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James Martin, S.J.August 22, 2009

Did Jesus laugh?  Most likely.   Do I like to laugh?  Most definitely.   Anyway, this is just for fun.  I don't think we had our blog up and running when this thing came out.  Hope you enjoy it.  If you steal any of these jokes at least footnote me.

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15 years 10 months ago
I had heard the barber joke before, but your delivery was perfect, I had no idea you were a natural born comedian as well. You are truly gifted, in many ways.  :)
15 years 10 months ago
Well, the joke is on you as you apparently forgot to put the link to the jokes unless this is the joke. The article you wrote and pointed to in the previous blog is quite well done.
Seriously funny, I once asked if Jesus ever told a joke or laughed as I can't recall this anywhere in the Christian Scriptures (New Testament). One very well published Jesuit I know  who is in Rome seemed to think that any joke is somehow a rather uncouth way of communicating, especially at the dinner table. In other words, jokes are to be frowned upon. Maybe I misinterpreted what this old sourpuss said but this is what I recall. Actually, I was aghast at his statement; maybe it was a bad moment. I can actually imagine Ignatius somewhat having this attitude from what seems to be recorded of how he carried himself. Correct me if this is a wrong impression or I missed seeing his humor. In a sense, he is funny, but I don't think he sees it that way.
Myself, I think Jesus laughed quite often; it is hard to imagine the Jewish culture without at the same time thinking of the profusive Jewish humor (is this racist to think?). Whether Jesus told a joke per se is still up for grabs but for sure some or maybe even most of what he said has a very subtle humor to me.
15 years 10 months ago
Well done and well said, Father.
AMDG!
P.S. Good sense of timing, also...and nice adlibs.

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