"The spiritual and intellectual journey of a feminst theologian from Christianity to the goddess."--Cover.

In this volume, theologian Kuschel traces a fascinating story of laughter: from Sarah in the Hebrew Bible through Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Mozart, Kafka, and Umberto Eco in The Name of the Rose. Kuschel discusses the foundations of Christian laughter in the New Testament and, in contrast, the Christian condemnation of laughter among the church fathers and in the monastic tradition.

“Bravo! I’ll say nothing funny about it, for it is a superior piece of work.” —P. J. O’Rourke “F. H. Buckley’s The Morality of Laughter is at once a humorous look at serious matters and a serious book about humor.” —Crisis Magazine “Buckley has written a . ne and funny book that will be read with pleasure and instruction.” —First Things “. . . written elegantly and often wittily. . . .” —National Post “. . . a fascinating philosophical exposition of laughter. . . .” —National Review “. . . at once a wise and highly amusing book.” —Wall Street Journal Online “. . . a useful reminder that a cheery society is a healthy one.” —Weekly Standard

If laughter is the best medicine then these hysterical reflections on church life will bring joy and encouragement. Funny things happen in church...really funny things. And laughing about them can be one of the most healing, healthy, and encouraging things a pastor, church leader, or church member can do. This fun resource will provide instant laughs by bringing together some of the best “Church Laughs” content from Leadership Journal, Christianity Today’s magazine for church leaders. High-quality, witty, silly, and just-plain funny cartoons and amusing anecdotes are also included. Let My People Laugh will bless and minister to folks in a way that sermons sometime can’t!

Ancient philosophers were very interested in questions about laughter, humor and comedy. They theorized about laughter and its causes, moralized about the appropriate uses of humor and what it is appropriate to laugh at, and wrote treaties on comedic composition. This volume explores themes that were important for ancient philosophers: the psychology of laughter, the ethical and social norms governing laughter and humor, and the philosophical uses of humor and comedic technique.