It seems that having some type of “mission” in my life has helped me find more love, harmony, and meaning through it all. Yes, that might sound cliché or a little corny, but it’s true, nonetheless (so suck it, haters).
Part of that mission in the last four years has been writing my first book. Funny, as I just wrote that in my head, I am saying to myself: “Good God, miracles DO happen!” It is kind of crazy that most likely in less than a month, I will have my book published for the world to see (read too, hopefully).
My book will be titled, Christianity Cracking Up: Fostering Unity Through Embracing Our Sense of Humor. Yes, I am attempting to bring the world of comedy into the realm of Christianity (gasp!).
Now, some might argue that humor and religion are about as compatible as a cat and a bathtub, but I say nay! I’m here to set the record straight and show you why writing a “Christian” book about embracing our sense of humor can bring Christians and everyone else together in a unified front that’s bound to make even the sternest butt-clinching saints crack a smile.
God’s Original Plan of Divine Guffaw
Let’s start with a little history, shall we? God, in all His (or Her whatever tickles your fancy) infinite wisdom, created the universe in six days (metaphorically, I think) and, I’m willing to bet, chuckled at least once or twice during the process. After all, He made penguins, the platypus, and freaking politicians – you can’t tell me that doesn’t take some comedic flair! If God has a sense of humor, why shouldn’t we?
When Christianity can celebrate humor, we’re getting back to our roots. Think about it: laughter is a universal language, and if we can all laugh together, it’s like God’s ultimate inside joke. He’s probably up there, saying, “Did you see the one about the priest, the rabbi, and the chicken? F-ing classic!”
Breaking Down Denominational Divides
Christianity, like a good barbeque, comes in various flavors – Baptists, Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, Mainliners, Conservatives, Progressives and the list goes on and on. And sometimes, those denominational differences can feel as divisive as choosing between and IPA or Bud Light (yikes). But here’s the kicker: humor knows no denomination. It’s like the ultimate ecumenical icebreaker.
Imagine a world where a Catholic priest, a Baptist minister, and a Pentecostal preacher walk into a room, and instead of debating theology, they exchange puns and dad jokes. That’s a world I want to live in! By embracing humor in our faith, we can find common ground and realize that, at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to navigate this bat-shit crazy world while looking for divine punchlines.
Confession of Comedic Sins: Laughing at Ourselves
Let’s be honest, Christians have been known to take themselves a tad too seriously at times. We’re talking about the folks who brought you the Spanish Inquisition and church potlucks where Jell-O salad is considered a sacred dish. But here’s a revelation: we can laugh at ourselves, and it’s okay!
Christianity and humor is a collective confession booth for our comedic sins. It’s a way to acknowledge that we’re not perfect, and our attempts at righteousness can be downright hilarious. This could bring about a more peaceful way of doing “church”. Instead of inquisitions we can have pastor roasting’s? Maybe we can let go of our fucken egos and embrace our vulnerability with open arms? We may be able to share our “awkward” stories with each other and as a result, bring us closer as a community.
Holy Smiles and a Theology of Joy
We often hear that joy is an integral part of Christianity, but sometimes it feels like we’re so focused on our theologies with sin and salvation that we forget to smile. Theology shouldn’t be a tool to divide but a way to expand our divine-connection horizons. But guess what? Laughter is the fastest way to our joy buttons! A good belly laugh can chase away the darkest clouds of doubt and despair.
Letting humor in is like sprinkling holy glitter on our faith. It reminds us that, yes, life can be tough, but it’s also chock-full of absurdities and amusing moments. And it’s these very moments that can strengthen our faith and help us weather the storms with a grin on our faces.
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Embracing humor within Christianity isn’t just a worthy cause – it’s a heavenly mission that can bring Christians than hopefully everyone else together in a unison reality (1 Corin 15:20-28). Let’s turn those stone-cold sermons into stand-up routines, those stoic hymns into catchy comedic tunes, and those judgmental glares into warm, welcoming smiles.
That is a little hyperbole. I know coming together as a Christ-Centered Community, can’t be a non-stop laugh factory. All I am trying to portray is a possible jollier Jesus municipal.
Remember, God gave us laughter for a reason. Let’s use it to bridge the gaps, heal the wounds, and bring a little bit of heaven down to earth. I pray that the book I created for this current day and age can be something that will help us experience (together) the radiant love and joy of God.
Stay tuned for details regarding my book publishing date and availability on Amazon!
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