Does/did God ever laugh good naturedly, or is it/was always a derisive laughter?

All I can find suggests that God never laughs/laughed in joy, never in mirth, never to be amused, but only in derision against His enemies.
He only laughs in judgment.
So it is a fearful thing when God's laughs?

Why wouldn't God laugh for joy anywhere in the bible?
Does God feel joy?
How does he express it?

Becouse the bible tells us more then just a few stories about how he expresses the other human emotions.
Anger, jeliousy, sadness, etc.
But not joy?

Who says God is a "he".
Read the story of the great flood. He expressed his happiness by giving us a rainbow.

[This message has been edited by avengador1 (edited 01-14-2010).]

quote A Religous Question: Does God Have A Sense Of Humor? No, Really, Does He?

Go take a look in the mirror, and then come back with your answer.

Serious answer, of course he does. I'll be back with more, give me a minute.

Jim

[This message has been edited by jimbolaya (edited 01-14-2010).]

Of course God has a sense of humor. Find any group of people and just look around.

Depends which "God" you are referring to...I suppose...

Some say God is a vengeful God. (Don't mess w/ the "Big G", MOFO!)

Some say God is a kind benelovant father. (Daddy forgives and is joyful when you freely choose to follow him and are nice to kittens)

Some say "God" gets Joyful when we pray to him. Our prayers "feed" him. (GOD IS HUNGRY - FEED ME!)

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My "God" does not experience the weaknesses inherint in what we humans would describe as "emotional states".
(I think )

quote Originally posted by jimbolaya: Go take a look in the mirror, and then come back with your answer. Jim

Why you son-of-a........woops.........ummmm...........Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost!

tough to say
much about humor resides in the fact we have others to share it with
God is basicly alone - no peers
people spend their time alone and laughing - are more likely to be "mad" than just having a good sense of humor
it seems for awhile God enjoyed "ballbusting" - that does imply at least a little funny bone
I am sure while he spent time walking the Earth as Christ, a good laugh was enjoyed
and - Christ was a HE, wasn't he? and, FATHER, SON, holy ghost
yes - if you are Christian - God is Male or at least 2/3rds male

Nehamiah 8:10 The joy of the lord, is our strength. So he does experience joy.
Q: Why do we have a sense of humor? A: Genesis 1:27 God made man in his image.
He has to laugh at us all the time. We are pretty stupid.
I don't think he would laugh at things we find humurous, but i do think he laughs.

Jim

He created a sense of humor. All you can find Boonie, is not all that there is. He could have gotten down to all the bureaucratic details of everything he knows but we would not understand. As is stated in the Bible. We don't need to know what his favorite color is either.

quote Originally posted by jimbolaya: Go take a look in the mirror, and then come back with your answer.

Beat me to it.

[This message has been edited by cliffw (edited 01-14-2010).]

I believe that we are expressions of God, and that when we express "love" we are expressing God. So the interpretation is in whether or not you believe laughter is an expression of love. I tend to think it can be, but not necessarily as a rule.

[This message has been edited by Taijiguy (edited 01-14-2010).]

Of course he does. Look at the Duck-billed Platypus.

quote Originally posted by Formula88: Of course he does. Look at the Duck-billed Platypus.

Hey leave our venemous little freak out of this

quote Originally posted by Formula88: Of course he does. Look at the Duck-billed Platypus.

As a platypi enthusiast, I am offended.

quote Originally posted by Pyrthian: tough to say much about humor resides in the fact we have others to share it with God is basicly alone - no peers people spend their time alone and laughing - are more likely to be "mad" than just having a good sense of humor it seems for awhile God enjoyed "ballbusting" - that does imply at least a little funny bone I am sure while he spent time walking the Earth as Christ, a good laugh was enjoyed and - Christ was a HE, wasn't he? and, FATHER, SON, holy ghost yes - if you are Christian - God is Male or at least 2/3rds male

Someone asked a good question, which is which "God" are you talking about? Well, you assumed the standard when you were searching for it in the Bible.

So I will answer you from the Bible about God as He is depicted in the Bible. (which PERSONALLY, I believe is the actual and accurate depiction of the REAL God. But others can make their own decisions-obviously-and I will still be their friend)


The answer is that when actual LAUGHTER is spoken of, the ONLY time that happens is when God laughs in derision at those that would oppose Him, as the thought of someone being able to defy Him is so silly it is laughable. So, yeah, in that sense, if God is laughing, it would be a fearful thing.


