‘If you have found your walk with Jesus has become a little serious, then here are five books that remind us that joy and laughter are all part of God’s design,’ says Kate Orson.
Christianity can be a serious business. We know the gravity of sin, and the consequences of being separated from God. Then there’s the way the enemy hijacks comedy, with jokes so crude they’re just not Christian friendly. Sometimes we can end up forgetting about fun and laughter altogether.
Laughter has so many benefits for physical and emotional health.
Yet, God created us to feel joy and gifted us laughter for that purpose. Laughter has so many benefits for physical and emotional health. Research has found it helps to lower blood pressure, increase endorphins and release stress.
READ MORE: ‘I hated being called Joy but now I love it’
As Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes, “I commend joy, for man has no good thing under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.” (Ecc. 8.15).
If you have found your walk with Jesus has become a little serious, then here are six books that remind us that joy and laughter are all part of God’s design. For full comic effect, check out the audiobook versions (available for the first three).
The Sacred Art Of Joking, by James Cary
This book explores the art of humour; what makes a joke funny, and why some jokes cross the line of acceptability. There are plenty of examples given along the way to laugh out loud to. Part 2 looks at the Bible, and how there’s more comedy in it than might first appear. While religion has a history of being pretty serious, this book is a great reminder that we actually serve a God with a sense of humour.
READ MORE: The unique ministry of a ‘Big Fat Greek Mother’
Life is Funny Until it’s Not, by Chonda Pierce
Chonda Pierce is a clean Christian comedian from the US who has had an award winning career in the secular world. Yet her early life was troubled. Growing up in a family who loved Jesus, she also experienced abuse and tragic loss. This memoir narrates her story without shying away from her difficult experiences. Pierce finds humour in her darkest moments and her mistakes. It’s a powerful story of how Jesus forgives and heals all, with lots of giggles along the way.
Confessions of a Proverbs 32 Woman, by Kerri Pomarolli
Haven’t we all felt inadequate trying to live up to the Proverbs 31 woman? I was relieved to hear that some scholars actually believe the proverb is a conglomerate of multiple women, perhaps nobody can be that perfect! Kerri shares the messiness of her life with honest wit. This book brings humorous relief to our sense of inadequacy. It’s a reminder that despite our many imperfections, God still loves us.
10 Second Sermons, by Milton Jones
Milton Jones was viewed as one of the best stand-up acts on the comedy circuit. He then rose to fame on BBC2’s Mock The Week. This book explores the Christian faith through Jones’ trademark one liners and cartoon illustrations. It’s ideal for those moments when you need a quick boost of joy, and a reminder to see the lighter side of your Christian walk.
Stand Up And Deliver: A Nervous Rookie On The Comedy Circuit
Andy Kind calls himself a promedian - a preacher and a comedian. He has performed his comedy at Christian events, as well as in the mainstream comedy world. This memoir recounts his experiences in the first year of his career, feeling at odds with an environment where rude jokes and blasphemy are the norm. If you’ve ever struggled with being ‘in the world but not of the world,’ then this book is for you.
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