Performing stand-up comedy by clerics is a degradation of the clergy.
Dr. Mohammad Baqer Naeiji believes that the presence of the clergy among people and the way they engage with the public through media is very important. In any case, you see that some respected clerics and esteemed seminarians take on roles such as comedians or perform joyful programs for children or appear in media, and in this way, they connect with their audience. This presence is a challenge.
Some criticize this because they believe that the level of work of a seminarian and the manner of a cleric’s entry into national media in this way degrades and lowers them from the position and status they hold, or it tarnishes the public’s view of the clerical attire.
On the other hand, there might also be criticisms directed at the media, especially state-affiliated media, questioning why these media do not have a structured approach regarding issues related to the clergy and the presence of missionaries and programs with religious and spiritual aspects.