Reflections on Christian Humor
What makes you laugh? I mean really laugh?
I think the movie, Canadian Bacon is a royal hoot… but that’s because I'm an expat, and I can relate to the way they poke fun at Canadians. All that graffiti scribbled on the side of the van in both French and English… LOL!
Maybe you prefer British humor. I remember one old series, Fawlty Towers, that was pretty slapstick, but lots of fun. Old re-runs of The Lucy Show always make me giggle. Remember when Lucy tried to give Ricky a scalp treatment for baldness?
My favorite movie of all time is My Great Big Fat Greek Wedding. It just struck me as very cute, with a wholesome story and lots of quotable one-liners:
"What do you mean you don't eat no meat?!?!
That’s OK. I’ll cook lamb."
Christian humor can be hilarious to those of us who know the culture well. It’s also harder to get a laugh, because it’s usually squeaky clean. The timing of the punch line has to be just perfect.
Christian Satire vs. Mockery
Christian satire is a lot trickier. Not long ago, I ran across a writer and humorist in the blogosphere who has garnered a major following. His name is Jonathan Acuff, and his blog is called Stuff Christians Like. He's just published his first book by the same name. Heard of it?
Jonathan is a pastor, and he also writes Christian satire “to surprise people.” He says he uses satire to clear away the clutter so we can see the beauty of Christ. But he says it’s hard not to slip into mockery.
Acuff explains what he means in an article at Relevant Magazine:
“Here are the three rules I’ve learned about Christian satire. If you’re a Christian and want to be funny, you have two options. 1) You can be cheesy. 2) You can be hurtful. The first one involves a lot of humor with kittens and rainbows. You have to tell gobs of limericks or send mass forwarded emails that end with a little kid doing something all “rascally.” Your other option is to become cynical and critical of Christianity. You pick on Carman and Facing the Giants and slam everything with a vicious tongue of poison. The problem with this approach is that no one in the history of mankind ever said: “You know, the way you rip into Christianity on your blog really helped me begin a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank you for using your cynicism for the Lord.” The third, often unacceptable, option is satire. But how is that different from cynicism? Let’s review the second rule.
Mockery is not the same thing as satire. Mockery always has a victim. Satire doesn’t. Mockery is about wounding someone and leaving a bruise. Satire isn’t that way at all. I define satire as “humor with a purpose.” My purpose is to clear away the clutter of Christianity so we can see the beauty of Christ. I do that with satire, which is a tremendous vehicle for truth. It’s like a big mirror: You take an issue and you blow it up so it’s big enough and obvious enough for everyone to see. Then you stand next to it and ask: “Is that us? Are we OK with that? Is this what it means to be the Church?” You can read the rest of this article here.
Going to Church While on Vacation
Since it’s summer, and goofing off is on our minds, I thought it would be timely to post a link to Acuff's post #611 at Stuff Christians Like, “Going to Church While on Vacation.” In the piece, Acuff suggests several ways Christians can spend Sunday mornings in a strange town. In his signature style, he shares his thoughts on the pros and cons of four options: going to a random church; going to a vacation worship service; doing your own service; and going jogging instead. He'll make you chuckle—and think—all at the same time.
Related: Find more good, clean giggles at Kim's blog Homesteader's Heart. Consider sharing your link in her Friday Funnies meme.
Photos: aliedwards (Flickr)
Coming Soon—Marriage: Solving the Mystery of Pink & Blue
What makes you laugh? I mean really laugh?
What makes you laugh? I mean really laugh?
I think the movie, Canadian Bacon is a royal hoot… but that’s because I'm an expat, and I can relate to the way they poke fun at Canadians. All that graffiti scribbled on the side of the van in both French and English… LOL!
Maybe you prefer British humor. I remember one old series, Fawlty Towers, that was pretty slapstick, but lots of fun. Old re-runs of The Lucy Show always make me giggle. Remember when Lucy tried to give Ricky a scalp treatment for baldness?
My favorite movie of all time is My Great Big Fat Greek Wedding. It just struck me as very cute, with a wholesome story and lots of quotable one-liners:
"What do you mean you don't eat no meat?!?!
That’s OK. I’ll cook lamb."
Christian humor can be hilarious to those of us who know the culture well. It’s also harder to get a laugh, because it’s usually squeaky clean. The timing of the punch line has to be just perfect.
Christian Satire vs. Mockery
Christian satire is a lot trickier. Not long ago, I ran across a writer and humorist in the blogosphere who has garnered a major following. His name is Jonathan Acuff, and his blog is called Stuff Christians Like. He's just published his first book by the same name. Heard of it?Jonathan is a pastor, and he also writes Christian satire “to surprise people.” He says he uses satire to clear away the clutter so we can see the beauty of Christ. But he says it’s hard not to slip into mockery.
