Is laughter a sin?

[Lucian Hodoboc]

Science says that laughing is beneficial for health, but how can one laugh knowing that The Son of God has suffered so much and died because of our wretchedness? I don't know what to do. Does God want us to live in constant sobriety? An Orthodox priest said that tradition tells us that, after Jesus' ascension, Saint Peter wept every day when he heard the rooster crow in the morning because it reminded him of his sins. I have so many sins that I'm scared that I don't deserve to laugh in this life.

 

[Lamb]

Laughter is not a sin. As believers we rejoice that our sins are forgiven because of Christ's death. It sounds as if you aren't letting go of the sins you're repentant of when God has forgiven you.

 

[tango]

Jesus said he had come that we might have life, life in all its fullness. I don't see a life where we're not even allowed to laugh being a very full life.

If someone can quote chapter and verse that says we aren't allowed to laugh, or something that unquestionably extends to prohibiting laughter, let's talk. Until then I see nothing at all to say we shouldn't laugh.

Jesus didn't die for our wretchedness so we can continue to be wretched.

 

[JRT]

I regard both laughter and music as two great gifts of God.

 

[Bluezone777]

I say whether it is a sin or not largely depends on the circumstances in which are going on when the laughter occurs. Laughter has a time and place and as along as it is done within the time and place it belongs then it is not a sin.

In any case, if you are looking for a black and white answer on this, you will not find it because there isn't one to be had.

 

[pinacled]

I say whether it is a sin or not largely depends on the circumstances in which are going on when the laughter occurs. Laughter has a time and place and as along as it is done within the time and place it belongs then it is not a sin.

In any case, if you are looking for a black and white answer on this, you will not find it because there isn't one to be had.

Precisely.

Perhaps the op should of asked, "When is laughter a transgression?"

If I recall correctly.
Scoffing is similar to laughing at The Lord in a form of mockery.

 

[pinacled]

I say whether it is a sin or not largely depends on the circumstances in which are going on when the laughter occurs. Laughter has a time and place and as along as it is done within the time and place it belongs then it is not a sin.

In any case, if you are looking for a black and white answer on this, you will not find it because there isn't one to be had.

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee; reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.
Proverbs 9:7
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

 

[pinacled]

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee; reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.
Proverbs 9:7
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

אִם-חָכַמְתָּ, חָכַמְתָּ לָּךְ; וְלַצְתָּ, לְבַדְּךָ תִשָּׂא.
12 If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; and if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.'
יג אֵשֶׁת כְּסִילוּת, הֹמִיָּה; פְּתַיּוּת, וּבַל-יָדְעָה מָּה.
13 The woman Folly is riotous; she is thoughtless, and knoweth nothing.
יד וְיָשְׁבָה, לְפֶתַח בֵּיתָהּ-- עַל-כִּסֵּא, מְרֹמֵי קָרֶת.
14 And she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
טו לִקְרֹא לְעֹבְרֵי-דָרֶךְ; הַמְיַשְּׁרִים, אֹרְחוֹתָם.
15 To call to them that pass by, who go right on their ways:
טז מִי-פֶתִי, יָסֻר הֵנָּה; וַחֲסַר-לֵב, וְאָמְרָה לּוֹ.
16 'Whoso is thoughtless, let him turn in hither'; and as for him that lacketh understanding, she saith to him:
יז מַיִם-גְּנוּבִים יִמְתָּקוּ; וְלֶחֶם סְתָרִים יִנְעָם.
17 'Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.'
יח וְלֹא-יָדַע, כִּי-רְפָאִים שָׁם; בְּעִמְקֵי שְׁאוֹל קְרֻאֶיהָ.
18 But he knoweth not that the shades are there; that her guests are in the depths of the nether-world.