You probably know that there are jokes about different Christian communions — Baptist jokes, Catholic jokes, Episcopalian jokes and so on. More often than not, they’re told by members of the church body in question to other members. For example — well, let’s not focus on any specific church body, but think of one that’s known for being quite traditional in its ways of doing things. So, “How many traditionalists does it take to change a light bulb?” The answer, as you may know, is Change?

            It’s a joke! Not all members of any church have the same attitude toward change, and conservatism in some matters isn’t necessarily bad anyway. But jokes like this about religious traditions do point out features which, if taken to extremes, would be unhealthy. In that way they can help people see things they need to be careful about. It’s not a good idea to sit in the dark because you can’t bear to get rid of your tradition-hallowed, but burned-out, light bulb.

            Jokes like that are harmless, and maybe even helpful — unless the joke’s always on you. Unless they’re told by outsiders, and the only thing you ever hear about your religious beliefs are exaggerated jokes that get taken seriously. “Blasted traditionalists — stuck in the dark ages.” No one is laughing now.

The Pharisees

            How many Pharisees does it take to change a light bulb? Well, modern Orthodox Jews are successors of the Pharisees who have had to consider whether or not turning on an electric light on Saturday violates the rule about lighting a fire on the Sabbath. So maybe Jews have some jokes about that. But I won’t go there.

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