The Comedian-Scholar: Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas, whose feast day is January 28, is not often thought of as a funny man. After all, his work is dense, lucid, brilliant, and plunges the depths of theology and philosophy, making him one of the most regarded theologians of all time. Whether or not you agree with all aspects of Aquinas’ theology, there is no doubt that this medieval Dominican friar is a testament to the unity of faith and reason in the Christian life. Christianity has a rigorous intellectual tradition, which anchors faith not in some slim, not likely, spaghetti monster hope, but in deep reflection, reasoned faith and a recognition that all disciplines of knowledge, including what we call today the natural sciences, are worthy of Christian commitment and engagement. All truth is God’s truth, whether revealed under the lenses of a microscope, in the drama of the Divine Liturgy or in the embrace of lovers.

            Checking off the scholar box with Aquinas is easy considering the output of his theological writings during his lifetime (1225-1274), which included Biblical commentaries, theological treatises, devotional writings, and most famously, his Summa Theologica. Checking off the comedian box is a bit more difficult. Depictions of Aquinas are usually somewhat severe, owing in part, perhaps, to that old nickname he has born for centuries, “The Dumb Ox.” (While writing this post, I received a letter from the Association of Intelligent Oxen, protesting the Aquinas moniker, because of its derogatory assumptions regarding the mentality of their species.) However, Aquinas is on the record making this statement: “"It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes” (Question 168, Summa).

            Maybe this statement doesn’t check the comedian box for Aquinas, but it does open the door to the reality that serious, faithful scholarship and a serious committed Christian life is not at odds with “playful deeds and jokes.” G.K. Chesteron (1874-1936), known for his wit, penetrating essays and a biography on Aquinas wrote, “the test of a good religion is whether or not it can laugh at itself.” Often we are pretty good at laughing at other people’s religions, politics, and foibles while we take ourselves so seriously we dare not utter a chip monk chuckle considering our own mess ups and failures. St. Thomas Aquinas, like many other faithful Christians over the centuries, did not back away from argument, public debate, and controversy, but it seems there was a place in their spirituality to engage with the most serious issues of life while still recognizing the need for a laugh, perhaps, not least, at themselves.

            The need for this sort of ability to take God, issues of justice and society seriously while also being able to enjoy “playful deeds and jokes,” which necessarily involves some ability to take ourselves less seriously and thus perhaps to take others more seriously, I hope, is obvious. If it isn’t, you might want to read Aquinas’ all-time best joke whose punch line is, “all is straw.” Jokes can bite and humor can be used as a weapon. There is no doubt about that. Some jokes are made in bad taste or lack true funny power (listen to my sermons for examples of these). Aquinas is probably endorsing the role of joy and playfulness in life more than the role of stand-up comics; though no doubt, he laughed out loud at the antics of some court jester. It’s to our shame, that in some circles, the idea of Christian people laughing and enjoying life is seen as oxymoronic. So laugh, otherwise, the joke’s on you, so says Saint Thomas.