Question
Gramps,
I enjoy your column as I use it as a resource when I give talks. My question is, why are priesthood temple workers required to have clean shaven faces? When did this change, as most of the early prophets and male members had beards or mustaches? Thanks!
Mark
Answer
Mark,
Thank you for taking the opportunity to read our columns and I am glad that you enjoy the responses. When considering the reasons why temple workers are now required to be clean shaven I would propose the reason stems from the Church’s desire to “Raise the Bar.”
As we look to the recent history of the Church we recognize how our prophets, apostles, general authorities, and even our local leaders of the Church have been required to be “clean shaven.” As the Church continues to “raise the bar” they appear to be requiring church members who serve in the temple to follow the direction our ecclesiastical leaders have already established for themselves.
As I looked further into your question I could not discover/find any doctrinal statement regarding the decision for temple workers to be clean shaven.
Gramps
