I have wrestled with this in the past but decided that I need to go ahead and post it anyway. I will be upfront this may not sit well with many people but I ask that you at least consider what I write and if you feel it is erroneous you can post a comment because I would really love to dialogue about it. This post is about Christians and Comedy and the thin line that I think is crossed daily.
The picture above is a movie by the famous Oshea Jackson better known as Ice Cube (actually the movie is written and directed by David Talbert thanks LadyDi). The little funny looking guy is Katt Williams a very popular comedian for the Hip Hip (my) generation and he is the typical black church Choir Director if you know what I mean. The movie is about some petty criminals who must rob a neighborhood church to pay a $17K debt. The preacher of this church is the infamous Katt Williams or Pastor Rickey. We see the typical church satire. The crooked church pastor (actually it was the Deacon who is played by Micheal Beach thanks again Lady Di)I guess, the man who lust after the women, the money being used to finance lifestyles, we see the swaying choir, and the typical unregenerate church member. All of this is done in the name of a few laughs. But what isn’t funny is the fact that the name of the Lord Jesus and YAHWEH are misused the church is lowered to an incompetent organism that really has no Gospel and no power to do anything but meet the felt needs of the people that dawn the door Sunday after Sunday, then we have………
The above is a picture of Talladega Nights a comedy about racing. The lead character is the famous Will Ferrell. He got his big break on Saturday Night Live and has been “balling” every since. The scene above caused me to turn the movie off. What is sad is that a Christian recommended this movie to me and I have heard many Christians say it is one of the funniest movies they ever saw. I am saddened by such a statement. Here is the dialogue that surrounded my utter frustration:
Ricky Bobby: Dear Lord baby Jesus, or as our brothers in the south call you, “Jezus,” we thank you so much for this bountiful harvest of Dominos, KFC, and the always delicious Taco Bell. I just want to take time to say thank you for my family. My two beautiful, beautiful, handsome stricking sons, Walker, and Texas Ranger, or TR as we call him. And of course my red hot smokin’ wife Carley, who is a stone cold fox.
Cal Naughton, Jr.: mmm…
Ricky Bobby: Dear tiny infant Jesus…
Carley Bobby: Hey, um… you know sweetie, Jesus did grow up. You don’t always have to call him baby. It’s a bit odd and off puttin’ to pray to a baby.
Ricky Bobby: Well look, I like the Christmas Jesus best, and I’m sayin grace. When you say grace, you can say it to grown up Jesus, or teenage Jesus, or bearded Jesus, or whoever you want.
Now maybe that is funny to you and maybe I am just a pious self-righteous hyprocritical pharissee, but I wonder when the covenant was made in eternity past, the one when Jesus decided to humble Himself by becoming the incarnate Son of God, and He is surrendering to His own creation to become the sacrificial lamb I don’t think the Trinity was laughing about this. Mankind has offended a Holy God and the only way this could be made right is through the birth, death, burial and ressurection of the Lord Jesus. I wonder was Jesus laughing when He is beat, mocked, spit upon, carrying His cross and nailed to it on Golgatha was He laughing. I wonder did He think “this baby Jesus stuff is hilarious Father”. I don’t think so but I could be wrong. But I am not finish I have one more bone to pick and this man is more famous than them all right now and it is……..
Tyler Perry. This man has grossed more money from blaspheming the name of God than anyone I know. The problem is this is supposed to be wholesome Christian comedy. He profanes the name of God consistenly and habitually. Madea is a profane woman (Tyler Perry dressed up) who continually ridcules Christ and the Church here is a quote just in case you think I am going to far:
“Every time I try to read the Bible… and Jesus… the one with all the words in red… I open my Bible to that New Testimony and see all that red and I just give up. Jesus was talkin’ way too much.” - Madea
Here is another
“Myrtle: I found out a long time ago that God can take care of me far better than you can.
Madea: God takes too long sometimes for me, I got to get got then. “
These are just a couple I got pages of them. But if we think that “Jesus was talking way too much” is funny then we have some serious theological issues to work through and the first one that comes to mind is worship. I wonder how people can laugh at Will Ferrell, Katt Williams, and Tyler Perry and be taken serious as it relates to the Gospel. Our God came in the flesh to reconcile us to Himself and in turn we laugh at Him. We make Him the butt of our jokes. We profane His Holy Name by giggling at blasphemers? Come on folks.