I can't answer you WHY God wouldn't laugh for JOY anywhere in the Bible. But He doesn't.


So does God experience JOY?

Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.


Plus, as someone else mentioned, we are made in His image and that is obviously not a PHYSICAL image but a CHARACTER image. i.e. God has intellect. We have intellect. God has emotions, we have emotions. And one of those emotions is joy.

But why God doesn't express joy in the form of laughter as depicted in the Bible, I can't tell you because it doesn't say. It doesn't mean He doesn't, just doesn't explicitly say He does.

Just be careful when you acknowledge that God expresses other "human emotions". God expresses emotions that HUMANS express, too, but UNLIKE humans, He never expresses them WRONGLY. For example, anger, jealousy. I've expressed them wrongly in my life. God never would (as He is totally incapable of doing so).


Regarding God having no peers, His "peers" are Jesus and the Holy Spirit. However, God CREATED mankind in order to have friendship with them. So when God made Adam and Eve, God Himself walked in the garden WITH them.

When sin happened, that caused God to separate Himself from the actual physical presence of humans. BUT God still wanted that, so He sent Jesus, who is God in human flesh. That is why he was titled Emmanuel (Immanuel if you prefer) which interpreted, means:

God WITH us (humans).

You are exactly right about Jesus. Jesus was God in human flesh, and as a human would have experienced laughter. Just, again, to be careful, He NEVER would have laughed at dirty jokes. Ever. It would have ALWAYS been good, clean fun or humor.
So, anyway boonie, I don't want you to mistake the God of the Bible as some joyless being. He just may (or may not) laugh like you and I do. (but Jesus did).

And again, to all. None of the above is MY personal opinion. It is just purely from what the Bible says. Which you are entitled to believe or not.

quote Originally posted by frontal lobe: *in it's entirety.

Very nice.
Thank you.

And you did it without calling me a name or talking down to me, which is always nice!

P.S. How does God feel about pirated computer operating systems?
Is there forgiveness?
Nevermind, I don't think I really want to know!

[This message has been edited by Boondawg (edited 01-14-2010).]

Good answer, Taj.

God is sad, and even angry, when people do what they know they shouldn't be doing. I find it impossible to believe that if He feels sadness and anger He would not feel joy and happiness.

John Stricker

quote Originally posted by Taijiguy: I believe that we are expressions of God, and that when we express "love" we are expressing God. So the interpretation is in whether or not you believe laughter is an expression of love. I tend to think it can be, but not necessarily as a rule.

I don't think God has a sense of humor, but then he doesn't need to.
A lot of humor is based on irony or sarcasm, or the element of surprise. Or sometimes even used as a "coping" mechanism.
I think those concepts would be wasted on an "all seeing" (going back to how I was raised) God.
If nothing else, he knows the punchline ahead of time.

I think he tolerates, or even welcomes, our collective sense of humor, because we are who we are.
And it's also how we are.
Aside from that, laughter is contagious, so it can't be a bad thing.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 01-14-2010).]

quote Originally posted by Pyrthian: God is basicly alone - no peers

I beg to differ....If you are in the camp I am in, "God" has many peers. But what it basically comes down to is your definition of "God". There are many different definitions, but who's to say that one out of all of those is the actual "right" or "correct" one?

In my belief, I am my own god. Therefore, I have many peers. Those whom I care for and enjoy their company are my peers. Those who choose to waste my time and [attempt] to leech off of me can go pound sand. Pertaining to the topic, on whether or not "God" has a sense of humor, I like to think that I do.

