Copyright © 1996-2009 Global Alphabet, Inc. All rights reserved.
BigchurchSM and Big ChurchSM are service marks of Global Alphabet, Inc.
BigchurchSM and Big ChurchSM are service marks of Global Alphabet, Inc.
 | Blogs > thedrifter > sonDance lullabyes > On Jokes, Jesting, Clowning around, ...ETC... |
On Jokes, Jesting, Clowning around, ...ETC...
Last Read: |
This post is only viewable by BigChurch members.
Join BigChurch now! Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell |
||
10/21/2009 6:55 am |
Drifter, That is so strange you would bring up this subject, because just last evening I was clicking around on my computer and just accidentally came across this page on that very subject. I clicked the link tp see what they had to say on it... so anyway this is just copying and pasting what they said (below). It is just to give something to think/talk about. Whats in the Bible on the subject. I personally feel that we should just do what we saw Jesus do and He was always loving, kind, cheerful, but never silly or jesting or joking. I think our salvation and everything surrounding the issues of eternal life verses Hellfire, are SO SERIOUS that we just have no time for being silly. I think its Satan's way of getting our focus off of where it should be. Well I guess instead, I'll post this on my blog so ti wont take up so much space on yours... I will just call it "JOKING AND JESTING is it appropriate?" and if anyone wants to read it they can. Rom:8: 7: The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God
| ||
10/21/2009 7:01 am |
I forgot to add that a pretty long time ago, I made a remark against joking and jesting and wow did I pay for it, people started putting up posts making fun of me and putting me down for my views on it. But I guess I just dont care anymore. And any time I slip up and do the joking and jesting thing, I am sorry for it. Heb:12:13: And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. That means to consider that everything you do is having an influence on others. And when I say this, I dont mean it at all in a condemning way towards others. I myself have always had a problem with tendencies toward being the "Class Clown". Its just that Im getting more and more serious about my walk with God and realizing everything I do either tends to bring the Holy Spirit closer to me or else grieves Him away. And Id rather have that then the other. Rom:8: 7: The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God
| ||
10/21/2009 7:43 am |
Claudia...thanks for this addition...I just read your post...mostly...and I think that, being comprehensive, is a good bit of information...I'll reread it. I've been knowing for some time how some people were uncomfortable with it..and thus this invitation. I think it is valuable here to make the distinction between what is useful and what is detrimental. I mean, we all have joy within us and we all laugh...sometimes more ...sometimes less. We were created with those things in us in the same way we have the propensity for greed or anger or love or hate or any other trait. Joking can be done in both loving and teaching ways...and it can also be done in derision, mocking and critical ways. Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
10/21/2009 7:56 am |
Be Vehwey, Vehwey Qwiet! I'm Huntin' Wabbits!  Christians are like Timex watches. We take a lickin', but We keep on tickin'! Steve 
| ||
10/21/2009 7:56 am |
And one more thing....*S* Not long ago Yendor and I had some kind of routine going and I did a series of "One more thing..."....well, that was poking some good natured fun at you...and I still smile every time I see you do that. Actually it is an effective way to make a break and separate your thoughts...and so I do it now myself at times. So, that wasn't a derisive sort of mocking but just having some fun with something that was mostly unique with your way of communicating. I find the uniqueness of people fascinating...and that they should be encouraged to be themselves...and I think humor can be used in that way and not be against any of God's ways. And I agree about the seriousness of our times and that that aspect should never be avoided in the process. Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
 10/21/2009 8:34 am |
We need jokers n jesters here. Someone once said, "A laugh a day keeps the grumbles away." Amen. Steve "Soaringwithchris" does it best. Steve, keep up the good work. Greetins from Calgary Alberta. Canada's wild west. I
| ||
10/21/2009 9:10 am |
We need jokers n jesters here. Someone once said, "A laugh a day keeps the grumbles away." Amen. Steve "Soaringwithchris" does it best. Steve, keep up the good work.  Luvs 'Ya, Jey! Did you get the audio of Chrissy doing Queen Elizabeth? She said that Prince Charles covers his eyes with his ears when he goes to Australia. Camilla makes sure of it because of all the Hot babes there!Do you know what the problem with Dye Ahhhhhhh Rhea is? Being afraid to fart! P.S. MooooooooooHahahahahaha Are they going to let Beavers on airplanes soon? Leave it to Beaver? I have  Idea!!!!!Hahahahahahahahahaha Christians are like Timex watches. We take a lickin', but We keep on tickin'! Steve
| ||
10/21/2009 9:15 am |
Chrissy is sleeping, Cheryl is at work, Duckie is at the store. I guess I will just hang out with Buster. I know! I will call Mom and pretend I am Artie! BRB  Calgon take me away! Christians are like Timex watches. We take a lickin', but We keep on tickin'! Steve
| ||
10/21/2009 9:21 am |
P.S. Beavertraxs is really a big, hairy guy who works at the Scrapyard! Betsy likes it because parts for a '87 VW are hard to come by! I got a pic of Jey, she is absolutely Mahvelous! I wanna take her out on a "Denny's Date!"  Oops, sorry, Eddie, should I put that out? Is this a Non-Smoking Blog?Moooooooooooooooooo Christians are like Timex watches. We take a lickin', but We keep on tickin'! Steve
| ||
10/21/2009 9:26 am |
I better behave or my sister will turn my picture upside down! Christians are like Timex watches. We take a lickin', but We keep on tickin'! Steve
| ||
10/21/2009 1:35 pm |
Proverbs has a couple of gems: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine AND do not be easily offended. I wish I remembered the chapter & verse for the latter; it's such a valuable, overlooked verse!
