Beards are Best

Surveying the early Church’s standard for clergy, it is undeniable that beards were the normal and expected look for Christian clergy. As far as I can tell, the groomed and shaven look common in the Latin West did not become mainstream until Christianity became more institutionalized in roughly the fourth century, as part of a more uniform clerical expectation. However, this was—and continues to be—a largely Latin phenomenon. The Orthodox, both Oriental and Eastern, still wear their beards and hair long and untrimmed. This is in obedience to the clerical standards observed in the Old Testament.

Now, certainly, my perspective is purely experiential, but I can say that I have come to believe the bearded look is preferable. When I keep a regular shaving schedule—nearly every other day—I find myself becoming increasingly aware of my physical appearance. I notice a rise in my own vanity. Concerns for “looking professional” become dominant in my private thoughts. I look at my face in the mirror more. I spend a great deal of time grooming. It is, frankly, unhealthy and unbecoming. One might even argue that it is a feminine quality.

When I refuse to shave, on the other hand, allowing nature to do its job, I find myself more at peace with myself. I don’t obsess over my appearance. I don’t look at myself in the mirror frequently. Perhaps most notably, I feel more connected to the Great Tradition of fathers and saints who have come before me. I see myself not as one emulating secular standards, but as one emulating the icons before which I pray. This is certainly more beneficial to the spiritual life and lends itself to more tangibly dying to self and to the world.

My desire is not to become an icon of the secular world and its understanding of what looks good, but to become an icon of Christ Himself. Rather than stopping nature to do this, I simply allow God’s design to run its course.

Shaving isn’t a sin, of course, but I am now at a point where I will always recommend a beard over a shaven look, and I am in the process of growing mine back, with plans to never shave again. In summation, while it isn’t strictly necessary, it is fitting.

We are men. Let us be masculine.