He who laughs last – Jesus and laughter in the Synoptic and Gnostic traditions
Date
2014-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS OpenJournals
Abstract
The aim of the article is to examine the meaning of references to laughter in the Synoptic
Gospels and a number of Gnostic texts. Whereas Jesus is depicted as an object of ridicule (Mk
5:40 par.) and as condemning those who laugh in the Synoptic Gospels (Lk 6:25), it is he who
often laughs derisively at the ignorance of others in Gnostic texts. The meaning of laughter
in the Synoptic Gospels and a number of Gnostic texts is examined in the light of the general
Greco-Roman attitude towards laughter and, more specifically, in regard to the archetypical
distinction between playful and consequential laughter in Greek culture.
Description
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
The original publication is available at http://www.hts.org.za
Please cite as follows:
Nel, M.J. 2014. He who laughs last – Jesus and laughter in the Synoptic and Gnostic traditions. HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies, 70(1), doi:10.4102/hts.v70i1.2034 .
The original publication is available at http://www.hts.org.za
Please cite as follows:
Nel, M.J. 2014. He who laughs last – Jesus and laughter in the Synoptic and Gnostic traditions. HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies, 70(1), doi:10.4102/hts.v70i1.2034 .
Keywords
Synoptic and Gnostic traditions, Christian theologians, Civilization, Greco-Roman
Citation
Nel, M.J. 2014. He who laughs last – Jesus and laughter in the Synoptic and Gnostic traditions. HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies, 70(1), doi:10.4102/hts.v70i1.2034 .