Recently, my kids and I finished Stranger Things Season 4. As I write this, I realize it’s probably not the best way to start a post about comedy and humor. But . . . we’ll see what happens, I guess.
If you are unfamiliar with this series, there are monsters from another dimension breaking into Hawkins, IN. The kids who have to solve these problems (because the adults can’t figure themselves out) call this other dimension “The Upside-Down.” <insert spooky theme music>
During the first season, as we are meeting the main characters, we realize that the kids categorize their experiences through the lens of Dungeons and Dragons. Their imagination is helping them process the hellscape that is their reality in Hawkins. The Demogorgon is now a term known beyond the pages of the Monster Manual.
Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Eleven, Will, Jonathan, Nancy, and Steve understand that there is more going on than the police or their parents can understand. Their experiences have opened their eyes, and their imaginations have given them a way to look at the world and make a difference.
“Jason, what does this have to do with comedy?”
I’m glad you asked. Because I really enjoyed this series and could talk about it all day. Thank you for keeping me on task, reader.
I have always loved comedy. Humor is a great gift to humanity. There are almost 8 Billion people on this hot, crowded planet. Every one of those people has a unique sensibility and perspective on humor. But there is something that can make each of us laugh. What is truly magical is when two individuals see that they share some comedic sensibilities. When people laugh together, they realize that they are not alone in this world.
I believe that humor is everywhere. The problem is, we don’t really know how to look for it. Because we don’t know how to look for it, we don’t know how to mine that material. We may be funny, but it seems like it just kind of happens. But what if we changed the way we looked at the world? What if we started to develop a comedic imagination? How could that change the way we lead? How could a comedic perspective change how we communicate, teach, and even preach?
I believe humor can be a force for good in the world. My hope in these posts is to create conversations and resources to help leaders develop a comic perspective that fosters community, health, and joy.
I am a pastor. I have been following Jesus for most of my life. I think the church can learn a lot about comedy and humor. We have a lot of room to learn how to laugh at ourselves. The Bible is full of humor, but we have to learn to look at it. I will do my best to share resources that you can share with your whole family, your church community, as well as your office, your golf friends, and your sales team. It doesn’t mean that everyone will find everything funny.