p. 227 | Jests upon Scripture

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · May 15, 1855

Jests upon Scripture

Jests upon Scripture.—It is very common with some persons, says the Christian Messenger, to raise a laugh by means of some ludicrous story connected with a text of Scripture. Sometimes it is a play on the words, a pun; at other times a blunder; and not seldom, a downright impurity. Whatever be its form, even when lightest, it is no venial offence, leading as it does to profane contempt of God's word. Those who practice this, have never been celebrated for genuine wit. The laughter which they call forth is provoked solely by the unexpected contrast between the solemn words of Scripture and some droll idea. There is no real wit in the case; and the dullest persons in society are most remarkable for these attempts.

The evils arising from this practice are greater than appear at first.

It leads, in general, to irreverence to Scripture. No man would jest with the dying words of his father or his mother; yet the words of God are quite as solemn. When we have heard a comic or vulgar tale connected with a text of Scripture, such is the power of association, that we never hear the text afterwards without thinking of the jest. The effect of this is obvious. He who is much engaged in this kind of false wit will come at length to have a large portion of Holy Scripture spotted over by his unclean fancy.