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Full Description
"Laughter is the GPS system for the soul," poses Rev. Susan Sparks as she diagnoses our current condition of "spiritual geliophobia"-the fear of laughter in the presence of God. We have forgotten the playful, joyful aspect of the Holy One. "For those who think God doesn't laugh, think platypus and blowfish," is her reminder to all who live life just a bit too seriously.
This is a substantive, yet personal and funny look at the power of humour. With compelling stories from her life, Susan tracks the various ways humour has been revered in ancient cultures and world religious traditions, explores why humour is rarely included in our images of God, highlights the ways that humour allows us to transcend our isolation and our barriers, and reveals the ways in which humour can be the "ark" that carries us when tragedy hits. The result is a powerful, humorous case for laughter as a spiritual, healing path.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
A Letter from God
Disclaimer
PART I Why Aren't We Laughing?
1 Humor and Holiness Are Not Oxymorons: Finding My Way as an Ordained Comedian
2 The Lost Branch of the Family Tree: Remembering Our Legacy of Laughter
3 Spiritual Geliophobia: The Fear of Laughing in the Presence of God
4 Eating Dessert on the Titanic: The Opportunity for Joy Is Now
PART II What Would Happen If We Laughed?
5 High Places of the Heart: Finding Perspective through Laughter
6 We're All Hells Angels: Using Humor to See Past Our Differences
7 Burping in the Pulpit: Rediscovering a Fresh Spiritual Practice through the Eyes of a Child
8 Breathe, Just Breathe: The Healing Power of Breath and Laughter
9 Into the Ark: Laughter in Times of Crisis
10 A Leo's Search for God: Laughter Helps Us Keep Faith When God Is Silent
11 The Dash In Between: How We Live and What We Leave
Suggestions for Further Reading
