An LDS apostle justified no beards at BYU by stating that the last time he saw Jesus he was beardless
False
The story goes that Elder Holland, or some other LDS apostle, was giving a BYU devotional and was taking questions from the students in the audience. One student asked the apostle, “why is it a rule at BYU that men can’t have beards since Jesus had a beard?” The apostle answered by saying, “well, the last time I saw Jesus he didn’t have a beard.”
Although members, and especially BYU students, love to spread this rumor, there is no documented proof that this event ever took place. The story has been around long enough that the apostle named in the story often changes to whichever apostle or prophet is popular at that time. Now days, it is hard to believe that such an event could happen without having someone recording it on his or her iPhone and posting it to YouTube the next day.
Elder Oaks said “He doesn’t now!” to myself and two other elders on my mission, in response to a similar question.
I don’t doubt that it’s been said numerous times by numerous church officials … I’ve been told by most of my bishops that pointing to the GA’s of the past as support for keeping my beard doesn’t work because none of the modern GA’s have beards.
But my experience is personal, and not recorded and not the church’s official position. And I can’t see the church ever coming out with a stance on it. Especially since Jesus is almost certainly not even Caucasian in appearance …
Glad my father never heard this one! He’s never forgiven me for growing facial hair after my mission and has lectured me on the topic for over 40 years. This would have been fuel for his fire!
There is no reason for Elder Holland to have ever seen Christ.
How do you know? Or are you that that important that apostles come to you to get the reasoning approved to see Christ!
I didnt know God looked like Harrison Ford…jk