How to Kill Comedy & Religion

Please watch the following video clip before reading my post:

Imagine for a moment that you were to introduced to Monty Python's comedy through the video clip above.

"Seriously," A friend tells you, "you'll love them! Just look at the historical impact this team has made on modern comedy writers!"

After watching, you may very well be intrigued as to why all these comedic minds are so enamored with Monty Python, but I'm not sure that you'd be laughing. Because let's face it, this short documentary isn't very funny.

In fact, this video, although a nice commentary on the influence that Monty Python has had in the art of other comedy writers/directors, isn't a good way to experience comedy- it's an example of how to kill comedy. In stark contrast to the actual Monty Python Troupe, who made a name for themselves bordering on the absurd and lampooning everything under the sun, this video's rational, reasonable, and thoughtful approach to comedy removes all traces of what made Flying Circus, Holy Grail, The Life of Brian funny to begin with. It makes Monty Python serious business and reduces their legacy to one of influence and impact rather than laughter.

The only way to truly enjoy and savor Monty Python is through the means of actually watching their work. You simply can't get a taste of what they're all about by discussing them or watching a documentary about the historical impact they've had. So, before going any further in this post, let's all take a moment to enjoy one of my own personal favorite scenes:

The Stoning, from Life of Brian

Ah yes, this is why we love Monty Python. It's not because a bunch of guys like Trey Parker and Jamie Fallon tell us that they are great and meaningful, but rather, it's because they are indeed a very funny bunch who are able to see the lighter side of the darkest moments. Nothing is sacred. Everything and everyone contains a laughable moment that's just waiting to catch us unawares.

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So, this morning when I watched the video, it immediately made me consider whether or not we do this with religion, too.

Honestly, if feels like we may be killing religion in the same way these guys have killed Monty Python.

I just have to wonder if maybe the reason people aren't more intrigued with God is because our conversations, sermons, and books are all about God rather than little windows that reflect who He actually is. We've chosen to create these intellectual/historical/philosophical reductions of the impact He's made on the world (or in our own lives) instead of inviting other people to really see and savor Him.

OK, maybe it's just that I've seen too many "Case for Christ" and "Evidence that Demands a Verdict" memes and not enough people who are simply living in the way of Jesus and inviting others to see Him. But maybe not. Maybe we are doing it?

I'd encourage you to give a lot of thought to this. Think about most of the conversations, sermons, discussions, books, and videos you've ever seen about Christianity (other religious beliefs fit into this dilemma too, I'm sure). Have most of them been mere conjecture about God or are they little images of Him that allow you to experience Him fully?

For my part (and this blog is no exception), I've held a lot of intellectually viable conversations regarding Religion and Christianity, but I haven't done a whole lot of pointing people toward viable ways of seeing and savoring God.

It's probably time to change that.

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Questions for Consideration:

1. What are some other well-intended ways to "kill" religion besides reducing it to a meme?

2. Have you spent more time seeing and savoring God, or more time intellectualizing Him and reducing His historical significance?

3. What are some ways to really see God rather than simply knowing some useful facts about Him?