WHY JESUS CHRIST NEVER LAUGHS? (PART 2)

****Part 3: Christianity and Contingency

In the previous section, I explored the theories of laughter and how they shed light on the complex origins of this social behavior. In this section, I will examine the connection between Christianity and contingency, and how it may explain why Jesus is often portrayed as a figure who never laughs.

Christianity is a religion that places great emphasis on the concept of contingency, which refers to the belief that everything in the world is dependent on something else. In other words, nothing exists in isolation, and everything is interconnected. This belief is rooted in the idea that God is the creator of all things and that everything in the world is part of God's divine plan.

Contingency is a central theme in the Bible, and it is reflected in many of the stories and teachings of Jesus Christ. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells his followers not to worry about their lives, because God will provide for them. He says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34, NIV).

This emphasis on contingency may explain why Jesus is often depicted as a figure who never laughs. Laughter is a social behavior that is often associated with a sense of control and power over one's environment. In contrast, the concept of contingency suggests that everything in the world is dependent on something else, and that no one person has complete control over their environment. Thus, laughter may be seen as inappropriate or even sinful in the context of Christianity, which emphasizes humility and submission to God's will.

In addition, the idea of contingency is closely related to the concept of suffering, which is another central theme in Christianity. Christians believe that suffering is an inevitable part of life, and that it can be a source of spiritual growth and enlightenment. This belief is reflected in the story of Jesus Christ, who suffered greatly on the cross before being resurrected.

The connection between contingency and suffering may also explain why Jesus is often depicted as a figure who never laughs. Laughter is often associated with pleasure and happiness, which are seen as fleeting and temporary in the context of Christianity. In contrast, suffering is seen as a necessary part of the human experience, and one that can ultimately lead to spiritual growth and enlightenment.

It is also worth noting that the depiction of Jesus as a figure who never laughs is not universal across all Christian traditions. In some Eastern Orthodox traditions, for example, Jesus is depicted as smiling or even laughing. This may reflect cultural differences in the interpretation of Christian teachings, as well as the influence of other religious traditions.

Overall, the emphasis on contingency in Christianity may help to explain why Jesus is often portrayed as a figure who never laughs. The concept of contingency suggests that everything in the world is dependent on something else, and that no one person has complete control over their environment. In this context, laughter may be seen as inappropriate or even sinful, as it implies a sense of control and power over one's environment. Additionally, the connection between contingency and suffering may also contribute to the absence of laughter in the depiction of Jesus, as suffering is seen as a necessary part of the human experience and one that can lead to spiritual growth and enlightenment.