The lamp is lit where grief and laughter meet.
Iambism teaches that mirth has sacred worth, but no laugh is holy when it rests upon cruelty.
The First Witness
The ancient hymn remembers Iambe's jest;
It does not give the faith we practice now.
We name the ancient witness as it stands,
And mark our modern stories as our own.
The Iambist Creed
We believe joy possesses sacred worth. We believe laughter may restore the weary spirit. We believe grief and mirth are not enemies. We believe hospitality is worship.
We believe satire may challenge arrogance. We believe no person should be humiliated merely for another's amusement. We believe tomorrow's congregation deserves a feast as surely as today's.
Restore the Smile
Lift burdens without commanding happiness.
Make Mirth
Create the joke, meal, music, story, or gathering.
Welcome the Stranger
Hospitality becomes a sacred act.
Feast Together
Fellowship outranks private indulgence.
Mock the Crown
Challenge vanity before you target a wound.
Permit Holy Foolishness
Perfection is not a sacrament.
Do Not Command the Laugh
No one owes another laughter.
Leave Room for Sorrow
Sit beside grief before attempting to move it.
Preserve Tomorrow's Feast
Steward abundance for those not yet present.
Give Joy Away
The highest mirth asks no repayment.
Gather Often
Joy practiced becomes community.
Depart Lighter
Leave at least one burden lighter than before.