A divisive pastor from Texas has ignited a fresh wave of outrage after suggesting that young single women need to shed a significant amount of weight if they wish to find a husband.
Controversial Advice on Livestream
Joel Webbon, a senior leader at the Covenant Bible Church in Austin and founder of Righteous Response Ministries, made the incendiary comments during a livestream on December 3. The episode was titled 'Fertility, Beauty, & Submission'.
After advising women to pray, attend a good church, and seek help from their fathers or church elders, Webbon delivered what he called an unpopular piece of guidance. 'Here's another piece of advice, and people don't like it... lose 20 to 30 pounds,' he stated bluntly.
Mixed Reactions and a Defence
The video prompted a fierce and divided response online. Many critics labelled Webbon an 'incel' who fundamentally disrespected women, calling his comments vain, distasteful, and unchristian. Some women even pledged to gain weight specifically to deter men with such views.
However, a contingent of supporters praised him for offering 'practical' advice. One defender argued, 'Joel suggests trusting God... get yourself to a healthy weight... What exactly is the problem here?'
In a follow-up interview with the Houston Chronicle, Webbon doubled down on his stance. He contended, 'The Bible teaches women that they should be modest, but it doesn't teach that they should be frumpy.'
A History of Provocative Statements
This incident is not an isolated one for Webbon, who has repeatedly gone viral for views he describes as Christian nationalism but which critics denounce as deeply misogynistic and retrograde.
In June, he argued that women should not have the right to vote, claiming that female suffrage would destroy a Christian nation within 50 years. He likened politics to warfare, a realm he believes God designed exclusively for men, even comparing the symbolic 'sword' of authority to a phallus.
Webbon has also stated that he must approve every book his wife, Megan, reads. He recounted an instance where he forbade her from reading a book about paedobaptism until he was ready to study the topic himself, asserting that a wife should not possess knowledge her husband does not have.
His control extends further; he claims authority over all aspects of his household, comparing his relationship with his wife and children to that of a guardian and a child. 'I have four people in my life that I dictate the hours in their day. I dictate what time they go to the bathroom,' he has said.
Politically, Webbon has expressed a desire for a 'Caesar-type' Christian dictator to rule the United States with an 'iron fist' and force everyone to at least 'pretend to be Christian'.
The Covenant Bible Church, where Webbon serves, states its mission is to glorify God by making disciples. DailyMail.com approached both Webbon and the church for comment on the controversy.
