Laughter: A Theological Essay
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
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.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0826406602
ISBN13:9780826406606
Release Date:January 1994
Publisher:Continuum
Length:150 Pages
Weight:0.75 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 5.6" x 8.8"
Related Subjects
Christian Books & Bibles Religion Religion & Spirituality Religious Studies TheologyCustomer Reviews
2 ratings
Powerful book about humor
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
A powerful book in regard to humor analysis and where humor fits into life's plan. Since the author is a theologian, he views life's plan or purpose from that point of view...The book makes great mention of the writer Umberto Eco, who wrote a fictional book, called "The Name of the Rose." The real Aristotle wrote an essay on humor, but it was lost. No problem for Eco. He tells us what Aristotle said...Outside of the best seller "The Name of the Rose," Eco has written other works. His essays are satirically and sarcastically funny. As an Italian, he tells us what he thinks of transportation in New York City. Am I am sure people have written works on transportation where he is...Getting back to the book "Laughter," by Karl-Josef Kuschel, this reviewer would recommend that it be read by any performer, writer, or student of humor.
Readable theology with humor - that's literary too
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Laughter: A Theological Essay may be questioned as an academic theory - the author too easily associates general cultural themes to the specific culture of the Gospel era - but the book is a wonderful catalyst to make one think about the place of laughter in religious experience. It forces one to consider the downplaying of humor and the emphasis on seriousness in the Christian tradition - for myself this brought up interesting issues with regards to the Holy Fools tradition and the Laughing Buddha tradition.The joy of reading this book is even greater - the reader gets a bonus in postmodern literary analysis in the book's interpretation of Eco's The Name of the Rose. Again, one may not ultimately agree with the book's conclusions but you will be nudged to think about issues rarely raised.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
