Pastor Ezekiel Odero, the preacher from New Life Church, has stirred controversy with his recent remarks regarding men with beards, which he shared during a sermon on Instagram. His views on facial hair, particularly beards, have sparked both amusement and concern among Kenyans. In a video posted by DJ Sadic, who himself sports a beard, Pastor Ezekiel humorously declared that men with beards tend to be unfaithful, often appearing single and misrepresenting their relationship status. This statement was met with a mix of laughter, criticism, and mockery from viewers online.
In the video, Pastor Ezekiel used a whiteboard to illustrate his point, drawing sketches of bearded men and recounting a personal experience. He shared how he had once worn a “connecting beard” but chose to shave it off after his wife questioned him about it. “I didn’t want to appear single,” he explained. His sermon extended to men with sideburns, whom he grouped in the same cautionary message, suggesting they too could be misleading in their relationships.
The humorous nature of the preacher’s comments and DJ Sadic’s involvement in the video quickly went viral, with Kenyans flooding social media with light-hearted remarks. Some questioned the relevance of such teachings, with one commenter asking, “How does this teaching contribute to the building of the body of Christ?” Others had a good-natured laugh at the pastor’s drawing skills, with some suggesting that he should have used more accurate illustrations. There was also much amusement over the similarity between the drawings and DJ Sadic himself, with several users joking that the preacher was drawing a caricature of the DJ.
While the humor was clear, the comments raised interesting discussions about perceptions of masculinity and relationships. Pastor Ezekiel’s statement on beards taps into common stereotypes about facial hair. Studies have shown that men with beards are often perceived as more masculine, dominant, and even aggressive. This perception is not just based on visual appeal but also on the psychology behind facial hair. Men with beards often report feeling more masculine, and research suggests that those with facial hair tend to have higher testosterone levels, which can influence behavior in ways that may not always be favorable. For example, some studies have linked beards with more hostile sexist tendencies.
Furthermore, beards have long been seen as symbols of maturity, status, and wisdom. In the professional world, research has shown that men with beards are often viewed as more credible and trustworthy than their clean-shaven counterparts. They are more likely to be hired for jobs and rate higher in marketing roles for expertise and reliability. This has led to the popularity of beards in various professional fields, with some bearded individuals experiencing higher click-through rates in online ads, demonstrating the power of facial hair in shaping perceptions.
Interestingly, while beards are often regarded positively by women, particularly those with children, children themselves are not as fond of facial hair. However, their views tend to shift as they approach puberty, with many becoming more positive about beards as they mature. Despite the general preference for bearded men being stronger and more masculine, children’s perception of bearded individuals as strong but unreliable is noteworthy.
Beyond social perceptions, beards also offer health benefits. Research suggests that beards may help protect against allergens and keep the face warm in cold weather. Some studies have even shown that beards harbor more bacteria than a dog’s fur, but the bacteria are generally harmless, with some even being used for antibiotics. Men with beards are also less likely to carry harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA compared to clean-shaven men, offering a hidden benefit that might surprise many.
Pastor Ezekiel’s decision to shave his beard and his remarks on the subject have led to a humorous but thought-provoking conversation on masculinity, faith, and the symbolism behind facial hair. While his sermon may not have contributed directly to building the body of Christ, it certainly sparked a conversation about identity, relationships, and the role of appearance in shaping how men are perceived. Whether one agrees with his views or not, the debate surrounding beards is far from over, with both humorous and serious implications for how we see and understand masculinity today.
