Good humor in the Good Book

Amongst God’s commands and promises to his people in the Bible, a healthy dose of humor and amusing incongruities are sprinkled in.

Mark Biddle, a professor of the Old Testament at Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond says it’s OK to laugh just as long as it’s in the right context.

“I’m not interested in taking the Bible and redoing the story and recasting it and making it funny,” Biddle told about two dozen church members.

Instead, he said his goal in highlighting biblical humor has always been to open people’s eyes.

“If there’s humor in the Bible, it’s important to tell it,” said Biddle.

He said that too often, people approach the scriptures with due reverence but in doing so, miss the human elements and experiences that the writers are trying to relate.

So during three days last week, Biddle helped members of New Salem Baptist Church uncover some often overlooked biblical humor.

During Saturday’s evening session, Biddle discussed “that iconic figure David” and his experiences with Saul and Goliath, among others.

Explaining how David is described as handsome, good looking and a well-known musician, Biddle said this is an example of light humor.

“This is the king? This is who you’ve picked to be the king? A handsome, country singer?” Biddle asked. “I wouldn’t have picked him for king.”

Later, after the slaying the giant Goliath, David is now working for King Saul who is afraid of David, according to the scriptures highlighted by Biddle.

“What has David done to cause fear?” Biddle asked. “He’s good with a slingshot and he plays the guitar, and Saul is afraid of him. Remember incongruity — this is hilarious to me,” Biddle said.

But besides amusing accounts of events and experiences, Biddle told the group that looking for humor helps believers answer bigger questions as well, like how one evaluates life in God’s presence and what God is looking for in leadership.

Finally, Biddle says that humor is important because things that are funny nearly always have an element of truth.

Biddle has a bachelor’s degree from Samford University, and masters in dividnity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a master’s degree in theology from Rüschlikon Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate from the University of Zurich.

He has written several books and has served as a pastor in Indiana, Tennessee, Germany and Switzerland.

Nate Delesline III can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 110 or .