Posted on May 10, 2022
Should I pursue a Catholic religious exemption for a beard? Will it be a lengthy process?
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I don't know how to exactly word this and it might come off as unexpected to many but I am trying to get religious accommodation for my beard and hair. Some of you might be familiar with the story of the male soldier who got a religious exemption for beard and hair. I went trough a similar path of darkness and found religion to help me and reading the bible it helped me get trough a lot. I understand many people believe that Catholicism and Christianity are different but they are not that different just a couple things but they follow the same bible. I started reading and looking into my religion more as now I want to practice it in my everyday life mind you this isn't and overnight thing I was raised in this religion but now starting to really put the practices in my life for a couple years now. I want to get a religious exemption for my hair and beard as I read trough the bible and in a couple books I noticed the talk of no shaving the head or of the beard I'll write them at the end but I wanted to see if anyone had any insight if this is something I should pursue or will it be a lengthy process? Maybe someone has gone trough this or going trough it give me some insight or if anyone believes it can be denied? I want to be able to start to practice my religion or would it be hard to get an exemption on the hair but easier for the beard? As many of you know a lot of religions get exemptions for beards. Helpful insight is appreciated I know some might come offended but I hope there is actual feedback and no hate. Thank you here are some of the books. Numbers 6:1-21, Judges 13:5-7, Leviticus 19:27, 2 Samuel 10:4-5, Jeremiah 41:4-5, and Leviticus 21:5.
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DA Pam 670-1
Army Regulations
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Posted >1 y ago
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Religious exemptions require the endorsement of your chaplain. Your chaplain will certify that beards are not a tenet of faith for Catholics, and your exemption will be denied
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CPL (Join to see)
That probably true of the Latin rite but not of the Byzantine rite. I am a eastern Catholic and we have a long long history of fighting for our right to reflect our beliefs not only in reflecting Jesus in teaching but also in image.
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If you are interested in Catholicism, the pope hasn't worn a beard in over 300 years. The Catholic church required by canonical law for all priests to shave for over a thousand years.
The beard is certainly no tenet of the Catholic faith, at most it is something that is now tolerated by the church.
I think that if you actually talk to a Catholic priest, you'll find that you can practice Catholicism beard-free with zero crises of faith.
The scripture you are citing about beards is all Old Testament, and many of them (Nazarite) also require burnt offerings, usually in the same paragraph.
The beard is certainly no tenet of the Catholic faith, at most it is something that is now tolerated by the church.
I think that if you actually talk to a Catholic priest, you'll find that you can practice Catholicism beard-free with zero crises of faith.
The scripture you are citing about beards is all Old Testament, and many of them (Nazarite) also require burnt offerings, usually in the same paragraph.
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CPL (Join to see)
Not true of all Catholic you are only referencing the Latin rite. They are western and have 3 rite while we the eastern rite have 24 different ones. .
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MAJ (Join to see)
Franciscans where beards as part of their faith. If you can prove that you follow Franciscan teachings then you could probably get it.
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I would venture a guess that you are about to attempt to ice skate uphill with hot skates on thin ice. Be that as it may...you will need to seek out and speak with your Religious Leader and Base Chaplain.
But. Here is something you need to take into account. With the exception of specific religions (Sikhs, as an example), the majority of Religious Exemptions for hair are a base by base approval. So, what could be given as an exemption for your current base, the next base you go to could very well deny you the exemption.
You need to be firm in your convictions of faith for this to convince your Chaplain. Once could venture a guess that since you're coming here you may not have a very strong case. Once could also venture a guess that you have already talked to the Chaplain and was denied the request.
But. If you really want to go this route, you need to seek your Chaplain
But. Here is something you need to take into account. With the exception of specific religions (Sikhs, as an example), the majority of Religious Exemptions for hair are a base by base approval. So, what could be given as an exemption for your current base, the next base you go to could very well deny you the exemption.
You need to be firm in your convictions of faith for this to convince your Chaplain. Once could venture a guess that since you're coming here you may not have a very strong case. Once could also venture a guess that you have already talked to the Chaplain and was denied the request.
But. If you really want to go this route, you need to seek your Chaplain
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SPC (Join to see)
I have not talked to a chaplain yet I just wanted to see if anyone went trough the same thing it wont be easy but it is something im actually trying to do for my faith everyone has different views of things one person may see it one way and others the same just like the vaccine.
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MSG (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) - Here is my thought on it. If you can prove beyond reasonable doubt that your tenants of faith state you cannot cut hair nor shave, then so be it. But, if there is any gray area within the faith, that is where the challenge will be. If you get it, as long as it is kept clean and off the collar, then I don't care.
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SPC (Join to see)
MSG (Join to see) I understand this isn’t like a bash to the army or just random thing it is something I have been looking to for a while I just wanted different point of views because one point of view can really be clouded and not open. Also I was hoping maybe someone who is a Chaplain or seen something similar would provide some insight I do appreciate your honest answer and I will keep it professional not to harm the image of the army I am a professional above all.
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MSG (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) - Here is the thing, though. I'm not trying to dissuade you, just merely trying to show a different point of view. If your particular religious preference falls under Catholicism, then that would mean that the Pope is your highest level of Religious representation of God. Now, I ask you: When was the last time you saw a Pope with a beard? You haven't. Who was the last Pope to have a beard? The answer is Pope Innocent XII. And he died in 1700.
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