I think the problem is we don’t read our bibles. Church is something to do not somebody to be. That is why we have no problem with people singing popular Christian songs when they don’t even believe in Him. That is why we don’t have a problem with “The Bible Experience” a group of profane man and women “bringing the bible to life” as the executive producer of it says. Its funny we don’t see Muslims playing with the Koran like that do we. They would be outraged if a group of Christians took the Koran to make it more relevant but we have no problem letting these actors do it to our word.
I have no problem with comedy I love to laugh, but I will not engage in it at the expense of my Lord. If you spend anytime in the Old Testament there is one thing that God is serious about and it is “HIS NAME”. You don’t see Moses and Aaron giving stand up comedy skits and using the Lord’s name as a foundation of their jokes. When Isaiah sees the Lord High and Lifted Up you don’t see Him turn around and crack jokes with Hezikiah. Here are a couple of examples of just how Holy God is and why we should fear Him not crack jokes or support others who make sport of Him:
Leviticus: 24
10 Now an Israelite woman’s son, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the people of Israel. And the Israelite woman’s son and a man of Israel fought in the camp, 11 and the Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the Name, and cursed. Then they brought him to Moses. His mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan. 12 And they put him in custody, till the will of the Lord should be clear to them. 13 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 14 “Bring out of the camp the one who cursed, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him. 15 And speak to the people of Israel, saying, Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. 16 Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
I bet that dude wasn’t laughing when the third stone hit him upside his head and what about this one in Chapter 10:
10:1 Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. 2 And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. 3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said, ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace. 4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, “Come near; carry your brothers away from the front of the sanctuary and out of the camp.” 5 So they came near and carried them in their coats out of the camp, as Moses had said. 6 And Moses said to Aaron and to Eleazar and Ithamar his sons, “Do not let the hair of your heads hang loose, and do not tear your clothes, lest you die, and wrath come upon all the congregation; but let your brothers, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning that the Lord has kindled. 7 And do not go outside the entrance of the tent of meeting, lest you die, for the anointing oil of the Lord is upon you.” And they did according to the word of Moses.
I can continue on for pages again but hopefully you get what I am trying to convey. Just because our culture does things doesn’t give us to right to participate in it. We should be offended when Will Ferrell says “I like the baby Jesus” we should be offended when Tyler Perry profanes the name of God which He does in EVERY SINGLE PLAY OR MOVIE HE PRODUCES (it is funny that he gets a Gospel Celebration awardfor blaspheming the name of God, this is idiotic). We should be offened with a little profane man plays the role of the highest office in the Church of God which is a Pastor the equivalent of a prophet today. God takes His name very seriously and as His servants we should also.
You see as long as we allow this stuff to go unquestioned we will continue to be the laughing stock of the known world. When the Flood, the Plauges, the Red Sea, David and Goliath, The destruction of the Prophets of Baal, Jonah in the Fish, The birth, death and ressurection of our Lord, and Hell are jokes by us, then people will never see the grave consequences of offending a Holy God and our children will continue to become more pluralistic and our churches will become more susceptible to all types of error and man like Olsteen and Jakes (the next Billy Graham?) will continue to find the spotlight on Dr. Phil and Oprah. Man like Kirk Franklin and Tyler Perry will continue to get invitations to Oprah and we wil continue to be a viable option among many religions. Stephen the Levite says something in one of his songs “they take Him as a joke because we present Him that way, the masses are at stake” and I concur wholeheartedly!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow wow wow, you said a mouth full. I agree with you 100%. Your article was exellant!!!
I have been a fan of Tyler Perrys faithfully from going to his plays and being the first one in line for his movies on opening weekend. ALWAYS!
I must admit I do laugh when I hear Madea say those lines.
So when you wrote about it………..I asked myself……Lacrease what part makes you laugh? What part about what Madea said was funny to you.? My answer is, at one time or another when I was first started to read the bible for myself * Im 40 now* I probaly did say when I came across the red words on the side of the page in the bible…..dang this is a lot of reading. Jesus was talking to these people allllllllllll day loooooong.