| ||
10/21/2009 2:11 pm |
P.S. Beavertraxs is really a big, hairy guy who works at the Scrapyard! Betsy likes it because parts for a '87 VW are hard to come by! I got a pic of Jey, she is absolutely Mahvelous! I wanna take her out on a "Denny's Date!" Oops, sorry, Eddie, should I put that out? Is this a Non-Smoking Blog?Moooooooooooooooooo nah...smoke away...i'm on the non-smoker's hit list anyway...*S* Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
10/21/2009 2:12 pm |
Proverbs has a couple of gems: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine AND do not be easily offended. I wish I remembered the chapter & verse for the latter; it's such a valuable, overlooked verse! around the world and goin' again...????? Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
10/21/2009 4:57 pm |
I once told a pastor that jokes were important to delivering a message. It cuts the ice, and of course the balance to laughter is being serious...so the pastor just set the people up to actually HEAR him, and the appreciation is there. We can't overlook the reality that all things are good to those that gratefully receive. Laughter is not sin, and never has been, unless in any one thing your conscience bears witness. Don't mean to corner Claudia, but Claudia throws in some pretty fun posts too.
| ||
10/21/2009 5:22 pm |
hello longing...so far most of the response has been on the receiving side...which is okay. However, there is the other side of delivering. So, is joking or jesting in the same caliber as lying as someone said...? Is retelling a parable lying...? Is creating something close to a parable lying...?? And how does anyone draw the line as to what is 'coarse'...???...a term used in some translations...??? Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
10/21/2009 5:24 pm |
I better behave or my sister will turn my picture upside down! Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
10/21/2009 8:35 pm |
hello longing...so far most of the response has been on the receiving side...which is okay. However, there is the other side of delivering. So, is joking or jesting in the same caliber as lying as someone said...? Is retelling a parable lying...? Is creating something close to a parable lying...?? And how does anyone draw the line as to what is 'coarse'...???...a term used in some translations...???
| ||
10/21/2009 8:50 pm |
fieldlillies, fieldlillies, where ya been around the world and goin' again...????? [ If telling jokes and making people laugh is bad I'm in BIG trouble! ]
| ||
10/21/2009 11:31 pm |
Drifter, I think joking and acting silly is Satan's counterfeit for true Christian Cheerfulness and Joy. But I want to emphasize that Im not condemning anyone, its just what I have found to be true in my studies in the Bible. And also from life experience. Many times I have reached for 'comic relief' ina state of depression, when I shouldve reached for God. The reaization came from alot of experience in seeing the emptiness of everything else and how short-lived the laughter is. Christian joy and cheerfulness is something completely different and comes from a knowledge of God and knowing Him being all we really need. Rom:8: 7: The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God
| ||
10/22/2009 3:42 am |
No, not around the world again, just on my way to Iowa! [ If telling jokes and making people laugh is bad I'm in BIG trouble! ] I was there once. You can see forever across those flat lands. And off to the right is a cluster of homes and barns and outbuildings in the distance. You drive a mile or two and on the left off in the distance is a cluster of homes and barns and outbuildings. After about 3 weeks of that you get to the other side of Iowa. *S* Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
10/22/2009 3:50 am |
If telling parables equates lying, then Christ lied. Well we all know Christ was without sin, so he didn't lie when he told parables. I think we can successfully use him as our example. Concerning coarse gesting, I don't have a clean cut answer. I know when my spirit brings caution. Usually when I don't feel good about the direction of a communication, I refrain. Someone else that is well versed in and practicing coarse gesting might take some time to develop a conscience against it. Again, I believe that's where we have freedom until we receive conviction, and I don't mean someone else pointing fingers to create a bad conscience for you. I'm referring to true conviction from God. Yes, I think there is something to that....which gets me to one of my other gray areas....just exactly how God and satan work in our lives. I'm quite certain that we, and especially me, are not aware of all of the ways that this takes place. I don't think that everytime someone says "this is from God" that it is. I think we have even seen contradictions where this is concerned even here at BC. Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
