I posted a previous question about this, and everyone who responded, stated that the Jester or Fool, are not of the occult, Pagan, or against Christian beliefs. In fact, one person went so far as to say it originated from Christianity.
Despite the above, I disagree! The Encyclopedia Britannica states the Jester used "mockery" to poke fun of those in authority, was often kept for "good luck" as many believed their deformed appearance kept evil away and turned bad "luck" from the abuser to the abused, and Wikipedia.org says Jesters "were thought of as special cases whom God had touched with a childlike madness—a gift, or perhaps a curse".
Also, the Fool, played a part in religious rituals, and was regarded as having prophetic or poetic "powers".
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9034801/fool
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jester
Despite majority opinion, do any other Christians believe this symbol is non-Christian? Seems to fall under the Pagan category to me.
2007-03-13 11:44:55 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Also, the website below called "Laughing and Mocking Jesus", describes the Jester under the heading "sacred clown", as a ritualistic and ceremonial figure.
http://www.piney.com/Laughing-Mocking-Jesus.html
It seems that when symbols or images are presented with comedy, positive affirmations, or jokingly, people "assume" they have harmless origins and meanings.
2007-03-13 11:47:36 · update #1
Melanie you are obviously not a saved Christian. The Words "luck", "pantheism", "wicca", and other symbols and religions also do not appear in scripture. Does that make them less real or of pagan origin?
2007-03-13 12:18:50 · update #2
Also, to answer your question, the origin of the Jester and Fool came to my mind, after I came across a new movie and children's book that will feature these characters when discussing other pagan beliefs.
The bible says that many are fooled for "lack of knowledge". Don't become so enchanted by bright colors, comical names, and worldly opinions of what is right, that you're unable to detect things that are not in agreement with God's Word.
2007-03-13 12:25:33 · update #3
its not a card i would carry around in my pocket ... but i dont feel like its threatning me or my beliefs in and of itself ..
2007-03-13 11:48:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
This symbol is used on tarot cards, and seen often in many pagan rituals. I don't know why it would be difficult for a Christian to understand why it's something not fit for their children or any Christian. You have a point about how things are presented. A lot of chrisitians also celebrate Easter and Valentine's Day because of the furry bunny and chubby baby attached to them. But both are Pagan and do not repesent Jesus. Christians need to wake up and stop being so gullible and blinded by the traditions of the world.
2007-03-17 04:32:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The jester or the "the fool" was the present day version of a clown. I don't know where you get your information or even why such a question would materialize in your head but in Christianity, the fool is merely an ignorant and stupid person. The word, "jester" does not even appear in the NIV. For Ex: Ecc 10:2,3 says, "The heart of the wise inclines to the right (Conservativism), but the heart of the fool to the left (liberalism). Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is." God encourages wisdom and frowns on foolishness. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God". James 3:13
2007-03-13 12:01:17 · answer #3 · answered by Melanie L RN 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The jester was commonly used as entertainment for nobility. They said things they should not have said and acted the way many wanted to act but where unable to because of social status.
In many older religions the jester/fool/disfigured person was used as a way to scare evil away. In the christian faith Satan is considered the most beautiful of creatures. To scare away Satan you must use an ugly thing. Gargoyles were put on Gothic churches to scare away evil. Scary, hideous masks were worn on All Hallows Eve again to scare away evil beings. Historically they were practices used before Christianity became mainstream and of course before the catholic religion changed and became dominant due to King Constantine. I would say that is most likely is of pagan origin. I certainly would not a complete tarot deck with the fool. Especially since the major arcana are all about the fool's journey.
2007-03-20 10:58:00 · answer #4 · answered by Nelly 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well. of course the jester is not a Christian symbol. It was the clown of older times, and is found in the tarot. The word fool is in the Bible. Hardly makes it Christian symbolism.
2007-03-21 03:37:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yea the fool be but a minute spark in the flame of time. The fool a jester till trhe end be foolish to comprehend even unto death.
2007-03-13 11:48:44 · answer #6 · answered by Tribble Macher 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes and the only fool in scripture is the non-believer. It is not a symbol of Christianity.
Anyone who says they are wise surly is a fool.
2007-03-13 11:52:28 · answer #7 · answered by Angelz 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wow. I have to say, you guys really like to find evil in everything. I think you would be serving your faith much better if you followed the teachings of Jesus about serving the poor, working for peace and loving your neighbor. Dont waste time on silly speculations.
2007-03-13 11:49:27 · answer #8 · answered by sngcanary 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In my mind I see a jester as entertainment for King Arthur with no religious connections at all.
Are you my friend JT?
2007-03-13 11:56:35 · answer #9 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This type of belief is only customary and there is no historical evidence to that effect in reality
2007-03-13 12:02:25 · answer #10 · answered by cabridog 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