The document discusses the role of comedy and satire in religion. It provides examples of mainstream comedy television programs and films that have religious themes or characters, such as Dave Allen, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Vicar of Dibley, and Father Ted. The document examines how each clip uses religion for comedy, whether it is offensive or blasphemous, and how religious people may view it. It considers whether religion is a legitimate subject for humor.

1. Comedy in religion LEARNING OBJECTIVE – To consider the role of comedy in religion. By the end of the lesson All must – be able to explain the role of comedy and satire in religion. Most should – be able to form opinions on the suitability of using different types of comedy in relation to religion. Some could – consider whether religion is a legitimate subject for humour.

2. Starter List any mainstream comedy television programme or film which has religion as a main theme or which has a religious character or at times uses religion for sketches.

4. Key words Blasphemy – disrespecting holy people, religious artefacts, customs, and beliefs. Some countries have laws to punish blasphemy. Heresy – an opinion or belief that contradicts established religious teaching, especially one that is officially condemned by a religious authority. Satire – the use of wit, especially irony, sarcasm, and ridicule, to criticise faults

5. TV clips Here we watched clips from four comedy programmes/films which have a religious theme, or include religious sketches. You should have notes on the following: The name of the programme or film. How religion is used in the clip. What is being laughed at, religious people, attitudes to religion, perceptions about religion, religious behaviour? etc. Whether the programme is offensive or insults religion. Is anything in the clip blasphemous or heretical? How you think religious people would view the clip.

6. Clip one – Dave Allen Dave Allen was particularly well known in the 1970s and early 1980s. He came from Ireland and a lot of his comedy involved the Roman Catholic Church. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxo81Ok9Urk

7. Clip two – Four weddings and a funeral The vast majority of this film is set at the weddings and funeral. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm0XqDm8Uh0

8. Clip three – Vicar of Dibley The Vicar of Dibley started just after the time women became priests in the Church of England. Many Christians were offended that a serious issue was being trivialised with comedy. Much of the comedy is concerned with the characters in the village rather than with religion itself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz6ILmFl3zE

9. Clip four – Father Ted Father Ted ran for three series from 1995-1998. It shows the life of three Irish Roman Catholic priests on the fictional Craggy Island. http://www.channel4.com/programmes/father-ted/video/series-2/episode-9/bad-sport

10. Overall, would you say that all or some of the clips used religion in an appropriate way in their comedy? Based on the clips you have watched and other religious comedy you know; is religion a legitimate subject for humour?