10/22/2009 4:01 am |
Drifter, I think joking and acting silly is Satan's counterfeit for true Christian Cheerfulness and Joy. But I want to emphasize that Im not condemning anyone, its just what I have found to be true in my studies in the Bible. And also from life experience. Many times I have reached for 'comic relief' ina state of depression, when I shouldve reached for God. The reaization came from alot of experience in seeing the emptiness of everything else and how short-lived the laughter is. Christian joy and cheerfulness is something completely different and comes from a knowledge of God and knowing Him being all we really need. Thanks Claudia...I think the openess and talking (typing) with an approach to understanding is the way to seeing through another's eyes. Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
10/22/2009 5:01 am |
Thanks everyone for contributing...looks like this post has run it's course. I think the real topic here is Gray Area and how we deal with it. There are others like Music, for example, as well. You know, there are some Biblical truths that are clear cut to either do or not do. Some reveal a range with upper and lower limits. Others aren't so easy....at least where 'everyone' is concerned. And this is where 'freedom' comes into play. You know, in the world of sports, some players just naturally play rougher than others. Some play smarter than others. Some just trudge in there with consistency doing what they know to do and not questioning....and they can all do their 'thing' without causing any penalty flags. We've all seen penalty flags thrown, not for the way the game was played, but because a fight broke out over one of the above....someone took issue with being roughed up or being outsmarted. It takes place in the business world as well....and, indeed, every facet of life. The principle that Paul spoke of concerning 'eating meat' seems to apply here, but there is a problem with even that. In our modern day world, and especially here on the net, there will be a constant flow of someone who does not agree with you....even when you are right and have no qualms about knowing that you are right. So, do you curtail your actions and your speaking because they disagree with you so that you do not become an offense to them or to Christ simply because they have 'chosen' to be offended.????? I think the difference is that Paul would have been referring to going into their 'space' and exercising his freedom in front of them knowing that they did not have that freedom for themselves...thus being an offense. Here on the net the direction of flow is different than that. Each of us have our 'space' and our use of our space can and should be used to exercise our freedoms within scriptural boundaries. Some of the BC fights break out from one taking their 'freedoms' directly into someone else's space. And the same is true where some one takes their 'restrictions' into some one else's space. Although the 'gray area' here hinges on the word 'coarse' other issues have their own 'hinges'. What one person feels or deems one thing will not correspond with anothers. Just to use E. Whites discourse, as it is the one in front of us, if you look at it ...it included a great deal more than scripture does. Most of it is subjective...I would say 'her opinion' and would only have additional validity if it indeed was new revelation from God. So, for Claudia, who sincerely believes in her, then that becomes a part of the standard that she upholds and that is the proper thing for her to do. I wouldn't want her to be any other way...in the same way that I wouldn't want a Catholic or a Buddist to come preaching and teaching and yet not believe their own teachings. So, the 'cure', if a cure is to be sought, on any issue with anyone, is through speaking and listening with understanding...just as the apostles spoke to the crowds and them hearing in their own language. If and when the 'crowd' went to hear Jesus or Paul or the others they gave their 'invitation' to be taught. Here, we do the same thing, although a lot more vaguely. People know that they can come and say whatever they want on my posts and be welcome...some aren't that way and they have that right...it is their way of being open or not. Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
10/22/2009 8:45 am |
I dont understand why some folks think that God has no sense of humour after all he made us (and laughter), the world would really be a boring and dull place if we couldnt have a craic now and again. Whats wrong with having a joke, as long as its not at anyones else expense, that would be wrong. Its a religious spirit that cant see the funny side of things. Lighten up.....
