thee through sincere repentance; Yet doth the enemy lead me astray as he wareth Against my soul with his cunning. Oh Lord before I utterly perish do thou save me!
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