Church leaders sometimes warn against “loud laughter.” Do they mean that literally? Is it wrong to laugh loudly? What if something is really funny?
There are times when we should be quiet and reverent, of course. But it’s not usually the volume of one’s laughter that’s the problem. In this context, “loud” means something like “inappropriate” or “disrespectful.” “Loud laughter” is laughter that’s rude, mocking, or inconsiderate.
Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, now Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, said this in a talk at Brigham Young University–Idaho:
“Being ‘light-minded’ means failing to take seriously things that should be taken seriously, including our Church duties and temple covenants. Loud laughter is not referring to a specific volume, but rather to inappropriate laughter at any volume. Avoiding both [light-mindedness and loud laughter] is the rule."¹
Elder Richard G. Scott said, “A good sense of humor helps revelation; loud laughter does not.”²
1. Bradley R. Wilcox, “The Law of the Gospel,” Brigham Young University–Idaho Education Week address, July 31, 2015.
2. Richard G. Scott, “How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life,” April 2012 general conference.