What is the Christian view of comedy?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible provides guidelines for the type of entertainment believers should engage in. Comedy is one of the many good gifts God has blessed us with (James 1:17). But like many other things in life, it can be used for God-centered purposes or for sin-centered purposes. We should not surround ourselves with impure comedy (Ephesians 5:4), given that we should be set apart as holy people of God (1 Peter 1:15-16). Rather, we should enjoy comedy that leads to uplifting thoughts (Philippians 4:8), keeping in mind that our true source of joy comes from God (Psalm 16:11; John 15:9-11). While we won’t be happy all the time, God desires that we have a joyful heart (Proverbs 17:22), and in Him, we find that (Philippians 4:4). Joy is so important to our Christian walk that it is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Ultimately, there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4), and both comedy and joy can play roles in such moments.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Our ultimate source of joy is God Himself (Psalm 16:11), but we can also take joy in the little things of this life—comedy being one of them.
• Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Often, sadness and joy go hand-in-hand.
• According to Ecclesiastes 3:1-9, there is a time for everything, including laughter: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: … a time to weep, and a time to laugh …" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Comedy and other entertainment can bring fleeting moments of happiness, but only Jesus can supply joy that is absolutely complete: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:9-11).
• Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). While comedy is great for sparking our happiness, joy is foundational to our walk with God and is influenced by the Holy Spirit Himself.
• Comedy can be appropriate or inappropriate. Ephesians 5:4 says, "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." Even our humor should uplift others.
• Comedy may bring us temporal happiness, but joy can come only through our Lord.While we are not instructed to be happy all the time, we are told to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4).
• Paul writes, "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8). Plenty of comedy involves these categories, and we are free to fully enjoy and even create such comedy.
• Comedy is a good gift, provided that we seek wise choices of humor: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17).
• Impure humor that degrades people and/or mocks God is unacceptable. While the world often views this type of humor as funny, we are called to be set apart or holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). This may mean rejecting much of the world’s comedy in favor of uplifting, pure humor.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Bible has moments of comedy, either in relaying events that occurred or in its word choice. One might contend that there is comedy in nature—just take a look at the okapi, the platypus, and the hippopotamus. God is not all-serious or opposed to humor. We are created in God's image. No doubt that image is marred due to sin, but the ability to appreciate comedy is common to humanity. It seems it is part of God's design of humans, and something He appreciates. Comedy in general, is fine, and it is fitting for Christians to be known for their laughter and joy in appropriate settings and contexts. But we should never consume comedy that contains coarse joking, unwholesome speech, or any degrading of God and others (Ephesians 5:4).

UNDERSTAND

• Comedy is one of God’s gifts to humankind.
• Christians should avoid unwholesome comedy.
• Comedy can provide temporal happiness, but only God provides true joy.

REFLECT

• What type of comedy do you consume, and how does it fit into your biblical worldview?
• What is the difference, in your view, between happiness and joy?
• How can you enjoy comedy without compromising your commitment to honor Christ in all you do?

ENGAGE

• Some consider unwholesome comedy acceptable because it’s “just a joke.” How would you address that?
• How can you best present the difference between true joy and mere happiness?
• How would you respond to those who accuse Christians of being “humorless” for refusing to engage with unwholesome comedy?