With coronavirus cases on the rise recently, social distancing is coming back to our daily lives. And for the Redeemer Presbyterian Church In New Orleans, it’s no exception.

Except the church has decided to take on a very creative way to do so. A place that’s not necessarily known for smashing comedy has proved it can be done in a subtle, yet all the more hilarious way.

Father Nathan Monk, a former priest, shared photos from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New Orleans on Facebook, showing the signs with Bible-themed jokes aimed at enforcing safe distance in the pews. The post has since gone viral with 24K people loving the unorthodox approach to handling a serious matter, but with a humorous twist.

This former priest shared the Redeemer Presbyterian Church's funny posters on Facebook and it blew up

Image credits: Father Nathan Monk

#1

Image credits: Father Nathan Monk

And people are loving it

#2

Image credits: Father Nathan Monk

And people are loving it

#3

Image credits: Father Nathan Monk

Bored Panda reached out to Nathan Monk, a former priest, human rights activist, and book author, who recently wrote the novel “The Miracle” which deals with our complicated relationship with our creator. Nathan also shared the viral Facebook post on the funny signs from Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

The former priest believes that “many of us grew up with the idea that we are to 'fear God' and that leaves a mark.” But there has been “a slow shift in the Church over the years of allowing good humor in and a softening of approach.”

It’s partly due to the fact that churches are shrinking and that poses new challenges. “Faith communities have to find new ways to engage, both in the digital age, and in a post-pandemic world,” he said.

And people are loving it

#4

Image credits: Father Nathan Monk

And people are loving it

#5

Image credits: Father Nathan Monk

And people are loving it

#6

Image credits: Father Nathan Monk

Nathan is convinced that humor is extremely important, especially in the time we live in now. “We have to laugh! There are those who think religion is supposed to be only serious and reverent.

“But God is both majestic and silly. The same God who daily paints the most beautiful sunset also created the fart,” Nathan added.

The former priest also said he understands very well why people have complicated relationships with religion. “I’ve had my own. I grew up in a faith healing church as a kid and then left that for the structured environment of the Eastern Orthodox Church.”

Nathan left the priesthood “in support of marriage equality.” It turns out, “humor and love is what got me through all the difficult days.”

And people are loving it

#7

Image credits: Father Nathan Monk

And people are loving it

#8

Image credits: Father Nathan Monk

And people are loving it