I’ll go back to that one.
And when you posted the part about Madea say that God takes too long sometimes, and that you got to get got then. I asked myself what was funny about that part?
Going back to the first one. I believe that Tyler Perry was showing US ourselves at one time or another. I dont know if you have said that about Jesus but I can remember closing my bible in frustration and being over whelmed of having to read what was said and learning the bible. The humor part comes in ONLY IF you have said those things to yourself. The whole point is to laugh, and say Thank God, Thank you Jesus that I know longer think that way, that I can laugh at how I use to think. To say to yourself………… I LOVE READING YOUR WORD LORD, I WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE. And so when I heard Madea say WHAT I USE TO SAY TO MYSELF when I was a babe, it made me laugh. We’re not laughing at Jesus. Its more of were laughing at ourselves……….for just a second.
When I first heard Madea say: God takes too long sometimes for me, I got to get got then. “
I can relate to that. I find that funny. ONLY because I have felt that way and said it to myself many many many many times before I wa saved. But now since I longer think that way, I wouldnt touch or harm a fly. And again the humor comes in on the part that I can laugh at myself. I LAUGH AT MYSELF WHEN MADEA SAYS THINGS THAT I USE TO SAY. I once use to think the same way Madea did. I am no longer blind!!! I can see.
That is what I, Lacrease believe that Tyler Perry is showing in his writing. Not to mock Jesus or what he stood for. Some of the same things Madea said, I have said to myself at one time or another. Thats whats funny.
Let me give you another example: A young gurl falls on the ground scraps up her leg. I see it and laugh. Someone will say to me HOW CAN YOU LAUGH AT HER, SHE’S A YOUNG GURL, SHE FELL AND BRUISED HER LEG, HOW CAN YOU LAUGH AT THIS? I, Lacrease can laughed because of her facial expression. I laughed because of the way she land on the ground. Im NOT LAUGHING BECAUSE SHE’S HURT, IM NOT LAUGHING BECAUSE SHE FELLED. Im laughing because when we ALL fall WE have to dust ourselvs off and get back up again. If noone understands that………………its okay.
Now let me say this. Im only laughing is because I SEE MYSELF IN THE SITUATION……..and thats the very very very same eyes Tyler Perry writes from.
I believe that Tyler Perry wants people to see themselves on the screen and laugh. Some may ask well what about the people who laugh because they are that way now, and feel the same way Madea feels. Well lets pray that there is someone around to tell them better.
Lacrease
Neshacrese@aol.com
http://hecallmecree.multiply.com/
Steppn’n on toes, Lionel (lol)……but glad to see you’re aiming to make em’ cruch when you do, Brah, as it was most needed what you said. Yes, Madea probably the one I have to check myself the most on.
Ephesians 5
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them
http://www.preceptaustin.org/ephesians_53-4.htm#5:4
Would that not square away much of the things we consider to be humorous as something to re-consider?
I’m with you 100%, Lionel. It seems that so many Christians want to be thought of as cool or hip because they are willing to laugh at jokes about the Lord of glory. Or, what may be worse, many professing Christians really do find this humor to be funny. Too many times, “There is no fear of God before his eyes.”
Thanks for your wide-open honesty, it is very refreshing.
First Sunday – wrong, wrong, wrong info.
The pastor WAS Chi McBride, Katt Williams – the “little funny looking guy” AKA Rickey was the Choir Director and Rickey Smiley was Church Lady (he’s a dude dressed in female attire for the “Christians” as she watches them faint from that wording). The movie is not “by” Ice Cube, it was written BY David Talbert BUT… Oshea Jackson did give some assistance to Mr. Talbert onset. The pastor was not crooked it was the accountant (if you will because I not being a church attendee know not the proper terminology for this part/role of actor Michael Beach) FOR the church. The guys were not on a “MUST rob” the church, it was an poor option… a terrible one no doubt, but it a decision ‘Durrell’ (Ice Cube) and ‘LeeJohn’ (Tracy Morgan) made.
