SIX CONCEPTS OF CLOWN THEOLOGY

1.  The word "clown" originally meant "clod."  A clod was a lowly sort of person who did the lowliest of tasks...Jesus called on his followers to be servants. Philippians 2:5-8 & Matthew 20:24-28  (Remember what God did with a "clod" or lump of earth?  God made Adam.  Genesis 2:7 & Isaiah 64:8)

2.  The clown's historic makeup is a symbol of death and resurrection.  The white is the symbol of death and is applied first.  The colors symbolize life.  Thus, a clown's own face is a reminder that we are on a journey from death to life; it constitutes the reality of Easter.

3.  A historic clown idea was based on the idea that "the most powerful person in the world is the one who can give away power."  God did this when God entered into human flesh.  Hebrews 12:2  Jesus calls on us to be servants.  The cross, which was a symbol of suffering and death, now is seen as a symbol of victory and life.  In clowning, you give away your power in words and action to become a "fool for Christ's sake" (I Corinthians 4:10).

4.  God has a sense of humor; God laughs and delights.  One of the few people God named in the Bible was Issac. Genesis 17:15-19 "Issac" literally means "laughter."  We believe God used this name intentionally.  Perhaps laughter is a language of the Spirit and a necessity for the Christian life.

5.  God is not always logical or rational by human standards...Look at Jesus' seemingly irrational commands:  "Love our enemies."  "Take up your cross."   "Be like a child."  "Become servants."...On the basis of scripture and history, God is not "rational" in human terms....

6.  God works through the principles of comedy.  In comedy there is a "bringing down" of someone and, through a non-heroic means, the person is lifted up higher and better than before....

We are called to be "fools for Christ's sake," to be weak so that others can be strong.  What an honor and privilege that calling is! (pp. 14-15)

(taken from, CLOWN MINISTRY by Floyd Schaffer and Penne Sewall, 1984, GROUP BOOKS)