| ||
10/22/2009 11:05 am |
Drifter, HONESTLY. Can you genuinely imagine Jesus going, "So a Priest and a Rabbi walk into a Bar..." The Bible says in various places that we are to be like Jesus, and walk as He walked. So the way I see it is if you just cut through all the fog, that simplifies everything. WWJD sometimes is a good way to know what is right or wrong to do. But all in all, I dont view you as an AirHead, so I sort of put you in a different Class than some of the others here. Hows that?  Like Gloria, she actually thinks and has deep thoughts. Just being honest, its difficult for me to think someone is really serious about God when they are a laugh a minute. Remember that Jesus said: "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Mt:12:36 So as long as you feel that you seriously can justify whatever it is you are saying and doing, before God, then thats between your conscience and God. Im absolutely SURE Im doing all kinds of things I need to consider. Rom:8: 7: The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God
| ||
10/22/2009 12:47 pm |
I dont understand why some folks think that God has no sense of humour after all he made us (and laughter), the world would really be a boring and dull place if we couldnt have a craic now and again. Whats wrong with having a joke, as long as its not at anyones else expense, that would be wrong. Its a religious spirit that cant see the funny side of things. Lighten up..... and even the listener who laughs has been "had" by the joke.... that is part of the equation....stop by again.... Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
10/22/2009 1:27 pm |
afternoon Claudia... Don't think I'm trying to counter everything anyone says by my responses....as I am exploring this in my mind like so many are even though I have had many years thinking about this. Several points along those lines.... let's at least question as to whether WWJD is even a valid way for any of us to think.....I know people say that all of the time, again, and it certainly sounds like a good way to consider things. But Jesus didn't act like a deacon either or a song leader or an associate pastor or millions of other endeavors, most of which you would agree are biblicaly sound. (for Jerimiah, yes, I know that is not 100% accurate). So, that test may be good, but it isn't all inclusive. We all agree that there was much more to Jesus and He thus had 'all' in His focus and thus had great responsibility. Having responsibility changes things a lot. I spend 99.53% of my life being level headed and serious and responsible....and so no, I don't delve into the light hearted areas so much...and yet sometimes do then as well. But that isn't really the aspect I initially addressed. I was going after a 'prophet's' statement that joking was lying and thus satanic with the implication that it was sin and thus unto death. He hasn't responded, but I could also make a lesser but similar approach to E. Whites statements....go back and look at each individual word and test it with the bible or even common sense. I am confident that I could...after interviewing her or anyone and find aspects of their life that would not test out in this same way. Take a lady who enjoys gardening, flowers, etc. She goes to the nursery and discusses flowers for quite some time. That is her "light hearted talk"....who would say that that is sinful..? Talking flowers for sure isn't necessary...or going to solve anybody's world problems or save anyone's soul directly. She may even do these kinds of things knowing her next door neighbor is in need of many things. I could redo this scenario many many ways and variations of ways. The same things could be said of the word "idle". I'm a workaholic, and a thinkaholic. My idle time is usually 'exhaustion". So what is idle...? Is it anything and everything besides quoting scripture and verse...? If you go to a mechanic with car problems do you tell him what is wrong with your car or ask him if he is saved...?? Let's say it is a second car...thus a non necessity....or your vacuum or whatever...are those kinds of conversations 'idle'. Does idle mean gossip...? Does it include geneologies...? reading Moby Dick...? I'm not trying to be silly here, but I'm having a hard time putting this in words. *S*...for someone to claim that an activity, such as being idle, speaking idle, thinking idle...they shouldn't assume everyone knows what they mean...and then place more into those categories than they were meant to handle. Have you ever seen people take parables and use them to say ten times more that what they were meant to illustrate...? Same thing. 2) Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
| ||
10/22/2009 7:02 pm |
I don't know if anyone answered your question adequately, Eddie, but please consider this: If you have to insult anyone because of their name; age; ethnicity; gender; occupation; beliefs; sexuality; etc...then is it acceptable humor? And do you really think Jesus might've lied by speaking parables? NdnThomas and Ladylightwalker forever. .
| ||
10/22/2009 8:15 pm |
hello ndnthomas...thanks for coming by. I always liked your level headed approach when you were here more. well, as to Jesus lying here is what I said=Some, as told by Jesus, sound as though they may come from true events. Others sound as though they may have been created simply for the sake of illustration. In that we KNOW that Jesus wouldn't have lied for the sake of deception, the question becomes would have he 'created' an illustration to teach....??? and I capitalized KNOW. I guess, although we are discussing joking, etc., the real topic is gray areas and word meanings...and those apply to many many verses. I've been reading up on the word "idle" after writing the above and it is amazing what is out there and more amazing about what isn't. Most of what I originally wrote was a question. IF someone says that telling a joke, etc. is a lie then how do all these other things get explained...? And if someone tells a joke and they then get viewed as a liar then that changes their relationship on the human level and if God views it that way then that is serious on the ultimate level...so it can be a serious issue....and many, including preachers, are going to be in trouble....or have to give account. As to the gender, race, etc...I've seen two aspects as I am sure you have. I've seen them be the butt of a detrimental joke. I think this type is a situation of the joke teller and the audience that laughs with him are using that element to raise themselves above the other gender or race, etc. in their own minds. And then I have seen blonds tell blond jokes, preachers tell preacher jokes, and indians tell indian jokes...and to tell you the truth, those were some of the best ones. But what I see in these kinds of cases is a form of friendly familiarity. Kind of like sharing a meal or a conversation. These kind usually only come when they know each other well enough to have a certain level of understanding....so they share a laugh and it is not detrimental at all. I'm quite confident that the lines that people draw are widely different. What counts is what scripture would say and it doesn't say that much. So, my problem would be people inserting things in that issue that don't belong....and that would include being both too free and too restrictive. Somehow I've learned how to listen to the sound of the sun going down. ~ R. Crowell
|
 |
 |
 |
| Become a member to comment on this blog | ||
 |
