Lesson 1
Academy of Iambe
IAM-101 — Foundations of Sacred Mirth
Prescribed course of study in foundations of sacred mirth.
| Minimum time | 4 instructional hours + reading/assignment |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites | None; recommended after Covenant Membership orientation |
| Primary text | The Book of Iambe, Chapters III–VIII, XIV, XXII, XXXV |
| Purpose | To establish the core beliefs, virtues, disciplines, and boundaries of Iambist religious life. |
Lessons
Lesson 2
Lesson 2. What Makes Mirth Sacred?
Lesson 3
Lesson 3. The Five Lamps
Lesson 4
Lesson 4. The Twelve Tenets as Daily Discipline
Lesson 5
Lesson 5. The Five Warnings and the Covenant
Course assessment
Complete a 1,000–1,500 word Foundations Reflection titled “Sacred Mirth Is More Than Fun.” Explain the First Laugh, all Five Lamps, at least six Tenets, and at least three Warnings. End with a one-paragraph personal rule of Iambist practice.
Assessment rubric
| Criterion | Meets standard | Needs revision |
|---|---|---|
| Doctrinal accuracy | Accurately explains Sacred Mirth and the Returning Smile. | Treats Iambism as compulsory happiness or generic entertainment. |
| Five Lamps | Uses all five as a balanced framework. | Omits or misstates multiple Lamps. |
| Tenets and Warnings | Applies them to concrete behavior. | Merely lists terms without understanding. |
| Religious maturity | Recognizes grief, consent, and stewardship boundaries. | Uses mirth to dismiss harm or responsibility. |
| Clarity | Readable, organized, and in the candidate’s own words. | Materially unclear or substantially copied without attribution. |
Course review questions
Explain the difference between Sacred Mirth and ordinary pleasure.
Why does the First Laugh not authorize compulsory cheerfulness?
How do the Five Lamps constrain one another?
Give an example of a conflict between two Tenets and resolve it.
Explain one of the Five Warnings as a counterfeit virtue.
State the Covenant of Iambe in substance, even if not word-for-word.