March 10, 2009

Maybe I've lost my sense of humor

The Fox News website offers up this questionably humorous piece by a Christian pastor somewhere in Va.

Is it just me or, aside from the insightful remark about the IRS, is this whole thing really unfunny?

Releasing this on the same day as the results from a study showing fewer Americans embrace religion is at best excruciatingly poor timing.

At worst, it reflects exactly the sort of perspective that leaves too many of our friends and relatives reluctant to set foot in a house of worship.

Flippant, casual, contrived -- all these and more describe the good pastor's effort to be funny. See what you think and let me know if I need to issue an APB for my sense of humor:

Top 10 Reasons to Go to Church

1. It’s a way to get a healthy glow without makeup.

2. Elvis started out in a church choir … so can you.

3. Goodness and mercy will follow you all the rest of your life–which are better than the IRS or FBI.

4. In this economy, it might be good to be hooked up with Someone who can turn water into wine.

5. You can walk down an aisle and approach an altar without having to gain a mother-in-law.

6. The Biblical admonition to “greet one another with a holy kiss” boosts your social life.

7. Hard Times? Kids getting on your nerves? Free coffee and child care at church!

8. The sound of money dropping is the offering, not your stocks.

9. Robes, candles, music…and it’s less expensive than a spa.

10. With April 15 coming, remember, Man does not live by Turbotax alone.

Bill Shuler is the pastor of the Capital Life Church in Arlington, Virginia.

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