• Home
  • Our Articles
  • Various Authors
  • Podcasts

Done with Religion

Done with Religion … Not Done with God

Feeds:
Posts
Comments
« Is Being Gay A Sin?
Does The Old Testament Always Convey What God Is Really Like? »

Bust-up…It’s Prophetic!

November 8, 2019 by DoneWithReligion

by Jordan Hathcock

“A priest once quoted to me the Roman saying that a religion is dead when the priests laugh at each other across the altar. I always laugh at the altar, be it Christian, Hindu, or Buddhist, because real religion is the transformation of anxiety into laughter.”– Alan Watts

When exploring the comedic landscape, be it stand-up or just laughing with buddies, what we discover is total-unsaturated freedom. I mean, come on! You know you cannot deny when a good joke hits your soul, you become overpowered with joy and bliss. The endorphins hit an all-time high, and you bask in the comfort of hilariousness. When swimming in the Christian tradition, I think “busting-up” is a vital prophetic practice to have if we ever want to see restorative justice and mercy flow through our current social landscape.

How do we experience this through the Christian tradition? Well, unfortunately we don’t see to many preachers at the pulpit preaching “go out and watch some comedy”, but this does not mean that from the broad scope of things, the Christ-trajectory hasn’t journeyed out to this particular new endeavor. Yes, I get it. When we see how uncomfortable someone’s sense of humors can make us feel, its hard not to react in disdained. I find it interesting that a sermon kind of has the same kind of effect on us. Comedian Pete Homes says it best:

“The skill set of pastor and comedian are incredibly similar. You want to affect people. You’re good at reading rooms. You’re persuasive, and you’re likable.”

Now, I am not saying that we are just to be entertained in our seats while watching the “pastor” make us laugh. That is not the point. The point, I think, is we might have to find ourselves in uncomfortable spaces to be able to stretch us to encounter different perspectives. We are seeing some truth spoken to power being projected out of the stand-up scene, which if we listen closely and take some pointers, it might just help us over here in the Christian world.

The prophetic is used not to just expose the injustices, but also to bring about liberation. We must see that when we laugh, it is a way for us to heal towards a better way of living for ourselves and the community we relate to. Likewise, as the medical research shows:

“There is growing evidence that laughter as a physical activity can additionally produce small but quantifiable positive physiological benefits.”

The physiological also plays a huge part in the spiritual. When we step into the realm of expressed humor, we find ourselves in a place of peace. It is peacemaking that brings us into the “reign of God”. There is hope for this Jesus tradition and it is finding our sense of humor! Yes, the current divide and injustices that is currently happening within our current American culture is ramped.

It’s easy to get to serious with ourselves with all the bullshit running amok! Believe me, I am guilty of it! Please understand, we are not to ignore the racism that is happening within the police force across the county, school shootings, the Trump impeachment scandal, etc. The list can go on and on.

But we must admit, when things to get a little out of hand, the only medicine is to laugh that shit off! Like good old Sarah reminds us in her time of utter disbelief in the insanity: “So, Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” (Gen 18:12) Pleasure? In all this mess? Is it possible? Don’t know (like always) but I do trust in the gift of laughter. From this ancient tradition, its time to let go of the long faces and step into the vibrant space of comedy…

“When I opened my eyes and saw the real world, I began to laugh and I haven’t stopped since.” – Soren Kierkegaard

Rate this:

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Blogger
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Posted in Acceptance, christian living, Jesus follower, Lifestyles, Love of God, religion | Tagged christian living, Christianity, comedy, laughter, religion | 2 Comments

2 Responses

  1. on November 8, 2019 at 5:08 PM Jem

    Love it!

    LikeLiked by 1 person


    • on November 10, 2019 at 10:41 AM Jordan Hathcock

      Thank you, Jem!

      LikeLike



Comments are closed.

  • Unchurching – TED Talk

    https://youtu.be/FEkFgCFSKMg
  • Email Us

    Send email to Done with Religion
  • Revolution Church – Podcast

    Listen to Done with Religion writer Rocky Glenn as he talks with Jay and Caleb from Revolution Church

    Meet Your Congregation: Rocky Glenn

  • RIP Medical Debt

    RIP Medical Debt empowers donors to forgive billions in oppressive medical debt. We are dedicated to removing the burden of medical debt for individuals and families and veterans across America. Click HERE to donate now.

