Holy laughter refers to outbreaks of spontaneous and uncontrollable laughter that are seen as manifestations of the Holy Spirit among some Christians. It is associated with the charismatic renewal movement and denominations like Pentecostalism that emphasize experiences of the Holy Spirit like speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing.
The term “holy laughter” comes from Scriptures like Psalm 126:2 which says “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.'” The idea is that joy unspeakable and divine laughter are gifts from God to his people.
Holy laughter experiences usually occur during times of prayer, worship, or ministry. A person may start laughing uncontrollably without any reason. This laughter can last several minutes or longer. It is thought to be the presence and power of God being manifested. The laughter is often very contagious among a group.
The phenomenon of holy laughter became widespread in the 1990s through the ministry of Rodney Howard-Browne, who was known as “the Holy Ghost bartender.” He would touch people on the head during services, which prompted outbreaks of holy laughter across congregations. This spread through the Vineyard Church and Toronto Blessing movements.
Many proponents of holy laughter say there are positive effects like healing, renewed faith, release from burdens, and a deeper intimacy with God. Critics argue it is a manipulation technique and not a true spiritual experience. Some say it aligns more with New Age mysticism than Biblical practices.
Here are some key aspects of holy laughter that are important to understand:
Origins and History
– While holy laughter was popularized in the 1990s, there are earlier accounts through history. In the 1700s, Jonathan Edwards wrote of religious “affections” and laughter during revivals. In the 1800s, the Holiness movement reported similar experiences.
– During the Azusa Street Revival in 1906, the leader William Seymour warned against emotional outbursts and urged self-control. Later Pentecostals like Aimee Semple McPherson reported holy laughter occurrences in the 1920s and 1930s.
– Some believe Old Testament figures like Abraham, Sarah, and David had holy laughter experiences in the Biblical accounts.
– Many believe holy laughter was common in the early church. Theologians link it to Jesus’ promise of joy in Luke 10:21 and the Holy Spirit giving power in Acts 2.
Theological Basis
– Advocates link holy laughter to Biblical passages about joy, gladness, singing, and celebration. Key verses include Ecclesiastes 3:4, Psalm 126:2, Luke 6:21, and John 16:22.
– Holy laughter is seen as a gift and manifestation of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 talks about gifts like prophecy, healing, and tongues. Most charismatics view holy laughter as another spiritual gift.
– Some theologians argue that God transcends reason and our laughter indicates being in awe of the divine. Humor and laughter are built into God’s creation.
– Critics argue the Bible does not mention holy laughter specifically. They point to verses about self-control like Galatians 5:23, 1 Corinthians 14:33, and 2 Timothy 1:7.
Practices and Experiences
– Holy laughter usually happens spontaneously during worship, prayers, or ministry times. Some leaders may facilitate it through touch, shouting, music, or chants.
– People report feeling overwhelmed by waves of joy and grace. The laughter releases stress and brings inner healing. God’s love becomes tangible.
– Physical manifestations can include falling down, crying, shaking, shouting, visions, and trances. But bodily reactions are not always present.
– After holy laughter, people describe feelings of refreshment. There can be deliverance from demons, freedom from pain, renewed commitment to God.
– Critics argue the manipulation and peer pressure involved do not reflect the clear-mindedness of the Holy Spirit. They also point to the lack of such experiences in Scripture.
Holy Laughter and Science
– In psychological terms, holy laughter resembles catathymia, hysteria, hypomania, and echolalia. But proponents claim it is more than medical conditions.
– Neuroscience shows laughter triggers an emotional release via chemicals like dopamine and lowers stress hormones. This can explain the sense of joy and relief.
– However, studies show religious ecstasy also activates areas of the brain associated with love and trust. This lends some credence to spiritual explanations.
– Research indicates social laughing is contagious and bonding. Holy laughter may strengthen community among groups through shared emotional experience.
– Opponents say hypnotic suggestion and emotional manipulation account for most effects rather than divine encounters. The placebo effect likely also plays a role.
Holy Laughter Controversies
– Concerns have been raised about leaders faking manifestations, pushing people to laugh, and peer pressure to conform as proofs of holiness.
– Florida revival preacher Rodney Howard-Browne was accused of making people laugh through hypnotic suggestion. He was banned from a Vineyard church for controversial techniques.
– Critics argue holy laughter focuses on experience and irrationality versus Biblical truth. Some associate it with the chaotic spirit mocked in 1 Corinthians 14:23.
– Many theologians criticize the tendency of holy laughter to be disruptive, irreverent, and work believers into a frenzy not consistent with self-control.
– There are accounts of inappropriate touching, manipulation of crowds, and even demonic spirits at some holy laughter meetings. Most charismatics however believe the phenomenon is genuinely from God.
Holy Laughter and Christian Unity
– Holy laughter has brought division among Christians regarding whether the experiences are legitimate or not.
– Most mainline Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches view holy laughter as novel and unorthodox. But some charismatics within those denominations accept it.
– Conservative evangelical leaders like John MacArthur, Michael Horton, and R.C. Sproul have strongly condemned holy laughter practices as false.
– Pentecostals and charismatics generally endorse holy laughter as a gift of the Spirit, though caution against emotionalism and falsity. Renewalist theologians like Wayne Grudem see laughter as a secondary spiritual gift.
– The debate often centers on cessationism vs. continuism views – whether all gifts like miracles and prophecy ceased or continue today. Cessationists deny modern holy laughter; continuists affirm it.
Holy Laughter and Spiritual Discernment
– Scripture cautions about testing all spiritual experiences since false prophets can deceive. 1 John 4:1 says “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
– While holy laughter proponents feel directly touched by God, critics argue emotional pleasure does not always equate to divine truth. Sober discernment is needed.
– Some suggest establishing safeguards like submitting to spiritual authority, examining fruit, studying Scripture, and making sure Christ is glorified in all things.
– Others advocate praying for wisdom to weigh and interpret such experiences. Believers must judge carefully and cling to the supreme authority of the Bible.
– Examining holy laughter with humility, wisdom, and Biblical fidelity helps avoid deception. Any experience contradicting or distracting from God’s Word merits suspicion.
Conclusion
Holy laughter remains controversial among Christians. Those who favor it view the joy and renewal as marks of God’s presence and grace to his people. Critics argue such experiences can reflect emotionalism and manipulation that require careful discernment. There are spiritual risks in overemphasizing experience versus steadfast theological truth. Wisdom and maturity are essential in judging phenomena like holy laughter that evokes divisive opinions among believers seeking God’s will. When approached carefully, holy laughter can produce benefits like deeper fellowship and worship. But without caution and discipline, there are also dangers of misinterpreting fleeting emotions as true spirituality.
