The Criteria and Ways of Using Humor in Preaching

Abstract

Humor is a positive element of human life that should be consciously nurtured and developed. It can also be used in the preaching of the Word of God, as long as it meets the relevant criteria. These are: subordination to the theme of the homily or sermon, compliance with the correct interpretation of Scripture, freshness, relevance, respect showed to the audience, and limited use. Humor can be used in preaching in different ways: in the very address to the recipients or in the parenetic, hortatory, persuasive part of the homily or sermon. Thus we can preach with humor as long as doing so is suitable for the transmission of the word of God.

Keywords

• humor
• preaching
• sermon
• homily