Is religion something to be joked about?

Question

In any context, really.

Why or why not?

Answer 1

yes. if you can't joke about something, then you're not taking it seriously enough.

EDIT

even the bible jokes about itself, and about G-d. read this article: http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/economic/friedman/bibhumor.htm - its very interesting

Answer 2

Yes. Humor is one of the bests things we have as a people. Anything can be joked about. Of course, there are tasteful and tastless jokes. There are also nasty jokes that have no other purpose than to insult a religion different from one's own. Those usually aren't funny, just insulting.

Answer 3

Oh! Good question!!

I think we can jest in fun. But some folks go too far.

I'm certain that God loves to laugh. If you pay attention, Jesus is cracking jokes here and there in the New Testament. He calls James and John the "sons of thunder" because they wanted Him to call down the thunder and lightening on some folks who "wronged" them.

I know for certain the devil - indeed all things evil - hate laughter. So laughter is good. But not all jokes are funny. So we have to be pretty specific about that.

People should not be made fun of. But as a Catholic, all of my favorite jokes are the Catholic ones. As a Secular Franciscan one of my favorite titles for St. Francis is "Holy Fool."

God loves to laugh.

Answer 4

I agree with Jewishgirl
I am a Christian and I find humor in it sometimes and joke about it...
that doesn't mean I don't have my faith.
I would never insult another person because of thier religion...but all religions...even non-religious people have stereotypes that are easy to poke fun at..that doesn't mean I do not respect them.
We have a sense of humor we should use it...but not in a hurtful insulting way.

Answer 5

Of course its to be joked about,after all grown people believing in ancient myths that fly in the face of reality is kind of a joke itself.

Jesus walked into an Inn
He handed the Innkeeper three nails
Then He asked" Could you put me up for the night?"

Answer 6

Why not? We joke about other important things, like money and sex and family.

Money is about survival -- therefore, money is important. Sex is about reproduction, intimacy and at least three dozen other necessary things, therefore sex is important. Family is about having a home when you need it (and sooner or later you will need it), so family is important. We joke constantly about these things. Sometimes the jokes are even funny.

Why should religion be exempt?

Answer 7

Religion is not a joking matter.
It is joked about alot only because so many religions have shown themselves full of holes.
However, any serious religion, although we don't have to be long-faced, is serious ...its about life and where we're headed.

Answer 8

Laughter and amusement are a nice thing... God created this ability into us after all, but it is always sad when you cannot differentiate between a healthy smile provoking expressions and sick jokes.

Answer 9

Yes, because religion itself is a joke. A very cruel, hateful, damaging joke. But silly none-the-less.

I prefer to blaspheme. Its more to the point than joking about it.

Answer 10

i really do not mind jokes about religion and yes even my own religion
as long as it isn't derogatory and rude
i am sure God ( or if there is a God for our lovely atheists sake ) then he would have a great sense of humour xx

Answer 11

When they are flaunted, shoved in ones face, denigrate those with other beliefs, or make outrageous claims, they are fair game.

Know what ya mean, prometheus - I know a supervisor like that. God in his own right, makes spurious rules then just waits like a vulture to catch violators.