quote Originally posted by frontal lobe: Someone asked a good question, which is which "God" are you talking about? Well, you assumed the standard when you were searching for it in the Bible. So I will answer you from the Bible about God as He is depicted in the Bible. (which PERSONALLY, I believe is the actual and accurate depiction of the REAL God. But others can make their own decisions-obviously-and I will still be their friend) The answer is that when actual LAUGHTER is spoken of, the ONLY time that happens is when God laughs in derision at those that would oppose Him, as the thought of someone being able to defy Him is so silly it is laughable. So, yeah, in that sense, if God is laughing, it would be a fearful thing. I can't answer you WHY God wouldn't laugh for JOY anywhere in the Bible. But He doesn't. So does God experience JOY? Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Plus, as someone else mentioned, we are made in His image and that is obviously not a PHYSICAL image but a CHARACTER image. i.e. God has intellect. We have intellect. God has emotions, we have emotions. And one of those emotions is joy. But why God doesn't express joy in the form of laughter as depicted in the Bible, I can't tell you because it doesn't say. It doesn't mean He doesn't, just doesn't explicitly say He does. Just be careful when you acknowledge that God expresses other "human emotions". God expresses emotions that HUMANS express, too, but UNLIKE humans, He never expresses them WRONGLY. For example, anger, jealousy. I've expressed them wrongly in my life. God never would (as He is totally incapable of doing so). Regarding God having no peers, His "peers" are Jesus and the Holy Spirit. However, God CREATED mankind in order to have friendship with them. So when God made Adam and Eve, God Himself walked in the garden WITH them. When sin happened, that caused God to separate Himself from the actual physical presence of humans. BUT God still wanted that, so He sent Jesus, who is God in human flesh. That is why he was titled Emmanuel (Immanuel if you prefer) which interpreted, means: God WITH us (humans). You are exactly right about Jesus. Jesus was God in human flesh, and as a human would have experienced laughter. Just, again, to be careful, He NEVER would have laughed at dirty jokes. Ever. It would have ALWAYS been good, clean fun or humor. So, anyway boonie, I don't want you to mistake the God of the Bible as some joyless being. He just may (or may not) laugh like you and I do. (but Jesus did). And again, to all. None of the above is MY personal opinion. It is just purely from what the Bible says. Which you are entitled to believe or not.

I'm inclined to believe it. Good Great post.

Jim

[This message has been edited by jimbolaya (edited 01-14-2010).]

quote Originally posted by jstricker: I know you're joking, but God forgives ALL sins, including theft, if the sinner comes to Him truly repentant and with a contrite heart asking for forgiveness. BTW, this is one of the problems I have with the Catholic church in that they have some sins that they say will not be forgiven (suicide for one). John Stricker

John, I understand your point on forgiveness, but might I make one more point pertaining to the Catholic church and their belief that suicide will not be forgiven?

Riddle me this John How is one supposed to ask for forgiveness when they are dead ? Granted, I'm not standing up for the Catholics, but I can see a reason behind why they believe that suicide is the ultimate "go straight to "Hell", do not pass go, do not collect eternal prosperity" sin...

And granted, while I do believe one should ask for forgiveness if they feel it is necessary and will try not to repeat the stupidity that caused them to ask for forgiveness, I don't believe it should be "God" (as it is so termed) that they should be asking for forgiveness. One should not apologize unless they fully intend it, etc. Instead, one should ask the person against which they committed their transgression for forgiveness.

[This message has been edited by Xerces_Blackthorne (edited 01-14-2010).]

Boondawg he make your teeth fall out and not your wifes. Nuff said.

quote Originally posted by Jake_Dragon: Boondawg he make your teeth fall out and not your wifes. Nuff said.

HEY, YEAH!!!
Oh, the irony.........

Luke 24:13 - 35 (NET): Now that very day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about all the things that had happened. While they were talking and debating these things, Jesus himself approached and began to accompany them (but their eyes were kept from recognizing him). Then he said to them, “What are these matters you are discussing so intently as you walk along?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there in these days?” He said to them, “What things?” “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied, “a man who, with his powerful deeds and words, proved to be a prophet before God and all the people; and how our chief priests and rulers handed him over to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Not only this, but it is now the third day since these things happened. Furthermore, some women of our group amazed us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back and said they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” So he said to them, “You foolish people – how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things written about himself in all the scriptures.

So they approached the village where they were going. He acted as though he wanted to go farther, but they urged him, “Stay with us, because it is getting toward evening and the day is almost done.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he had taken his place at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. At this point their eyes were opened and they recognized him. Then he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining the scriptures to us?” So they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those with them gathered together and saying, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.

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In the above story, Jesus walks along with two followers, likely for hours (Indicated by the teaching of the prophets from Moses forward), and kept them from knowing who He was. I would say that He certainly has a sense of humor. As was stated before, He invented it.

Can God laugh at a joke? I would tend to say no, because, being omniscient, He already knows the punch line.

Me: Hey, God, what's the difference...
God: You take your shoes off to jump on the trampoline.

Me: Hey, God, what's black and....
God: A Doberman.

ad infinitum.

EDIT: Synonym issue.

[This message has been edited by Patrick's Dad (edited 01-14-2010).]

Yep sure does....

My wife would tell you God is the fat kid with the magnifying glass over the ant hill.

Some days I tend to agree.

