Who says clean comedy can’t be funny? In this video, Adam Carolla performs clean stand-up for the first time, and he absolutely nails it. Dry Bar Comedy offers a refreshing take on the often crude world of stand-up. I’m not a prude—Bill Burr might actually be my favorite comedian—but it’s safe to say that many modern comedians rely on filthy and crude material, which undermines the sophistication of good comedic content.
In today’s world, humor seems to have taken a turn for the worse. Everywhere we look, we’re bombarded with jokes that are not only crude and offensive but often downright filthy. As Christians, we are called to a higher standard. We’re called to be in the world, not of it. This includes the content we consume and, certainly, the humor we engage with.
But does this mean we can’t laugh? Absolutely not! God created laughter, and it’s a gift to be enjoyed. The Bible is full of instances where joy and laughter are celebrated.
- Psalm 126:2: “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.'”1
- Proverbs 17:22: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
These verses show that laughter and joy are not only permissible but encouraged in the life of a believer. However, the type of laughter matters. The Bible also warns against foolish and crude behavior.
- Ephesians 5:4: “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”
The problem with much of modern comedy is that it revels in the very things the Bible warns against. It often celebrates sin, mocks purity, and normalizes what God calls abominable. But Christians are called to something different. We are called to a humor that lifts up, not tears down; that is witty, not crude; and that is clean, not filthy.
What does this type of humor look like? It is intelligent, sophisticated, and insightful. It finds humor in everyday situations without relying on shock value. This kind of humor not only makes you laugh but also encourages you to think. It’s neither prudish nor boring. Consider the works of great writers like C.S. Lewis or G.K. Chesterton. Their wit was sharp, their humor profound, and their jokes always clean.
We need more humor like this in the world today—humor that is not afraid to be smart, clean, or point us to the joy that comes from a life lived in accordance with God’s word. Let’s reclaim humor for the glory of God.
Would you like to explore more ways to cultivate clean and witty humor, or perhaps find examples of Christian comedians and writers?
Clean Comedians who do it right:
- Brian Regan
- Jim Gaffigan
- Ryan Hamilton
- Nate Bargatze
- Jeff Allen
- Leanne Morgan
- Taylor Mason
- Kermet Apio
- Greg Hahn
- Robert G Lee
- Lisa Mills
- Dustin Nickerson
- Jonnie W
- John Crist
- Bob Stromberg
- Anthony Griffith
- Ross Bennett
- Jerry Seinfeld
- Ashley Gutemuth
- Paul Morrissey
- Cyrus Steele
- Glen Tickle
- Jason Douglas
- Anjelah Johnson
- Henry Cho
- Cory Kahaney
- Andy Hendrickson
- Bill Boronkay
- Johnny Beehner
- Juston McKinney
- Mark Poolos
- Jessi Campbell
- Mike Burton
- Moody McCarthy
- Karen Mills
- Erin Jackson
- Ophira Eisenberg
- Leighann Lord
- Kristin Key
- Rita Brent
Here is a prayer for finding joy and humor in all of God’s creation:
Thank you for the gift of laughter and the ability to find joy even in the simplest of things. Open my eyes to see the humor in your creation, from the soaring mountains to the smallest creatures. Help me to not take myself or life too seriously, but to embrace the lightness and joy that you offer. Remind me that laughter is a gift from you, a way to connect with others, and a balm for the soul. May my humor always be clean, witty, and uplifting, bringing glory to your name. Amen.
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