Jerry Seinfeld’s comedic genius revolves around his ability to expose the absurd buried in the familiar.
Here’s are some examples:
According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.
Why do they call it a “building”? It looks like they’re finished. Why isn’t it a “built”?
Dogs are the leaders of the planet. If you see two life forms, one of them’s making a poop, the other one’s carrying it for him, who would you assume is in charge?
If you want to see a more complete list, check here.
So Seinfeld gives expression to things that are true yet overlooked. We become so comfortable with what is dysfunctional that we accept it as the status quo. Once Seinfeld makes his observations, we have that “a-ha” moment needed to adjust our behavior and attitudes.
I believe that on a certain level that’s the task of preaching.
Not that preachers share many of Jerry Seinfeld’s core beliefs or moral convictions.
But we have something to learn from his strategy.
Because if my preaching can expose people’s default dysfunctions — and do so in a non-threatening way — then life change can begin.