If there is some relation between my faith and my comedy…

“If there is some relation between my faith and my comedy it’s that no matter what happens you are never defeated, you must understand this in the light of eternity and find some way to love and laugh with each other.”

@stephenathome being interviewed by @dualipa on the Late Show

Tim Keller shared this clip from the Late Show last week and it was interesting in that, almost as a joke Colbert suggested that Lipa should do the interview and she took over she asked him “Does your faith and your comedy ever overlap?” and Colbert responded with a really well-thought out and descriptive narrative of comedy and faith that ended with this quote I drew here.

At first thought, I was humbled because if I was asked the same question about my art and my faith I don’t think I’d have such an elegant response. It would probably be something like “I draw pictures of people for the Lord and stuff” and then I’d ramble on until I lost my answer entirely.

My second thought was about how Keller was seemingly excoriated for sharing this. I don’t know if that’s entirely accurate because twitter has a way of elevating the loudest and angriest voices but it sure seemed that way. I don’t know why there’s such joy in gatekeeping. For some people; they pass through the door of Christianity freely but then want to shut it right behind them. They make the criteria of entry so difficult that no one can successfully enter. Keller not only has to answer for Colbert not saying ‘Jesus’ enough times but also has to accept all criticism for Colbert’s comedy and Lipa’s music.

I’m not a theologian in any sense, but when I read the text of what Colbert said; I see the fruit of the spirit. I see joy and kindness and gentleness. When I see the arguments on social media I see the acts of the flesh; hatred, discord, jealousy, and envy. People may be “correct” in what they say but can still be led by the wrong spirit. I’d much rather be part of the spirit that leads to encouraging conversations like this and not like the caustic arguments that spring out from it. My only criticism is that they had to stop for a commercial because I would have loved to see this play out.