Acuff explains what he means in an article at Relevant Magazine:
“Here are the three rules I’ve learned about Christian satire. If you’re a Christian and want to be funny, you have two options. 1) You can be cheesy. 2) You can be hurtful. The first one involves a lot of humor with kittens and rainbows. You have to tell gobs of limericks or send mass forwarded emails that end with a little kid doing something all “rascally.” Your other option is to become cynical and critical of Christianity. You pick on Carman and Facing the Giants and slam everything with a vicious tongue of poison. The problem with this approach is that no one in the history of mankind ever said: “You know, the way you rip into Christianity on your blog really helped me begin a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank you for using your cynicism for the Lord.” The third, often unacceptable, option is satire. But how is that different from cynicism? Let’s review the second rule.
Mockery is not the same thing as satire. Mockery always has a victim. Satire doesn’t. Mockery is about wounding someone and leaving a bruise. Satire isn’t that way at all. I define satire as “humor with a purpose.” My purpose is to clear away the clutter of Christianity so we can see the beauty of Christ. I do that with satire, which is a tremendous vehicle for truth. It’s like a big mirror: You take an issue and you blow it up so it’s big enough and obvious enough for everyone to see. Then you stand next to it and ask: “Is that us? Are we OK with that? Is this what it means to be the Church?” You can read the rest of this article here.
Going to Church While on Vacation
Since it’s summer, and goofing off is on our minds, I thought it would be timely to post a link to Acuff's post #611 at Stuff Christians Like, “Going to Church While on Vacation.” In the piece, Acuff suggests several ways Christians can spend Sunday mornings in a strange town. In his signature style, he shares his thoughts on the pros and cons of four options: going to a random church; going to a vacation worship service; doing your own service; and going jogging instead. He'll make you chuckle—and think—all at the same time.
Related: Find more good, clean giggles at Kim's blog Homesteader's Heart. Consider sharing your link in her Friday Funnies meme.
Photos: aliedwards (Flickr)
Coming Soon—Marriage: Solving the Mystery of Pink & Blue
What makes you laugh? I mean really laugh?
10 Comments:
I remember watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding, YEARS ago but one thing that always struck me as funny was when she's waiting on the 2 men in the diner and she just stands there and then she says something about being a Greek Statue. I just cracked up!
I will have to check out Johnathan Acuff. Sounds like a funny guy.
Thanks for linking up and have a fabulous weekend.
Kim
I have never heard of Jonathan Acuff, sounds funny, I will have to check him out!! I do remember My Big Fat Greek Wedding - what a funny movie!! You are right so many one liners!!
Have a fabulous Friday!!
We should always retain the ability to laugh at ourselves. Otherwise how can we be humble?
I agree Fawlty Towers is a classic!
E-Mom,
We must laugh at ourselves and our funny Christian ways.
I have this book, my daughter read it, my mom read it. She said, "I'm not sure if I should be offended or not." Grin
I take it to the church office with me and read some of it to our staff and we belly laugh. Helps to keep perspective. My unbelieving husband laughs at some of the stuff Jon pokes fun at.
Great article. Hugs.
Right now things that I can soo relate too, such as raising a teenager. Our family loves the show "The Middle". They have a teenager that so reminds us of our son.
Hey did you know every word is derived from "The grrreeeekkkk" and please pass the windex I have a zit!
Loved My Big Fat Greek Wedding!
Aw, I couldn't read it, coz my puter bodyguard 'detected a threat' and kicked it out. Anyhow, one of my favourite Big Fat Greek Wedding moments (besides 'I make lamb') was when her headset yanked her to the floor. I can SO relate to that moment, lol!
I'm also a HUGE BritCom fan, Fawlty Towers was a hoot. I loved how they anagrammed the name. Did you ever see The New Red Green Show? They just crack me up!
Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^
What makes me really laugh? I Love Lucy reruns. And Barney from Andy Griffith. I was born in the wrong decade.
There is one Christian comedian that cracks me up: Tim Hawkins. My husband and I went to see him this past year, and I left with my stomach aching. In a good way. :) I have no problem with poking fun of myself as a Christian -- I provide plenty of material!
The Real Me: LOL, I remember that line about the Greek Statue!
Angel: An email reply is off to you!
Buffy: You are so right... laughter and humility are very closely linked! Smart lady. ღ
Lynn: LOL, your daughter will probably grow into this kind of humor... I love knowing your church staff gets a kick out of this book... what better place than to laugh at ourselves with a group of believing Christians?
AND, so good that your DH sees that as believers, we can laugh at ourselves too. (((Hugs))) ღ
Kim: My email response is on its way to you!
SophieMae: See my email response!
Glowin'Girl: My email reply is on it's way to you. ღ
my hubby and I LOVED the Big Fat Greek Wedding...SOOO funny. Never heard of Jonathan. maybe i'll check him out. My daughters make me laugh...especially our ballerina...she has brought laughter into our home and we hav always said that....she just shines and brings laughter to everyone around her. I do love the old I love Lucy shows....haven't seen those in forever. My daughters and I love watching the old REba shows too...she really makes us laugh and I think she is a Christian....not sure...but i heard that from a friend of mine who lives down in TN and see her in some show.....
Faith: This warms my heart: My daughters make me laugh...especially our ballerina...she has brought laughter into our home and we hav always said that....she just shines and brings laughter to everyone around her. So true for us too!!!!
I think what makes me laugh the most is watching other people laugh. Laughter itself is contagious! ღ
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