Comments on: Why We Make Fun Of Each Other http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2009/09/why-we-make-fun-of-each-other.html Connecting God's Truth to Real Life Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:35:57 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Gorby http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2009/09/why-we-make-fun-of-each-other.html/comment-page-1#comment-18676 Gorby Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:59:52 +0000 http://www.theblazingcenter.com/?p=3071#comment-18676 Sorry to say this, but there's actually no textual reference to Jesus either making a joke or laughing in the entirety of the gospel. I think we should heed his example in this. Sorry to say this, but there's actually no textual reference to Jesus either making a joke or laughing in the entirety of the gospel. I think we should heed his example in this.

]]> By: Mark Altrogge http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2009/09/why-we-make-fun-of-each-other.html/comment-page-1#comment-7339 Mark Altrogge Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:59:57 +0000 http://www.theblazingcenter.com/?p=3071#comment-7339 Hi Micah, Great questions. When we ridicule each other, we don't mean it, and it is actually an expression of affection and friendship. I would never ridicule someone seriously, for that would be unedifying. But genuine laughter in a spirit of affection is edifying - a cheerful heart has a continual feast (PR 5.15), a joyful heart is good medicine (PR 17.22). Of course, our showing love through poking fun is only a part of the full spectrum of our showing love through care, compassion, praying for one another, encouraging, etc. I hope this at least partially answers your questions. Thanks! Hi Micah,

Great questions. When we ridicule each other, we don’t mean it, and it is actually an expression of affection and friendship. I would never ridicule someone seriously, for that would be unedifying. But genuine laughter in a spirit of affection is edifying – a cheerful heart has a continual feast (PR 5.15), a joyful heart is good medicine (PR 17.22). Of course, our showing love through poking fun is only a part of the full spectrum of our showing love through care, compassion, praying for one another, encouraging, etc. I hope this at least partially answers your questions. Thanks!

]]> By: Micah Gaudet http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2009/09/why-we-make-fun-of-each-other.html/comment-page-1#comment-7337 Micah Gaudet Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:39:47 +0000 http://www.theblazingcenter.com/?p=3071#comment-7337 Couple of questions. . . How does ridiculing each other balance with the direction to edify the saints? And how do you show love while making fun? Intriguing article for sure! Couple of questions. . .
How does ridiculing each other balance with the direction to edify the saints?
And how do you show love while making fun?
Intriguing article for sure!

]]> By: Mark Altrogge http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2009/09/why-we-make-fun-of-each-other.html/comment-page-1#comment-7335 Mark Altrogge Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:55:51 +0000 http://www.theblazingcenter.com/?p=3071#comment-7335 Hey Todd, I totally agree. Our fellowship is and needs to be much more than humor, though that's a part of it. And it's not always sarcasm, a lot of it is humor and fun. But our fellowship must be much more than humor, and by God's grace it is, not only in our staff here but in the church. And much more important than humor is that we speak the truth in love, encourage, admonish, comfort, help and let the Word of Christ dwell in us as we sing, teach, and exhort one another. Thanks for your comments! Hey Todd,

I totally agree. Our fellowship is and needs to be much more than humor, though that’s a part of it. And it’s not always sarcasm, a lot of it is humor and fun. But our fellowship must be much more than humor, and by God’s grace it is, not only in our staff here but in the church. And much more important than humor is that we speak the truth in love, encourage, admonish, comfort, help and let the Word of Christ dwell in us as we sing, teach, and exhort one another. Thanks for your comments!

]]> By: Todd Mogilner http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2009/09/why-we-make-fun-of-each-other.html/comment-page-1#comment-7334 Todd Mogilner Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:39:45 +0000 http://www.theblazingcenter.com/?p=3071#comment-7334 I have a question about "sarcasm". I really appreciate this post and Ole's comments. I think the danger in the sarcasm is that sometimes all fellowship becomes is that sarcasm or clever witticisms. I think we need to be intentional on our fellowship to make sure we are creating relationships on more than the witticisms. For some people the fellowship they get Sunday Morning after church is the only fellowship they get. While I am sure you and your staff have a very good relationships, it is something we have to be careful of with others who we may only talk to for five or ten minutes a week. I have a question about “sarcasm”. I really appreciate this post and Ole’s comments. I think the danger in the sarcasm is that sometimes all fellowship becomes is that sarcasm or clever witticisms. I think we need to be intentional on our fellowship to make sure we are creating relationships on more than the witticisms. For some people the fellowship they get Sunday Morning after church is the only fellowship they get. While I am sure you and your staff have a very good relationships, it is something we have to be careful of with others who we may only talk to for five or ten minutes a week.

]]> By: Mark Altrogge http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2009/09/why-we-make-fun-of-each-other.html/comment-page-1#comment-7254 Mark Altrogge Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:46:03 +0000 http://www.theblazingcenter.com/?p=3071#comment-7254 Not only can you become a gisitor, you can become our worship leader, and for that matter, senior pastor. Thanks Bob! Not only can you become a gisitor, you can become our worship leader, and for that matter, senior pastor. Thanks Bob!

]]> By: Bob Kauflin http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2009/09/why-we-make-fun-of-each-other.html/comment-page-1#comment-7250 Bob Kauflin Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:03:24 +0000 http://www.theblazingcenter.com/?p=3071#comment-7250 What is a gisitor? And how can I become one at your church? Great article. And you're the best at this. What is a gisitor? And how can I become one at your church?

Great article. And you’re the best at this.

]]> By: Mark Altrogge http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2009/09/why-we-make-fun-of-each-other.html/comment-page-1#comment-7150 Mark Altrogge Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:45:36 +0000 http://www.theblazingcenter.com/?p=3071#comment-7150 I'll do that Ted, and I'll ridicule him on your behalf. I’ll do that Ted, and I’ll ridicule him on your behalf.

]]> By: Ted Slater http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2009/09/why-we-make-fun-of-each-other.html/comment-page-1#comment-7147 Ted Slater Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:42:22 +0000 http://www.theblazingcenter.com/?p=3071#comment-7147 Mark -- I agree with you: I suppose it is *possible* to ridicule someone in a way that pleases the Lord, to bring correction through humorous means, but it'd be very challenging. Hm. I need to think about this some more.... Tell Stephen hi for me! :-) Mark — I agree with you: I suppose it is *possible* to ridicule someone in a way that pleases the Lord, to bring correction through humorous means, but it’d be very challenging. Hm. I need to think about this some more….

Tell Stephen hi for me! :-)

]]> By: Mark Altrogge http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2009/09/why-we-make-fun-of-each-other.html/comment-page-1#comment-7139 Mark Altrogge Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:31:55 +0000 http://www.theblazingcenter.com/?p=3071#comment-7139 Hey Ted, You make some great points. Obviously, if God speaks sarcastically or mocks, it would be totally pure and without sin. And Elijah as well, as a prophet of God, would probably have been doing it in a pure way that would glorify God. That's the challenge for me. Sometimes rather than be forthright and direct with someone, I can be tempted to come at them "sideways" through sarcasm. I agree that in some circumstances, and depending on your relationship with a person, humor or sarcasm can be redemptive. I think a lot depends on our motives - if we are doing it for the glory of Christ and to serve the person it is good. I think that's what Jesus was doing when he called James and John "Sons of Thunder" - he was gently and affectionately reminding them of their weakness. Obviously, you've put some thought into it...guess I'll have to read your thesis...thanks for your comments! Hey Ted,

You make some great points. Obviously, if God speaks sarcastically or mocks, it would be totally pure and without sin. And Elijah as well, as a prophet of God, would probably have been doing it in a pure way that would glorify God. That’s the challenge for me. Sometimes rather than be forthright and direct with someone, I can be tempted to come at them “sideways” through sarcasm.

I agree that in some circumstances, and depending on your relationship with a person, humor or sarcasm can be redemptive. I think a lot depends on our motives – if we are doing it for the glory of Christ and to serve the person it is good.

I think that’s what Jesus was doing when he called James and John “Sons of Thunder” – he was gently and affectionately reminding them of their weakness.

Obviously, you’ve put some thought into it…guess I’ll have to read your thesis…thanks for your comments!

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