Christians and Joking

So, what is the general CC take on the subject of humor and joking? Just curious -- yet, again.

This question came to mind because I have personally known Christians who are very serious-minded, and some might think that cracking jokes (no matter how clean and good-natured) is unnecessary at best, and a downright sinful abomination at worst. I know it can be an honest conviction for some, and that is understandable, due to some things in that area that have gotten out of hand. However, I don't doubt that there are some people that have the philosophy that somehow God is more pleased with one who is "long-faced" and constantly somber -- more or less giving a feeble attempt at a "pious" appearance, more for "show" than anything else (and that, in my opinion, goes beyond a personal choice or conviction).

I sincerely (and seriously) hope this thread is not deemed inappropriate, and that nobody is offended at my asking such a question.

Yes, I will give my take on the matter later (seeing that I feel myself to be conservative where it counts).

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"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." -- Psalm 136:1

Originally Posted by WannaWitness

So, what is the general CC take on the subject of humor and joking? Just curious -- yet, again.

This question came to mind because I have personally known Christians who are very serious-minded, and some might think that cracking jokes (no matter how clean and good-natured) is unnecessary at best, and a downright sinful abomination at worst.

I've known people like that. They have no joy in the Lord, they don't understand the true relationship we have as believers in Christ and generally aren't very happy people. There is nothing wrong with a sense of humor. In fact it is vital to the well-being of the human spirit.

QFT

Three preachers were having lunch when the question was raised:

"How do you all split your tithe between your congregation and the Lord?"

The first preacher said, "Well, we draw a circle on the floor and throw the tithe in the air; what lands inside the circle we give to God, what lands outside we keep for ourselves."

The second preacher said, "We do it similar, only we keep what lands outside the circle."

They both looked at the third, who said, "Well we do what you both do. We draw the circle, and then we toss the tithe into the air and let God keep whatever He wants. The rest we figure is ours."

I think it is good to laugh and joke (as long as it is clean). We all need to loosen up sometimes and laughter really is good medicine!

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"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

I personally don't see anything wrong with a little joking, appropriately and in its proper place and time. We can see that right in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter three where it says there is "a time to mourn and a time to laugh" (verse 4).

Also, we need only to look at some of the various wonders of God's creation. Some of it has a downright, what you might call, "whimsical" twist to it. One look at a platypus, a cactus, a mushroom, and many other things, and if that doesn't prove God has a bit of a sense of humor... what does?

That being said, I can still have a certain amount of respect for a more serious-minded person. I've known such people, and I know they are honestly trying to be the best they can be for the Lord. I mean it's not a bad trait, if it is only seen as a personal conviction; I understand each person has a personality that is unique to the individual. It is only bad, however, when it is carried too far. Just like someone can carry things too far in the other direction, and become so ridiculously silly that they can never be taken seriously. That's what I feel would be "foolish jesting".

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"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." -- Psalm 136:1

I think there is a difference between having a sense of humor and being indiscreet, although it can be a fine line at times. The Bible calls us to be sober in word and deed, but I don't believe sober necessarily means somber. We can laugh and make jokes in a christlike manner. Obviously potty humor, coarse language and hurtful sarcasm should be avoided, but I see nothing wrong with laughter and humor. We're supposed to have joy in the Lord.

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I'd like to thank everyone for their input, so far.

Now, personally (and I know some will disagree, but please do so respectfully, and regarding me merely as a sister in Christ with a different perspective)... I actually don't see much of anything wrong with a little bit of humor about burping, passing gas, and such. I mean, I just don't see it as any different than joking about imperfections of the human body (like a sound effect to depict crackling of the joints, hiccuping, and so on). However, this can also become silly, as with anything else, if overdone.

Don't get me wrong; I do have my standards. But it just seems like people draw the line in different places. Much like other similar issues.

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"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." -- Psalm 136:1

Laughter is good medicine. Just keep it clean.

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Love In Christ,
Tom

Philippians 2:5-11 KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Life is serious enough as is.... it doesn't need our help, have fun.


I love being silly.

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - John 3:16