The Bible says, "There is a time to laugh" (Ecc.3:4). But when is that time? Is it OK to laugh in church? Is humour off limits when it comes to preaching?
Many are divided on this subject. For example, back in 1854, Alexandre Vinet said that humour should never be used when preaching. He said, "It is out of place in an assembly where grave subjects are treated." Austin Phelps, who lived about 50 years later, agreed, saying that the use of humor in a sermon would degrade the Bible. T. Harwood Pattison was also opposed to it, arguing, "Religion is too severe a matter to be treated in a trivial or jesting spirit." There are many today who believe this to be the case.
But of course there are just as many who would totally disagree with this point of view. James Burrell spent a whole chapter to humour in his textbook on homiletics. He supported his case by quoting great preachers who used wit as a means of getting their point across - men like Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Henry Ward Beecher and D. L. Moody. John Stott goes further. He cites Christ Himself as an example of one who used humour in preaching, saying, "It seems to be generally agreed that humour was one of the weapons in the armoury of the Master Teacher."
Jesus And Humour
That last quotation ought to put the matter to rest. After all, Jesus came to reveal the Father to us. Any other impression or opinion that we might have about God which doesn't line up with the perfect representation brought to us by Jesus Himself is a false image and should be demolished.
Yet, for some reason Jesus is portrayed as always pious, serious and sad. It is true that His teachings addressed serious issues, and that His mission climaxed in a sorrowful death. But He could never be described as a kill-joy or party-pooper. He was often at parties, and even did His first miracle at a party. (I think some would have preferred He turned the wine into water!) When that old familiar question is asked, "If there were ten characters from history you could invite to your party, who would you pick?" how comes Jesus is nearly always on the list?
Many are divided on this subject. For example, back in 1854, Alexandre Vinet said that humour should never be used when preaching. He said, "It is out of place in an assembly where grave subjects are treated." Austin Phelps, who lived about 50 years later, agreed, saying that the use of humor in a sermon would degrade the Bible. T. Harwood Pattison was also opposed to it, arguing, "Religion is too severe a matter to be treated in a trivial or jesting spirit." There are many today who believe this to be the case.
But of course there are just as many who would totally disagree with this point of view. James Burrell spent a whole chapter to humour in his textbook on homiletics. He supported his case by quoting great preachers who used wit as a means of getting their point across - men like Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Henry Ward Beecher and D. L. Moody. John Stott goes further. He cites Christ Himself as an example of one who used humour in preaching, saying, "It seems to be generally agreed that humour was one of the weapons in the armoury of the Master Teacher."
Jesus And Humour
That last quotation ought to put the matter to rest. After all, Jesus came to reveal the Father to us. Any other impression or opinion that we might have about God which doesn't line up with the perfect representation brought to us by Jesus Himself is a false image and should be demolished.
Yet, for some reason Jesus is portrayed as always pious, serious and sad. It is true that His teachings addressed serious issues, and that His mission climaxed in a sorrowful death. But He could never be described as a kill-joy or party-pooper. He was often at parties, and even did His first miracle at a party. (I think some would have preferred He turned the wine into water!) When that old familiar question is asked, "If there were ten characters from history you could invite to your party, who would you pick?" how comes Jesus is nearly always on the list?