The nature of humor

[Ianny01]

Though I may be completely misinformed due to the nature of the source, I read in a Christian (not Catholic) magazine a particular article about humor in Scripture. There is a little "excerpt" from a Church council ordinance (I think).

It reads:

"If any cleric or monk speaks jocular words, such as provoke laughter, let him be anathema.

-- An ordinance from the Second Council of Constance, 1418"

If this is a valid ordinance, does it still hold power today? Has it ever been overturned?

Any thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Ianny01

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
12/28 - The Holy Innocents

Ianny01,

I have searched the documents of the Council of Constance in vain for such an anathema. If it's serious, then it's a bad reference; however, I am inclined to believe that it is simply a joke itself, in a Readers' Digest sort of way. The Council of Constance primarily dealt with the Eucharistic heresies of Wycliff and Huss. Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono