Tom wrote:
No more than you all have in backing up your belief.
I gave you a quote from the Beatitudes, by Christ. He spoke about laughing in this world and sorrow in the afterlife. That's pretty clear.
I ask again...for Christ to teach that...do you think He would be walking around laughing? As God, why would He teach something that He would oppose?
Joanna
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 50)
joasia wrote:I gave you a quote from the Beatitudes, by Christ. He spoke about laughing in this world and sorrow in the afterlife. That's pretty clear.
Pretty clear to whom?
What Christ meant here were those people who live totally carefree and generally practice debauchery. Those who do not BELIEVE in an afterlife so therefore only live totally for the fleshy pleasures of this world.
He was NOT talking about laughing with friends or with family.
Sheesh.
I was tickling my 2 year old a few nights ago and we were really laughing. He was laughing sooooo hard and having such fun.He was laughing excessively!
Then I thought about the image of Jesus watching us. What do you think his reaction would be?
The proof of my son and I sinning!
The subject is if Christ laughed and considering the meaning of His entrance into our world, in the flesh, for the salvation of man...He would not be prone to laugh. Afterall, the Theotokos didn't laugh. She was the most humble and full of Grace. She is the Temple of God. This is very serious. Because of her consent, the Lord was to be born. She is the means for our salvation.
Laughing with joy is okay for us, but considering that Christ came to be sacrificed and that He had to confront the Pharisees and Saduccess and be mocked...do you really think He cared about laughing? He was in pain for His creation. He knew He had to be crucified. Do you think He really felt like laughing with joy? He was suffering for His creation to the point of sweating blood. Does this sound like a person who would care to laugh? Every minute He was suffering for our sins because He is God.
Jesus, the Son of God, created your son. He gave him to you. He allowed him to come into existence. You are very blessed. Your son looks like a little angel. Thank you for sharing this picture.
Joanna
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 50)
joasia wrote:Afterall, the Theotokos didn't laugh.
Oh geez! More insanity! 
joasia wrote:Laughing with joy is okay for us, but considering that Christ came to be sacrificed and that He had to confront the Pharisees and Saduccess and be mocked...do you really think He cared about laughing?
Yes.
joasia wrote:He was in pain for His creation. He knew He had to be crucified. Do you think He really felt like laughing with joy? He was suffering for His creation to the point of sweating blood. Does this sound like a person who would care to laugh?
Ummmmm......yes.
joasia wrote:Your son looks like a little angel.
Well, now I have to start teaching him that laughter is a sin. Right?
Dear Tom,
One would have to ask what denomination are you? You seem to argue nearly everything!
Joanna is stating the facts according to our Orthodox faith. A child's innocent laugh is not a sin.
As we get older we do loose our innocence. Our innocent laughter becomes ironic laughter or even gossiping laughter etc.
And bye the way, our Mother Mary, was humble. She never laughed at anyone, but covered all that she saw with her love. She never made silly movements, nor took unrestrained steps. She spoke very little, only what was necessary and good. Her words were sweet to the ear. She never got angry and made her whole soul a holy shrine of meekness.
Angela+++
Angela,
Your description of the Theotokos is great. I'm reading a book on the Life of the Theotokos. And there are many quotes from the saints of her personality. There's also a source called Protoevangelium which describes aspects of her life that aren't included in the Bible. And the many hymns describe situations like her first birthday. And all these sources definitely describe her as having never laughed.
Tom,
I say no and you say yes. If I said white, you'll say black. Say the opposite all you want, it won't change the truth.
Joanna
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 50)
