Is it just me, or does no-one laugh at themselves?

Question

I go to a Catholic church in a small town. About three years ago, we had a new Priest, he was 34, and pretty funny. He'd tell jokes during sermons, and was just generaly awesome. The thing is, a lot of the older members were offended by him. He wound up leaving last November because of it. I was pretty annoyed with my Church.

So, that lead me to this; Why can't some Catholics laugh at themselves? Where in the Bible does it say "Thou shalt not laugh at thyselves?". Is it so bad to joke around sometimes?

Answer 1

People have different ways of worshipping God. You also have to remember that older people like what they are used to, and in some ways it's unfair to expect them to adapt quickly to new things. (Did you know that some inmates of old people's homes literally die if they have to move to a different care home?)

I have a lot of sympathy with you, finally getting a preacher you could relate to and then he had to leave because the oldies couldn't handle it. I also have a little bit of sympathy with the oldies, who just wanted what they were used to, and felt that if someone expected them to take a new line in worship, that that was invalidating what they had been doing all those years.

In my opinion, though, if it's true that older people are supposed to be so very, very much wiser, then they have a responsibility to show tolerance and the sort of attributes that they want shown to them! They should know that a change of mood in worship isn't a change of god or anything.

Answer 2

Girl. I laugh all the time. It's great and that's why I say: I say laugh when you can. Because there might be a time when you aren't so easily amused. Whenever people get offeneded when I laugh, i usually just laugh more. I usually laugh at the most inappropriate times and places, but sometimes it cannot be helped. There is a time when someone should try to maintain a sense of maturity, but if you can't help it, then let it out. Laughter is the best medicine and the people that are offended are usually the ones that secretly wish they could be as happy as you.

=D

Answer 3

It's not just catholics that can't laugh at themselves and I know a lot of catholics who can. No it isn't bad to joke around I think it is healthy to laugh at yourself.
I have noticed that a lot of older congregation members consider that joking or laughing in church is irreverent and they tend to lead inanimate lives afraid to step out of the tight rigid boundaries that they have placed around themselves because they fear that they may sin or others might think that they have sinned. Having fun is not a sin don't be afraid of it, you just need make sure that what you are doing to have fun is not sinful that is the difference.
Pray for the Priest it must have been difficult and hurtful for him but also pray for those that caused him to leave that God will soften their hearts. Remember not to stay angry with the others no matter how justified you feel, unforgiveness hurts yourself and God.
Keep on laughing I can assure you that plenty of churches laugh in their services.

Answer 4

Well, there was Father Ted. That was Catholics laughing at themselves pretty hard. Oh what, you say the Irish Catholic church didn't find Father Ted funny..?

Answer 5

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4.....For everything there is an appointed time, even a time for every affair under the heavens:  a time for birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot what was planted;  a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build;  a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to wail and a time to skip about;

Some of the older ones may have been through much suffering and pain in their years..........so it may not be the proper time to make jokes......

Answer 6

Friend, I am not catholic, but Apostolic Pentacost, My pastor sometimes tells a joke, There is nothing wrong with telling a good clean joke. I laugh at myself sometimes, One day I was going hunting, & I spent 10 minutes looking for my hat, I finally realized it was on my head.

Answer 7

I guess it depends on his humor. If he was telling jokes that would hurt people's feelings, then that's not right. If people are offended by simple humor, then my goodness they need to lighten up lol.

There are even a few humorous stories in the Bible, if it weren't for the fact I haven't had my 2nd cup of coffee, I'd find 'em for you lol

Answer 8

He left ?That wasn't funny.I laugh all the time ,at everybody .Life is too short.Hey ! I 'm Catholic too.If people don't like you laughing in Church make them laugh outside Church.Christ is really worth hanging on to.

Answer 9

Are you sure your priest left because of that? Priests get jerked around all the time by their higher-ups. Every Catholic church has stories of popular priests who were taken away. They circulate them around.

As for laughing at oneself -- you are right, most of us lack this abiility. It's not because we don't think it's okay, it's because we're not enlightened enough to laugh at ourselves. Laughing at oneself, I think, is one of the signs of a very enlightened soul. You are very fortunate to have this gift. Instead of being bummed out that nobody around you has it, please realize that all those glum people are less happy than you, and it's really too bad for them. You can teach them how to laugh at themselves by continuing to be who you are. God bless you - I wish I had a lot of people like you in my life! (I'm one who often has a hard time seeing the humor in my own life.)

Answer 10

You didn't get the memo about the 11th Commandment?!? YOU ARE IN TROUBLE!! Kidding. You are right. More people should learn to laugh at themselves and enjoy life. After all, none of us are perfect so we are ALL bound to mess things up sooner rather than later. I am sure God thinks we are great fun to watch.