Christian Humor
“And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36 (NASB)
Careless – Two stories capture the picture. The first comes from my childhood. I remember the day that I read one of those Christian comic book tracts. Its images burned in my brain as the character in the drama was called before the throne of God and shown video clips of his life, scenes when he spoke casually about someone or joked about something. According to the comic book theology, God now demanded this poor soul justify every word. The second story comes from the excellent movie, The Name of the Rose, a plot set in a medieval monastery where one monk attempts to eradicate the “idle” words of humor from the works of Aristotle. Religion is far too serious for such frivolity.
It may be that your upbringing was like mine. “If you don’t have anything nice to say about a person, don’t say anything at all,” set the tone for conversation. Spiritual people were circumspect to the point of being morose. Humor was the work of the devil. It’s too bad that this theological legalism didn’t pay more attention to the Greek text and less to the puritanical culture. The Greek word here is argos, essentially the negation of ergon. It means “without work or inactive.” Argos describes words that are not fulfilled, unprofitable or false. This is not gossip. This is promises not kept, vows broken, words spoken but ultimately without effect. Argos is not doing what you say you will do.
Remember that very unusual parable Yeshua tells about the two sons, one who says he will do what his father asks of him but doesn’t; the other who says he will not do what the father asks but later repents and does it? Which son displays argos? The son who is ultimately justified is the one who first refuses but later fulfills. The other son is the son of argos. His word is careless, idle. He will be judged accordingly.
We would like to think that Yeshua’s indictment does not apply to us. Perhaps that’s why we are comfortable with the King James translation “idle words.” We can pat ourselves on the back because we don’t gossip or joke or act frivolously (at least not most of the time). But we might not escape so easily when we realize that this judgment is about promises, vows and commitments. We will stand before the throne and be called to account for those broken words. They matter. It takes but a moment’s reflection to realize that we expect others’ words to mean something. We demand accountability for their promises. Should not “measure for measure” be our fate as well?
Oh, by the way, don’t try to squirm out of this by telling me that Jesus has forgiven all your sins. What does that have to do with integrity, commitment and loyalty? Does the removal of guilt exempt us from verbal guarantees?
Topical Index: careless, idle, argos, empty, Matthew 12:36
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1. “Argos is not doing what you say you will do.”
In the movie Heat, the character played by Al Pacino has a lot of faults, and one redeeming value.
In his own inimical words Al pacino says, ” I say what I mean and I do what I say.”
2. “If you don’t have anything nice to say about a person, don’t say anything at all,”
My mother used to say that to me when I was growing up, but she was not a Christian.
And she was pretty funny. She also taught me that I was only as good as my word.
3. “the excellent movie, The Name of the Rose, a plot set in a medieval monastery”
I studied under Umberto Eco about seven years before he wrote The Name of the Rose.
And Umberto Eco taught me how to look at language as a (binary) system of signs.
His protege, Paolo Fabbri, taught me a most valuable key to interpreting literary texts.
Professor Fabbri went to the board and drew a cross and said that in linguistics.
The horizontal line represents diachrony (time) and the vertical line represents synchrony (space).
A narrative goes from “end to end” in time, but the different “layers” of interpretation are in space.
Of course my Professor, Fredric Jameson, would have said Paolo’s approach is a good tool to use.
But ultimately it is not a dialectical (dynamic/Hebraic) approach, so it can’t stand alone.
What a great background to be able to study under such men. No wonder your comments are often laced with movie references.
It was so much fun and such a great gift that I did not deserve.
BTW I meant inimitable, not inimical 🙂
Just want to mention one more thing.
Although I chose a non-academic path, I continued to read a lot of “theoretical” texts.
Always looking for the ultimate “subtext” these high-powered intellectuals seemed to share.
I finally found it, or began to understand it, when I read Spiritual Restoration.
Some time ago, we questioned the reason for sending our kids to college.
I was never directly exposed to the Hebrew worldview until I went to college.
In the beginning was the Word. I could argue “semantics”, but I won’t.
This opening statement (Genesis 1.1) sets the tone and foundation for all that is to follow. Prove G-d exists said the minnow to the ocean he was swimming in.. lol! No, there is no “argument for truth- only the clean presentation- “in the beginning G-d.”
Idle words. Non-productive words. Silly words. Vain words. May we pause here for a moment? Maybe we could even throw in a good ol “selah” right here (very Hebrew) and pause to reflect on these words. (Always a good logos.. er, idea..).
What did YHWH use to bring this world into existence? (I’m speaking now to those who “believe.”) Yes, “this is a test..” -(Are you smarter than a fifth grader?) – Sorry..- that seems to be rather crass and maybe even smacks a bit of sarcasm..- Yes, dear ones- G-d spoke. He spoke and it was so. “Let there be..”- and (lo, and behold..) -it was so. Or, if we prefer.. “it came to pass..” -Just by speaking- it was done. In Jersey it would be- “budda-ba-budda-bing”- done deal- there is was. Yes, “creation happened.” Matter “occurred” by the word of G-d. I don’t know about y’all, but I’m impressed. -Anyone who can create life just by speaking has my attention. Anyone home today? Hello??
Just by speaking- life occurred. Now, that I have written these words for the viewing of all who read them- I am being “judged” at this very moment. -What kind of man is this? What a rube!- what a bumpkin! – Who knows?- Please… judge me. Go ahead, I don’t mind.. I really don’t!. For you see, my friend- my words do matter, don’t they?
I can speak healing and helpful words, or I have the opportunity also to speak harmful and hurting words, for I am made in the image of the ONE who has spoken and is still speaking (to those who listen) today. “Shema”- O Israel.. “listen and obey.” – No, not to me- Listen to Him. Whatever He says unto you- do it. Why? Because of Who He is.
Me? Why, I’m “just a man.” – Actually..no. I am not “just a man.” I am a just man. One who has been (and is being) justified. Holiness, both imputed and imparted by Yah. -Do words matter? Oh, my friends- do they ever. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my Strength and my Redeemer.” And to seal this prayer I will say purposefully and intentionally, openly and publicly,it the sight of my Savior and Everlasting Friend- “Amein.”
“Humor was the work of the devil.”
Whoever believes this lie isn’t familiar with comedian Jeff Allen. I recently saw him perform in person. Be sure to click on “View Trailer” for a 30 second peek at his heart and his comedy. He has quite a story to tell about his life as he makes you laugh AND cry! (He also has a DVD entitled, “Happy Wife, Happy Life Revisited.”)
http://www.jeffallencomedy.com/my_heart_my_comedy_reviews.html
For more clean humor: http://bananascomedy.com/
Shalom Skip,
Thanks, for the mention of the parable of the two sons. In all the years I have been in the Christian circle, I do not believe I have ever heard a teaching on this particular parable, (it is only found in the book of Luke). You wrote, “Argos describes words that are not fulfilled, unprofitable or false. This is not gossip. This is promises not kept, vows broken, words spoken but ultimately without effect. Argos is not doing what you say you will do.” Thanks, for bringing understanding to this teaching of Yeshua. In His care, Brian
The reason I keep tuning in to these posts day after day is because they are NOT just theoretical theological ideas. Today, before I read this – I was feeling guilty about not going to something that I said I would try to go to. I went late, because it just seemed like my words weren’t meaning anything anymore. I do this already too much with my children. I blab on and on about my intentions, and little becomes a reality.
I want to be a better man… and I’m thankful for our Creator’s direction given in His scripture. May God richly bless those who help to articulate and spread His message!