Clowns vehicle for religion?

[Zebo_the_Clown]

As I troll through the forums I've noticed some religious intent, at first I thought there were a small few out there that might use clowning as a tool/vehicle to promote their religoin in some way, in which I found a little strange or diferent (to me) because I just never equate clowns and religion. But its almost seeming its kinda of a protocol thing, no? I don't know what the %^$# a clown ministry is, just sounds ....sounds weird, I looked at FAQ, and then tried to find some sort of mission statement, sooo.... just a thought I'd throw there.
I guess what I like to ask is, Is that the thing here or what?

[Jolly Well]

Many clowns, magicians, ventriliquists, etc use their talents to spread the word of their religion or do mission work. It is a fine medium to do so and "gospel" magic and props can be found everywhere these days.

clown-ministry.com is an online source for gospel clowning.
Fellowship of Christian Magicians is a religious group similar to the IBM.

Those are the two that come to my mind, I'm certain there are many others.

Gospel work isn't necessarily "the thing here..." but we have many members who work in that medium that both offer and ask advice. It gives new perspective on some old tricks on occassion, and makes the forum the better for it.

[tim]

Really, I think it is just a mere matter of people "being who they are." That is natural, as clowning is so often intrinsically tied to each individual's personage.

There is no shortage of clowns who happen to be sincere and devout Christians. Certainly not all clowns, in general or here present, but no small number, either. It is natural that they will be vocal about their own perspective in how clowning jives with their Christian life and ways in which they might use their clowning as a form of ministry. But one does not necessarily have to join in accord with those discussions or perspectives to be welcome here. We have clowns of all religious background and none at all who regularly participate and contribute on this forum. Indeed, by all means, feel free to express who YOU are in whatever way you like and are comfortable!

[Yin Yang]

Evangelicals will try to christianize everything they can think of. I've even heard of "Cowboys for Christ". They ride around on horseback, and try to reach out to other equestrians. To paraphrase "Big and Rich", I guess that there motto is "Ride a Horse. Save a cowboy."

[Willace-the-Clown]

Clowning here is dedicated to every kind of clowning out there in the world; parties, circus, Ministry, hospital, what have you. There is almost no aspect in life where clowning cant help. It's all a matter of where a person sees their clowning gift can be best used. As for me, I'm a clown of all trades except for circus & ministry.

[Fitzwilly]

Well put Sir Willace