In his Summa Theologica, Thomas Aquinas praises the virtue of wit:
"Jokes and plays are words and gestures that are not instructive but merely seek to give lively pleasure. We should enjoy them. They are governed by the virtue of witty gaiety to which Aristotle refers (Ethics II28aI) and which we call pleasantness. A ready-witted man is quick with repartee and turns speech and action to light relief."
I could totally see Thomas throwing down some sarcastic barbs at fellow members of the Domincan Order. Later Aquinas says:
"It is against reason to be burdensome to others, showing no amusement and acting as a wet blanket. Those without a sense of fun, who never say anything ridiculous, and are cantankerous with those who do, these are vicious, and are called grumpy and rude."
Though I'm a proponent (and...perpetrator?) of sarcasm, I think that for the sake of others, there are boundaries of offense and irreverence which need not be crossed. People tend to disagree about the particulars of those boundaries, but sometimes we in the church take ourselves -- and everything else -- far too seriously. A very funny man I knew, who was new to the pastorate at the time, was so self-censoring that after leading a small group Bible study he'd often repent during the closing prayer time for any jokes or humorous comments he'd made. I thought that was funny in itself, and unnecessary, as the rest of us felt his sense of humor was a unique gift that made for enjoyable fellowship, but at least it showed his heart; he was genuinely concerned with not offending God or the people for whom he felt responsible.
Humor can be a great connection tool. Read the whole post at STR to find out how Brett and the high school students he teaches find humor to be a bridge between those who disagree, specifically Christians and atheists.
