Clowning and Religion

[azzy]

I'm a semi-religious humanist just getting into clowning and the amount of clown-ministry has surprised me. I've always been very closely tied to technology and business. Generally in these areas, even in America, religion is put aside. In the past years I've gotten into political activism, married into a religious family and started attending a Unitarian church occasionally.

Religion, and Christianity are very much ingrained in much of American culture now, much more so than many European countries. Admitting to being an atheist and anti-theist in America in a public space can cause problems, insults and attacks.

I'm uncomfortable with the concept of a deity, religious politicization and other aspects of most organized religions. As I've become more associated with those who are strongly religious I accept them and their beliefs, as long as they are not harmful.

That said, the overwhelming majority of those clowning for a church, or ministry are doing it because they have a genuine love of people, along with their god. That's something, with my Unitarian teachings, that I can accept and even stand behind.

So yes, America's a bit of a different animal. I'd be curious to know if clowning is practiced in countries that are tied to a rigid religious code - such as in the middle-east.

[tim]

Originally Posted by azzy

I'd be curious to know if clowning is practiced in countries that are tied to a rigid religious code - such as in the middle-east.

I'm wondering whether they'd have enough of a sense of humor to take clowning seriously and their faults lightly.

[Chance Marmalade]

Great posts everyone. I feel Fitz has really struck the nail on the head as far as why you hear so much about Religious Clowns. I would go a step further (hoping not to offend anyone as I am truly accepting of all loving religious practices) that Christian Clowns, or people who minister through clowning are just more vocal about it.

You will likely hear a lot of clowns talk about religion if they are religious themselves. The non-religious clowns have less reason to talk about religion and therefore you wont hear them not talking about religion like you would religious clowns talking about religion. Who's on first? No, Who's on second...

Hope that made sense. I am sure there is a more eloquent way of saying it but I can't manage it!

[Sassy Frass]

What you said made all the sense in the world tome...Abbots on first!

[in Harmony with Jesus]

Yes Chance, what you said makes perfect sense. Speaking as a "religious clown", but first as a Christian & firm believer in Jesus Christ, I think that you hear more about religion from those who are religious because it's something we are passionate about. It's something we believe in & have found peace & joy with and we want to share it with everyone. For me, clowning is a way to reach out to people & share God's love with those who might not be as receptive to someone "shoving the Gospel down their throat." (Which isn't they way it should be done in any venue). Also, I have found that in teaching anyone, if you make it more fun or interesting, they tend to receive & retain it better. So when it's something as important as where you'll spend eternity, well that makes it all the more important that you get the message out to anyone who will listen.

[Stubby T. Clown]

Harmony Took the words right out of my mouth. I also want to say i'm very imperssed with everyone that has posted on this thread. Everyone has expressed themselves and unlike the world we have done it with respect to each other and explained ourselves weather we agreed or dis-agreed we handled it like TRUE CLOWNS. We all are trying for the same goal " love the children".