The movie left me with the story about how options even the few that I may think I have are not always the best before me. It also showed me how life takes people to a low they never thought they’d ever go and the road beyond. It also showed me that there is redemption, there is salvation and there definitely is a GOD. If you didn’t actually VIEW the movie, then I see why you wrote what you did and who you did. Don’t stand on the outside of the church, go inside and you might see the lesson the cast tried to bring to all.
Gain… watch the movie, you might understand how I feel. Then again, maybe you won’t. But at least after watching it you’ll be able to utilize it much better than you did in this post.
Stay focused while you continue to be blessed!!
I wanted to let you know how encouraged I am to see someone speaking out about this subject. I couldn’t agree more.
I love humor, but the name of the Lord isn’t a laughing matter. We are to lift Him up and glorify him with our lives, and that includes our humor.
Jesus even used humor at times, but he never mocked the Father’s name, or his own.
My bad about the mix up Lady Di. I stand corrected on the Charachters mix up. I saw flashes of it but didn’t want to sit through the whole thing. So I am bit mixed up. However that still doesn’t change the premise of the post. Since you were so nice enough to post here please provide us with the redemptive Gospel that was preached on there. I am not trying to pick with you but let me know how much of this was Churchy and how much of this was about Jesus Christ the only one who can reconcile us to God. Thanks I will be awaiting your response. I got some good quotes for you to especially by the infamous Choir Director.
It disappointed me to see Madea’s comments in the movies, which overall have good messages.
I particularly find it interesting that Tyler Perry’s character (Madea) is not the “Christian” in the movies. I’d love to ask him why he chooses to play the comic relief in his movies which seem to want to make a serious statement.
Remember the one about “piece” of Jesus (as in a handgun)? The lady at the table is trying to espouse real Christian sentiment about forgiveness and Madea is essentially the annoying friend who is killing the mood.
On the racing movie, I actually found it to be sub par Will Ferrell and far to racy. However, I liked that particular scene, not because I appreciate blasphemy, which it was, but because the humor was in the irony. The vast majority of professing Christians craft a good to suit themselves and see Jesus as they want to see Him.
I think the movie writers went over the line in mocking what is an epidemic in our churches, but sometimes it takes the absurd to see the cold reality of what is essentially idolatry.
Good slooge, brother.
Bro, I want to thank you for this blog, because at this very time The Lord is dealing with me in this particular area. As I have been convicted by The Holy Ghost to disciple my family according to Ephesians chapter 6, I am being reminded that I can not effectively disciple my children or my wife if we even give in to watch even american idol. Some people might say that that is taking it too far, but how can I teach my daughters about modest dress and then turn around and watch women on this seemingly innocent show dress in tight, form showing clothing. So just think, if we have compromised in regular tv just how far are willing to go to get a laugh and still feel “religious” or saved. Most people talk about Christian liberty, but the scripture states in 1 Cor 10:31 that we are to do all to the glory of God, so we have to ask ourselves is what we are watching and laughing at bringing glory or shame to the name of The Lord! I appreciate good challenging dialouge between believers!
Lionel–
Well said my brotha, well said!! Thanks for being obedient and laying it all flat out on the table. God has really been dealing with me about this very issue. I believe in my heart God brought me to this page. I know it has been a minute since you wrote it but, I just wanted to comment.
I love to laugh and make other people laugh, but not at the expense of Our Lord and Savior. So,I had to ask myself– If I know I have no intentions of saying anything to bring a reproach on the Lord just for a laugh or for any other reason because–
1. As a Christian, I have been called to be a light unto lost souls and live a life that is Christ-like and
2. In my heart I know it would be mockery and blasphemy–So, why in the world am I laughing? Just because it is coming out of someone else’s mouth doesn’t make it any less irrevent to the Lord.
When you are in a desert spiritually and you ask God to show you what is hindering you and really mean it when you ask–He will show you. I just knew I wouldn’t and could’nt stay where I was. Alot of times, it is not what you think. I had no idea how I had begun to compromise who I was in the Lord by watching and laughing at not only certain movies, but tv shows also. A few years ago, I would not have laughed at those words quoted in your article from those movies. I had to ask God to forgive me. God is faithful and if your heart’s desire is to live for Him–He will make sure you make it:-)
Take care and God bless!!
