Laughter in a Time of Turmoil: Humor as Spiritual Practice

by Richard P. Olson; Donald Capps

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2012

Overview

Here’s a different angle on humor--it can be a spiritual practice, an expression of a theology of joy, hope, and grace. Humor is so valuable, for it offers self-care, healing, and renewal, precious gifts in times of pressure and tension. Olson begins by telling of three unforgettable friends who lived their lives with joy and zest--a practice that opened doors and aided their own sense of well-being. Playfully, he continues by exploring the known benefits of humor. Next considered is the amazing variety of humor in the Bible, a basic theology of a laughing God, and the caring ethic of humor that emerges from this theology. Finally, there is a discussion of how this practice of humor enriches worship, caregiving, and administration. Laughter in a Time of Turmoil draws to a close considering spiritual disciplines/practices and why humor belongs among these practices. Suggestions are then offered on how to grow in this spiritual practice. Discussion questions are provided for each chapter to help groups enjoy their conversations about the book. This book will help you think and laugh, or laugh and think (take your pick) and then be on your way rejoicing.

Praise for Laughter in a Time of Turmoil

”Ah, if only God’s children would get as excited about hu.mor as we do guilt and shame, then there might be some transformation in the world! Richard Olson reminds us all of this need to prioritize joy and to always ‘keep smiling.’"
--Rev. Susan Sparks
Pastor, Madison Avenue Baptist Church, NYC
Author, Laugh Your Way to Grace: Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor (2010)

“Anyone who ministers in the name of Jesus needs to have a sense of humor. It not only enlivens one’s ministry . . . , it also mirrors the joyful approach of Jesus of Nazareth. Olson’s absolutely delightful new book will be a boon to any pastor, minister, elder, deacon, or priest seeking to incorporate joy into his or her ministry. And that should be everyone who ministers at all: the Good News, after all, should put a smile on people’s faces!"
--James Martin, SJ
Author, Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life (2011)

"To be sure, there are theological riches to be found in Richard Olson’s Laughter in a Time of Turmoil. The chapter on Sara’s smile . . . is worth a couple of Bible study sessions all by itself. But Olson’s theme--that laughter and joy and humor are God’s gift and should be celebrated (and practiced intentionally) by Christians--is an equally strong reason to read this book. It is warm and funny and silly and insightful--sometimes in the same paragraph. Recommended for both private instruction and for reading out loud. . . . Be prepared to share."
--Robert Darden
Associate Professor of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media, Baylor University
Author, Jesus Laughed: The Redemptive Power of Humor (2008)

"Dick Olson has written an encompassing yet accessible exploration of the styles and healing power of humor. With deep insight and an array of thoughtful scholarship, he aptly describes humor as a spiritual practice. He connects humor and the very being of God. . . . His perceptive treatment of humor in Scripture invites a more richly textured reading, and his wise mastery of the role of humor in pastoral care is compelling. Best of all . . . the congruence between these pages and his life make the book all the more winsome."
--Molly T. Marshall, PhD
President and Professor of Theology and Spiritual Formation, Central Baptist Theological Seminary
Author, What It Means to Be Human (1995)

Product Details

• Title : Laughter in a Time of Turmoil: Humor as Spiritual Practice
• Authors:
  • Olson, Richard P.
  • Capps, Donald
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2012
• ISBN: 9781621892021

About the Authors

Richard P. Olson is Distinguished Professor of Pastoral Theology at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, Kansas, following many years of serving as pastor in a number of churches. He is the author or co-author of seventeen previous books, including Love Letter to a Conflicted Church (Wipf & Stock).