The Only Comedy
“…the Christian account of history is eschatological not only in the sense that it comes to definitive and everlasting end, but in the sense that the end is a glorified beginning, not merely a return to origins. The Christian Bible moves not from garden lost to garden restored, but from garden to garden-city. God gives with interest. To say the same in other words, though the Bible gives full recognition to sin and its effect on creation and humanity, the Christian account of history is ultimately comic” (Deep Comedy by Peter J. Leithart, 2006, pXI emphasis mine).
The question each religion and philosophy must wrestle with is, “How does one live the best life knowing he has to die one day?” Stoicism says to be indifferent to all events good or bad, that way you’ll not be surprised by death when it comes. Epicureanism says to have enough pleasure in your life so you forget about death altogether.
The Truth of the Gospel says, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55 NKJV). And, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV emphasis mine).
How does the Christian live the best life knowing he has to die one day? The Christian enjoys his labor, because his labor is not in vain. Death has been killed in Christ.
Christianity ends in a wedding between Christ and His Church; every other philosophy ends in death. Christianity is a comedy; every other philosophy is a tragedy.
This comedy doesn’t end with us wearing robes and playing harps in the clouds like so many Far Side comics would have us believe. And it doesn’t end with us back where humanity started in the Garden of Eden. It ends with a glorious beginning. It ends with a garden that has flourished into a garden-city.
What do you think?
Joseph
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Disclaimer: I'm not your pastor, lawyer, accountant, economist, doctor. I’m a regular guy who wants the freedom to love and enjoy God, my wife, my kids, and my work. And I believe pursuing that freedom will make it easier for others to do the same. This isn’t professional advice. If you need professional advice, talk to a professional.