Psalms 37:4
Thanx for this post! I have come to grips with Tyler Perry and his “Theology” that he presents in his movies. And I used to be his biggest fan. But the more I study God’s Word and look at them in the light of God’s word, I see a need to express the theological concerns to the masses. When people make “christian” films for so called entertainment value, there is a measure of the filmaker’s theology in the movie. Every movie seeks to express the writers views of the world; and in Perry’s case, his views on theology and the Church of Christ. So if we understand the message of his movies, then we understand what he believes about the Bible. I will use an example from his first major film “Diary of a mad black woman.” Shamar Moore’s character Orlando was said to be a Christian, but we see him in the beginning being totally indifferent to a woman who is being thrown out of her house on the streets. In his film “Family Reunion” we see so called Christian characters expressing sensuality and carnal love. And I won’t even go there with “Why did I get married?” and Meet the Browns! It is clear that Tyler Perry has a liberal view of Christianity and he is trying to blast his theology on the silver screen. As Christians we must be very very discerning. We live in the age where people will not endure sound doctrine.
I read this article and it has given me wonderful insight for various reasons. I was introduced to these movies and his plays in 2003. I didn’t know anything about him since I do not watch TV or go to the movies. The play was “The Diary of A ….” I thought it was powerful and insightful. I know that he has overcome significant struggles in his life. I think that some twists and turns come into play and people overlook the gravity of the profane dialogue becuase of his lifestory or they really want to be hip or with the masses.
My roommate left me a couple of the DVD’s to watch, so I went to have some fun, and cut off the lights, and sat on the couch. I was enjoying the second play from this writer when – the character old transvestite started to dance with the Holy Ghost.
I felt deep inside that I can’t ever get romantic with God, or dance sensual with God, so that can’t be right. I didn’t have to shut off the DVD – it froze.
I sat in awe that the DVD froze and it was confirmation that the Holy Ghost didn’t want me to see it at all. I took it out of the DVD player and left, and never watched any of his movies since. Now, I went to a Christian Book store and they had his DVD’s on the front counter and I felt in my heart that they know not what they do or it is about business first.
I have Pastor friends as I work in ministry to homeless or broken women and they love his movies and prosperity and think he has done great wonders.
I have a difference of opinion and feel like – how can I educate a Pastor of twenty years when I don’t even have a ministry certificate yet.
I don’t try to disrespect the elders, but I feel deep inside that they must be blind leaders if they like someone who has profaned the name of God openly in which if you are funny – you are funny.
You don’t need to swear to be funny and Cosby showed us this in his television show. Humor is a talent that comes naturally and when people use too much of anything else then it is coming from the wicked one – to pervert others in a sense.
I honestly feel like the bible states that Satan has ministers that transform into an Angel of light. They appear good looking, suave, rich, together and in the meantime – in between time they are misusing the Word of God which is life, and many other things to destruction.
As far as the other movies that I have not seen – I will not be watching them or anything else the writers of these movies wrote. I think that people compromise for monies all of the time.
Women do it too when it comes to the industry of topless dancing, or strip clubs, – they may hate to do the job, and the way men lust after them, but it is much more money than flipping a burger. They don’t invest in schools or cry out for help at programs in America, but try to fix their problems – which most of the time – leads to more problems due to self-hatred of the kind of person they have become.
It is a human weakness in all of us to love money or what it can do, and I can only pray for all of the characters involved by the hundreds, and all of the people that supported him to become rich and famous.
My people perish for lack of knowledge. Some people are still dead in their sins and trespasses and it could have been me too, but for the grace of God – there go I.
I will not profane His name for it is holy – and I personally will not support someone who takes the name of God in vain, as I have seen for msyelf. I shut it down and off, the people who have not yet done this – I pray for them and I pray for the ones who are still speaking ill of the one true God. Thank God He is merciful, but He does want man to repent and not perish, and I pray that they do repent for He will come in a time unknown to man, or the angels, but only to the Father.
~I love the sinner, but I do hate the sin. I am not perfect, but I will make a distinction between holy and unholy. I wrote these words to express my thoughts and not to harm anyone’s name or character, I disagree with movies, writer, producers, and actors that take the Lord’s name in vain and if you are doing these things, then I am praying that you turn because it is wicked.