Question #396

What about humor and jokes during worship?

I enjoy your website. I was wondering what the Bible has to say on humor and jokes in the worship of God. I find no mention of it in the New Testament. Thank you for your response.

The Answer:

The Bible has nothing to say about humor and jokes in worship. That does not mean that the Bible condemns humor and jokes in worship. One need only look at God's creation to know that God has a sense of humor. The giraffe and the hippopotamus are prime examples. His inspired word is not without humor. One reason that the modern reader may not appreciate much of the Biblical humor is because it was addressed to the ancient Jews and to first century readers. Elton Trueblood's "The Humor of Christ" is a good place to begin gaining insight into Biblical humor.

Humor has always been considered a valuable tool in teaching. It is the same in preaching. A preacher without personality is little more than a robot. If humor is part of that personality it makes sense to use it in teaching and preaching.

That said, humor for humor's sake may well be out of place. The humor of the bible is always a teaching tool. There is not a single recorded sermon that begins with a series of jokes unrelated to the sermon. While such may "break the ice," it is more likely to break a worshipful attitude that must then be regained. How often in prayer do we ask for the ability to "set aside earthly thoughts" only to have them thrown at us from the pulpit. Good humor fits the occasion and the moment. Some sermons lend themselves to humorous illustrations and applications; some, e.g., the trial, scourging, and crucifixion of the Lord, do not.

That said, is the use of the humor in the pulpit sinful? Absolutely not, assuming it is not vulgar or suggestive. This should go without being said since such language is sinful whether humorous or serious. The science of preaching is one thing; the art of preaching is another. The approach, style, delivery, and other indefinable ingredients that are part of personality are different for different people. (Perhaps it would be humorous if everybody were exactly alike!) One preacher uses humor and hits the target; another attempts humor and shoots himself. The preacher must know himself, accept himself, be himself, and develop his best self if preaching is to be effective.

The preacher should also remember that effective humor is one of the most difficult aspects of sermon preparation. As long as it is used appropriately its importance can hardly be overemphasized. It can help to get inside the hearts of people, especially those who think that religion never seems to enjoy anything, and open those hearts to the gospel.

It has been said of the early Puritan preacher Jonathan Edwards that he always spoke in monotone, both pitch and volume, so that nothing in his manner or mannerisms would interfere with his message. In researching for this answer, his history was reviewed and that reputation appears to be false. As a boy I recall hearing preachers who had only one pitch (high), one pace (fast), and one volume (really loud), and who paused only to suck in more wind. Talk about humor in the pulpit! There are many ways to distract from the preaching of the gospel. On the other hand, there is hardly any approach that isn't appreciated by somebody. If one does not appreciate the preacher's approach where he worships, the place to begin is talking with the preacher. If that which is not appreciated is not changed the best path of action is probably to find another place to worship. No one person or family should attempt to force a change since the issue is not a matter of faith.