Wet Blanket Believers

I wish I could've hung out with Thomas Aquinas.  He must've been a riot.  The name may conjure stuffy intellectual images but it shouldn't.  In his Summa Theologica, he draws our attention to an oft-ignored virtue: wit.

“Jokes and plays are words and gestures that are not instructive but merely seek to give lively pleasure. We should enjoy them. They are governed by the virtue of witty gaiety to which Aristotle refers (Ethics II28aI) and which we call pleasantness. A ready-witted man is quick with repartee and turns speech and action to light relief.”

I could totally see Thomas throwing down some sarcastic barbs at fellow members of the Domincan Order. Later Aquinas says:

“It is against reason to be burdensome to others, showing no amusement and acting as a wet blanket. Those without a sense of fun, who never say anything ridiculous, and are cantankerous with those who do, these are vicious, and are called grumpy and rude.”

Unfortunately, we've got too many "wet blanket" Christians who need to lighten up a bit.  Are there serious concerns in today's culture?  Of course.  But we've gotta make sure we're dying on the right hills, over the right issues.  And even amidst our serious work, we should be playful, humorous, and comical. 

I've been hanging out with some atheists in Berkeley over the last few years.  We have them come hang with our groups of young people and basically lay down their arguments against God.  Serious stuff.  If what they say is true, it's time to abandon the faith.  However, as these atheists have become my friends, I just try to be myself, which oftentimes tends toward humor and sarcasm.  And my atheist friends appreciate it.

For instance, before they speak to our group, I'll hand them a bottle of water, so they don't suffer from a parched mouth.  But as I hand it to them, I'll say something like, "Be careful.  The water might burn a bit as it goes down.  It's holy water, after all."  They laugh.  I laugh.  It lightens the mood.  They see I don't hate them (because you typically don't joke around with people you dislike).  And I'm pretty sure they'd never characterize me as "grumpy" or "rude."  

So Christian, remember to lighten up a bit more and laugh often.  Indeed, you and I ought to experience more joy and laughter than anyone else.  And that may speak much louder to our non-believing friends than many of the things we could say with our lips.  

Comments

[Brian]

I appreciated that post, Brett. Unique and useful.

[Johnnie]

So is "wet blanket" a direct translation of "lodix uda" or is it a paraphrase in the vernacular?

[Hironimous Rex]

Funny, because I just got done listening to Matt Chandler (whom, is incredibly and genuinely funny) speak on the book of Ecclesiasties, in a somewhat similar vein. Somewhat. Good post!

[Francis Beckwith]

That's why I'm a Thomist, and not just a peeping Thomist.

[Derrick]

I don't really appreciate this post. It makes me a little uncomfortable with folks having fun.

[Derrick]

You know I need to pick a new website if I don't even rememeber what it is. :-)

[Reverend Scheuerman]

I am deeply offended Brett and don't think you take the Christian life seriously. I believe humor is just as detrimental to The Way as is dancing, gambling and drinking. Stop being so funny!

[James Findlayson]

If you wish you could hang out with Thomas Aquinas, why don't you then?

Frank Beckwith and I do :)

[Lance Hillyer]

I know God has a sense of humor - he chose me. Actually, wouldn't mind hanging out with Jesus. I'm pretty sure he knows a few good ones.