Comedy and humor have been turned upside down over the past 50 years in America. If you examine sitcoms from the last 5 decades, you will find that each entertainer tries to push the envelope a little further than the person before them. Somewhere between the 60’s and 70’s, Hollywood crossed the line, leaving courtesy, dignity and honor out in the dark. As cursing, indecency and swearing have replaced natural wit in recent years, the content of most comics is not a laughing matter.
When I read Genesis 9:20-24 today, I was reminded of the days of my youth. If this event took place in the early 80’s, most of the audience would be in shock, not sure how to respond. Thirty years later, souls have been desensitized by the acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:19-21. Films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Animal House have stolen the innocence of our children’s generation. Thus, instead have following in the footsteps of Shem and Japheth, our culture is now laughing with Ham.
It’s only fitting that the father of the Canaanites, Ham, became the thorn in Israel’s side. In fact, God demanded that the Israelites destroy the Canaanites so that their life style would not corrupt God’s chosen people. One of Jesus’ disciples has given us a new command today, to live in the world, but not of it, 1 Peter 2:11-12. God doesn’t want us to become Amish and move to Lancaster or Puritans who isolated themselves from society. Rather, we need to be salt and light, Matthew 5:13-14, refraining from laughing at inappropriate jokes, yet enjoying good and decent comedy. I am just as guilty of the next guy or girl, smirking at comments made on talk radio as I drive to work. However, its time to stand in the gap, Ezekiel 22:30, defending the principles of the Bible, Psalm 1:1-2, by proclaiming this is no longer a laughing matter.
by Jay Mankus