[This message has been edited by 8Ball (edited 01-14-2010).]

quote Originally posted by Raydar: I don't think God has a sense of humor, but then he doesn't need to. A lot of humor is based on irony or sarcasm, or the element of surprise. Or sometimes even used as a "coping" mechanism. I think those concepts would be wasted on an "all seeing" (going back to how I was raised) God. If nothing else, he knows the punchline ahead of time. I think he tolerates, or even welcomes, our collective sense of humor, because we are who we are. And it's also how we are. Aside from that, laughter is contagious, so it can't be a bad thing.

I had considered the elements of humor and why we laugh, too.

God would obviously NEVER need a coping mechanism. He isn't going to be sarcastic. Not in His nature. (except, again, in derision. Some VERY sarcastic remarks He makes toward those that oppose Him.)

One I'm not sure of is the element of surprise thing. Reason I'm wondering on that is because obviously that is an element of humor. And obviously when One is all-knowing, they aren't going to be surprised. But on the other hand, I've seen some funny stuff. And then I've looked it up on youtube, and I've seen it before, but I watch it again and I STILL laugh. So I don't know about that aspect.

I think God has a great sense of humor. Just look at the prank he played on the Jews. It was epic!

(BTW, I'm being sarcastic)

quote Originally posted by IEatRice: As a platypi enthusiast, I am offended.

Good for you.

I don't know about a sense of humor, but Robin Williams thinks he gets stoned.

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: P.S. How does God feel about pirated computer operating systems? Is there forgiveness? Nevermind, I don't think I really want to know!

There is always forgiveness, but along with it must come repentance. Forgivenes is one thing, but you must also be repentant. Repentance means to turn away from your sin. Sorry, probably not the answer you were looking for.

Jim

quote Originally posted by jimbolaya: Repentance means to turn away from your sin. Sorry, probably not the answer you were looking for. Jim

No, i'm alright with turning away from sin, but do I have to turn away from the operating system?!

http://www.invisiblehairsuit.com/fishing.htm

quote Originally posted by 8Ball: http://www.invisiblehairsuit.com/fishing.htm

Are those awesome, or disturbing?

I.........................DON'T.....................KNOW!

quote Originally posted by jstricker: BTW, this is one of the problems I have with the Catholic church in that they have some sins that they say will not be forgiven (suicide for one). John Stricker

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14326b.htm


The authoritative Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 2280-2283) makes the following points about suicide:
•"Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of."
•"Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God."
•"If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal."
•"Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law."
•"Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide."
•"We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives."

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: Are those awesome, or disturbing? I.........................DON'T.....................KNOW!

A little bit of both I believe

Proof? Men have nipples.

Here's my problem with it. Say you're faced with the choice of causing your own death or allowing someone else to die. I discussed this with a priest one day and he said that if you directly cause your own death, you have committed suicide in the eyes of the church, whatever the reason. I personally have a hard time believing that a forgiving and loving God would condemn someone for making that choice.

As for your comment on forgiveness, while your sins have probably hurt others, you may have done WRONG to others but you have not SINNED against them, you have sinned against God. You should ask for forgiveness for your ACTIONS against others, but you ask for forgiveness of your sins before God. Since you can't hide what's in your heart from God, asking for forgiveness from Him without a repentent and contrite heart is pretty much pointless.

John Stricker

quote Originally posted by Xerces_Blackthorne: John, I understand your point on forgiveness, but might I make one more point pertaining to the Catholic church and their belief that suicide will not be forgiven? Riddle me this John How is one supposed to ask for forgiveness when they are dead ? Granted, I'm not standing up for the Catholics, but I can see a reason behind why they believe that suicide is the ultimate "go straight to "Hell", do not pass go, do not collect eternal prosperity" sin... And granted, while I do believe one should ask for forgiveness if they feel it is necessary and will try not to repeat the stupidity that caused them to ask for forgiveness, I don't believe it should be "God" (as it is so termed) that they should be asking for forgiveness. One should not apologize unless they fully intend it, etc. Instead, one should ask the person against which they committed their transgression for forgiveness.

quote Originally posted by jstricker: Personally, I pray he found the peace he never found in life and that God will accept him into his fold. I believe he has, regardless of what the Catholic church might think. John Stricker

As do I.

quote Originally posted by IEatRice: As a platypi enthusiast, I am offended.

"P.S. We sincerely apologize to all platypus enthusiasts out there who are offended by that thoughtless comment about the platypi. We at View Askew respect the noble platypus, and it is not our intention to slight these stupid creatures in any way."

--Dogma

[This message has been edited by fastblack (edited 01-14-2010).]