Well, that is a lot to try to answer. I will give you my thoughts but I don't pretend to speak for every one or know what occures in other peoples lives.
Not alll clowns do clown ministry. Just like not all clowns are nice. But I do believe clowning attracts a nicer sort of people. I think this is because of the giving nature needed to be a clown.
In the UK I do know there are also clowns who work in ministry. One who comes to mind if Rolly Baine. I hope I spelled his name right. I think there is a high percentage of clowns in the US as opposed to the UK so you see a lot of us doing ministry work. And in a forum such as this where the goals are to share ideas and help each other you might again be sifting out more ministry minded people.
I came from the south where there is a more relaxed form of religion. Clowning in church is not uncommon. I moved to the north east where they think clowns in church is sort of odd. Maybe it is because in the south there are a lot of Baptist and Methodist. Religions which have less ceramony and traditions than Catholic. That is not to say there are any rules about it that I know of.
As I ramble on I wish I could refer to your post to address as many of your questions as I can.
Lets see...yes this christian clown does bar mitzvah's. The goal there is to entertain not convay a message. And yes I would (and have) clown at a varioty of different religous facilities. I do my best to be respectful of thier views. But I have not been to a muslim facility.
As to if that is why I clown...I did get my start a my church when asked to face paint. But I have a large varioty of reasons and goals in my life and clown. I try to be mindful of what God wants me to do. As do many christians in many proffesions.
I am sure you will get better answers from smarter people but that is my little thoughts from a very little brain.
|