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Hello Pastor,
Many people like to make jokes that have to do with religion, here is an example:
There was once a man who asked God how long a million years was to Him and God said that it was like a second…then the man asked what a million dollars was like to Him, and God said that it was like a penny….then the man asked God if he would give him one of His pennies, and God said, sure, just wait a second.
Would you consider a joke like this to be mere fun, or blasphemy? At what point does a joke become blasphemy or unsound?
Thanks: A.J
Anything that dishonors the character of God or teaches false doctrine though it may be humorous should not be told. We are created in His image so He does have a sense of humor but He is deadly serious about sin and jokes about it are not appropriate.
The example given is humorous and shows that God is all wise in that the lad tried to use His words to get a selfish desire and God didn't let it happen. There is a small devotional in that and as a prelude to that devotion or sermon this would be appropriate.
Jokes that speak detrimentlally against the church or ministry should be done with discernment. Preachers and churches can laugh at their own mistakes but the office of pastor and the church as a whole should not be mocked. "Jesting, which is not conevenient" as Ephesians 5:4 puts it.
Nothing vulgar or double entendre for sure and we are enjoined by this verse to be more serious minded. Some folks are just pure jesters and are never serious and that is determinental to thier spirit as well as those around them. We are also enjoined to remember that
Eccl 7:2
It is better to go to the house of mourning , than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. KJV
Always seek to maintain a balance in your life and if you think God may not laught at the joke then it is best to not tell it. May God grant you great wisdom and discernment as you seek His will.
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Answers by Expert:
Dr. Ronald E. Shultz
Expertise
I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.
Experience
I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.
Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73
Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000
Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975
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