  • Mike Adams is a former pastor in the institutional church who has left that environment for a more authentic expression of the Christian faith outside those four walls.

    http://unsunday.libsyn.com/

    Featuring Jim Gordon and Rocky Glenn

    http://unsunday.libsyn.com/leaving-religion-finding-ekklesia-a-conversation-with-rocky-glenn-and-jim-gordon

     

  • Search Articles

  • Subscribe in a reader
  • If you need help click here
    or call the number below

  • Follow Done with Religion on WordPress.com
  • Podcast with Jim Gordon of Done with Religion

    Done with Religion? Unity and living outside institutional religion (featuring Jim Gordon)

  • Recent Posts

    • Black Sheep In Wolves Clothing
    • Can We Agree to Disagree?
    • Is God More Mysterious Or Knowable?
    • Can We Really Love Our Enemies?
    • Do We Understand God Through The Bible Or Common Moral Sense?
  • Need Help? Click Here
    or call the number listed below

  • Follow us on Twitter

    My Tweets
  • Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 3,139 other followers

  • Like Us on Facebook

    Like Us on Facebook
  • Support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

    Click Here to Make a Donation to St Jude Hospital

  • Archives

    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2016
    • April 2016
    • March 2016
    • February 2016
    • January 2016
    • December 2015
    • November 2015
    • October 2015
    • September 2015
    • August 2015
    • July 2015
    • June 2015
    • May 2015
    • April 2015
    • March 2015
    • February 2015
    • January 2015
    • December 2014
    • November 2014
    • October 2014
    • September 2014
    • August 2014
    • July 2014
    • June 2014
    • May 2014
    • April 2014
    • March 2014
    • February 2014
    • January 2014
    • December 2013
    • November 2013
    • October 2013
    • August 2013
    • July 2013
    • June 2013
    • April 2013
    • March 2013
    • February 2013
    • January 2013
    • December 2012
    • November 2012
    • October 2012
    • September 2012
    • August 2012
    • July 2012
    • June 2012
    • May 2012
    • April 2012
    • March 2012
    • February 2012
    • January 2012
    • December 2011
    • November 2011
    • October 2011
    • September 2011
    • August 2011
    • July 2011
    • February 2011
    • May 2010
  • Wishes are more than just a nice thing A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a life-threatening medical condition. This one belief guides us in everything we do at Make-A-Wish®. It inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve. It compels us to be creative in exceeding the expectations of every wish kid. It drives us to make our donated resources go as far as possible. Most of all, it’s the founding principle of our vision to grant the wish of every eligible child. Whatever the odds, whatever the obstacles wishes find a way to make the world better. We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. To make a donation click here:

  • If you are in crisis and need support call the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386

  • Some of the Blogs We Follow

  • Varioius Posts We Like

  • Follow Us On Instagram

    Can We Really Love Our Enemies https://donewithreligion.com/2021/02/17/can-we-really-love-our-enemies/
    Church Attendance and Other Religious Acts https://donewithreligion.com/2021/02/10/church-attendance-and-other-religious-acts/
    Beyond Roe v Wade https://donewithreligion.com/2021/02/03/abortion-roe-v-wade-what-next/
  • View Other Pages of Our Site

    Guest Bloggers
    https://donewithreligion.com/guest-bloggers/

    Podcasts
    https://donewithreligion.com/podcasts/

  • Doctors Without Borders help people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care. Help support Doctors Without Borders by making a donation here:

  • Done with Religion on Bloglovin

    Follow our blog with Bloglovin

  • Blog Stats

    • 120,588 hits

Blog at WordPress.com.

WPThemes.


Writer Dylan Morrison

Fascinated by the Nazarene but unimpressed by religion!

Living With Hope

The Knowable Mystery

Follow Your Arrow

Unashamed of who God made us to be, and unapologetic in our pursuit of God and our purpose in His kingdom

The Grace Cafe Journal

Exploring Grace Apart From Religion

Blind Injustice

Injustices we may not be aware of

Sophia's Essays

This is where I post my essays, primarily about LGBTQ+ issues, politics, and Christian theology.

My Journey

Welcome. My blog is a place where readers will find writings of personal experiences, thoughts, and the peace that the Lord provides throughout my walk. I intend to bring inspiration and insight, as well as providing a very personal and transparent view into my life, in order to help others see their own lives in a different perspective. I strongly believe that we all need a different view at times, in order for our own personal growth to take place.

Hazy Divinity

Welcome To The Party

Wet Feet Ministry

Candice Czubernat

A leading voice in the LGBTQ and Christian dialogue

Our Journeys Matter! - Posts

Done with Religion ... Not Done with God

Ally's Notebook

Thoughts To Share

The Grace Cafe Blog

Life of a Prodigal

Searching for Truth outside the church walls

What God May Really Be Like - Misbeliefs About God

To those done with religion but not God and my kids (Click FOLLOW for future Posts; See ABOUT/USING THIS SITE tab to navigate Site)

carolsimmons

Christy Lynne Wood

Looking for the Real God

Confessions of a Recovering Churchboy

What I bought before, I just can't sell

Rogue Millennials

To the Saints Radio

Intermission

Reflections in the midst of life.

Crista Crawford, Christian Author and Speaker

She Seeks Nonfiction

A Skeptic's Quest for Science, Wonder, & Books

The Wild Frontier

The search for infinite Truth and the invincible Love of an incredible God.

Finally Megan

A Wilderness Voice

"The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, says the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, says the LORD of hosts." (Hag 2:9)

What do People Understand by the Word God?

with an 85 year old Questioner

Entering the Promised Land

by walking in the Spirit

TruthForFree.com

New Covenant Grace

Beyond Church Walls

Done with Religion ... Not Done with God

Mick Mooney

Escape to Reality

Exploring the wide open spaces of God's amazing grace

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
    %d bloggers like this: