For discussion: The 100 percent clean comedian and Laughter is sacred space

Questions for reflecting on and discussing the articles, The 100 percent clean comedian and Laughter is sacred space (March 17, 2014 issue)

March 12, 2014 | Feature
By Barb Draper |

1. What kind of jokes make you laugh? Why do we value a sense of humour? When can laughter be disrespectful or inappropriate? What is the tipping point where there is too much laughter? How do you interpret Ecclesiastes 7:3: “Sorrow is better than laughter because a sad face is good for the heart”?

2. Matt Falk says, “Vulgarity is no substitute for wit.” Why do so many comics use vulgar language? Do you agree that a clean joke is a better joke? Is it inappropriate to laugh at a dirty joke?

3. Ted Swartz says that “laughter is sacred space.” What do you think he means? How is laughter different if there is grief behind it? How do you interpret the old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine”?

4. Do you ever think of God as laughing? What might make God laugh? Does it make you uncomfortable if someone interprets the Bible to make it funny? Should we have more Mennonite comedians?

--Posted March 12, 2014

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