Monday, March 04, 2013

Between Heaven and Mirth:

Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life By: Rev. James Martin, SJ
Non-fiction: religion 236 pages
Book Count: 8

Given that the author of this book is a Jesuit priest you would expect that this book would be about only Catholic spirituality, or at least general Christian beliefs ( as Martin Luther is on the cover art.) But although most of it is Chriatiany it includes quotes and information from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and New Age sources as well as modern psychology.  It is however a uniquely modern and very American book, as a good part of the beginning of the book deals with how the dour, hard working, fun hating Puritans helped us believe that religiousness equals seriousness.  Much of the book is stories of how the Bible has humor in it, joy and humor in the lives of the saints, and some what corny jokes involving religious people. Over all it is a deep book, that doesn't take itself that serious, making an easy read of a complex subject.

No comments: