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The Sacred Art of Joking
Every few weeks a politician, pundit or soap star causes a media storm by making a gaffe or tweeting a joke that some people do not find funny. Comedy is very hard to get right and yet we think it’s important to have a sense of humour and not take yourself too seriously. On the other hand, a sense of humour failure can lead to losing your friends, your twitter account, your job, your career and, in some cases, your life.
James Cary knows about this. He is a sitcom writer who’s written jokes about bomb disposal in Afghanistan (Bluestone 42), defended comments about Islam by Ben Elton on Newsnight, been on a panel with radical Muslim cleric Anjem Choudary, sits on the General Synod of the Church of England and somehow managed to co-write episodes of Miranda. An odd mix, but one that makes him very readable. This entertaining, breezy book, explains how comedy works (with jokes and quotes) and gives much-needed insights into the controversy surrounding humour.
- GenresNonfictionHumor
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 15, 2023
I picked this up for £2 at a charity shop. Not my normal cup of tea, but hey-ho, I thought, why not? Maybe it'll expand my very tight view on comedy and the limits of free speech.
Unfortunately, I found very little of worth in these pages.
This is not because of the author's lack of ability. I was actually pleasantly surprised by how calmly and coherently Cary discusses various jokes, situations, and comedic elements, even when he explicitly states that he disagrees with their existence, or their content.
However, all of Cary's takes on what makes comedy acceptable, or the role of offense in responding to jokes, etc., are takes that I have read about by simply existing in online spaces.
I did enjoy learning about the comedic elements present in the Bible, and I do feel that I've come away keen to re-examine comedy and my opinion of it.
But overall, I can't say I gained much from reading this work. It was thankfully short and coherent, but frustratingly devoid of any interesting and new knowledge for me to apply to anything relevant in my life.
Unfortunately, I found very little of worth in these pages.
This is not because of the author's lack of ability. I was actually pleasantly surprised by how calmly and coherently Cary discusses various jokes, situations, and comedic elements, even when he explicitly states that he disagrees with their existence, or their content.
However, all of Cary's takes on what makes comedy acceptable, or the role of offense in responding to jokes, etc., are takes that I have read about by simply existing in online spaces.
I did enjoy learning about the comedic elements present in the Bible, and I do feel that I've come away keen to re-examine comedy and my opinion of it.
But overall, I can't say I gained much from reading this work. It was thankfully short and coherent, but frustratingly devoid of any interesting and new knowledge for me to apply to anything relevant in my life.
December 8, 2024
Have I ever told you about one one my greatest life accomplishments? I once won an argument with no less than John Frame. He had posited somewhere that viewing nudity in film was like unto happening to come across a too-amorous couple whilst taking a casual walk. Nope, I objected, it's like deliberately making lover's lane, notorious site of over-the-top PDAs, your chosen hiking destination. Dr. Frame conceded the point. That exchange was probably twenty years ago, but I'm still Uncle-Ricoing the glory days.
No-big-dealing the consumption of nudity-as-entertainment (he's all in on Game of Thrones, for example) is just one of the big errors James Cary makes in this book.
Another point he whiffed was his argument re the use of foul language for entertainment purposes. He wrote for a military-themed sitcom, and put lots of realistic, i.e., profanity-ridden, dialogue in his characters' mouths. But he refrained from repeating it in the context of this book because it wouldn't be right to use that language himself. The trouble is that, unlike some sins that can be acted, spewing f-bombs and the like must actually be done. So he was setting up actors to do what he acknowledges to be wrong.
While not as egregious, I think his explanation of why we (or, in his case, Brits) can't really do humor about Islam doesn't really cut it. He says that Americans know enough about Mormonism to joke about it, but that Islam is just too opaque to be a good target. Poppycock.
So I'm sorry to say I've got to give this an overall thumbs-down.
The author narrated, and that, and least, was well done.
No-big-dealing the consumption of nudity-as-entertainment (he's all in on Game of Thrones, for example) is just one of the big errors James Cary makes in this book.
Another point he whiffed was his argument re the use of foul language for entertainment purposes. He wrote for a military-themed sitcom, and put lots of realistic, i.e., profanity-ridden, dialogue in his characters' mouths. But he refrained from repeating it in the context of this book because it wouldn't be right to use that language himself. The trouble is that, unlike some sins that can be acted, spewing f-bombs and the like must actually be done. So he was setting up actors to do what he acknowledges to be wrong.
While not as egregious, I think his explanation of why we (or, in his case, Brits) can't really do humor about Islam doesn't really cut it. He says that Americans know enough about Mormonism to joke about it, but that Islam is just too opaque to be a good target. Poppycock.
So I'm sorry to say I've got to give this an overall thumbs-down.
The author narrated, and that, and least, was well done.
July 4, 2019
Good insights here and there, but it didn't hang together. Mostly lame.
November 10, 2019
We might think that people won’t get easily offended in this post Christian and social media saturated age. But that’s not the case especially when we joke about someone’s religion. James Cary sets out to explain this and other issue surrounding humor and Christianity in this book, The Sacred Art of Joking.
The title is one reason I requested a review copy and I think people who might not even be familiar with the author will do that also. The catchy title grabs hold of me. We’ll it did deliver the goods but not with some rough parts. For those who are not familiar with some references it will be a bit bumpy. Also there are parts that really nailed it and some parts that took you off the rail. Nevertheless, discussion about how humor works, the French satire Charlie Hebdo, and why comedians don’t usually poke fun with Islam are some of the highlights of this book. By that you’ll consider The Sacred Art of Joking a worthwhile read.
The Sacred Art of Joking primarily seeks to present comedy as a part of the Christian experience and it did in some point. Cary raises some concern on how jokes are presented in either in church or secular setting. Cary wants us to consider the comedy found in the Scripture and presents the Bible a dark and gritty book. A delightful and fresh read for those the curious on a Christian perspective on using humor from a comedy writer.
My verdict:
4 out of 5
The title is one reason I requested a review copy and I think people who might not even be familiar with the author will do that also. The catchy title grabs hold of me. We’ll it did deliver the goods but not with some rough parts. For those who are not familiar with some references it will be a bit bumpy. Also there are parts that really nailed it and some parts that took you off the rail. Nevertheless, discussion about how humor works, the French satire Charlie Hebdo, and why comedians don’t usually poke fun with Islam are some of the highlights of this book. By that you’ll consider The Sacred Art of Joking a worthwhile read.
The Sacred Art of Joking primarily seeks to present comedy as a part of the Christian experience and it did in some point. Cary raises some concern on how jokes are presented in either in church or secular setting. Cary wants us to consider the comedy found in the Scripture and presents the Bible a dark and gritty book. A delightful and fresh read for those the curious on a Christian perspective on using humor from a comedy writer.
My verdict:
4 out of 5
August 16, 2019
Is humor worth the price?
Notes:
Superheroes are Christ figures. Have to sacrifice themselves or make themselves vulnerable in some way.
"Here's a man going around proving he has power over death itself. There's only one thing to do -- kill him!"
Offense is a poor measure of the appropriateness of a joke. Personal note: the author derives this principle from Jesus's willingness to offend His hearers. I'm not convinced this is a categorical imperative.
Given the track record of the Pharisees, Christians should think twice before crying "Offensive!"
Personal note: I'm reminded of Bruce's advice: out-joy them
Author says the reason comics don't lampoon Islam isn’t so much because they're cowards or because they hate Christianity. It has more to do with familiarity. Because we have a shared knowledge of Christianity, it makes for better joke-telling.
Comedy stems from incongruity
What is the use in having the right to do something if you never have an opportunity to exercise that right?
When all is said and done, the joke is on us. So we might as well have a good laugh
Notes:
Superheroes are Christ figures. Have to sacrifice themselves or make themselves vulnerable in some way.
"Here's a man going around proving he has power over death itself. There's only one thing to do -- kill him!"
Offense is a poor measure of the appropriateness of a joke. Personal note: the author derives this principle from Jesus's willingness to offend His hearers. I'm not convinced this is a categorical imperative.
Given the track record of the Pharisees, Christians should think twice before crying "Offensive!"
Personal note: I'm reminded of Bruce's advice: out-joy them
Author says the reason comics don't lampoon Islam isn’t so much because they're cowards or because they hate Christianity. It has more to do with familiarity. Because we have a shared knowledge of Christianity, it makes for better joke-telling.
Comedy stems from incongruity
What is the use in having the right to do something if you never have an opportunity to exercise that right?
When all is said and done, the joke is on us. So we might as well have a good laugh
April 11, 2023
I acquired this book as a consequence of subscribing to James Cary's blog and being entertained and educated by his take on things. The book continues in the same way.
His observations on comedy and interactions with society and society values are helpful and challenging. He has caused me to rethink the rather visceral reactions I have to matters that could be regarded as blasphemous. I appreciated greatly the challenge found in the quote from C S Lewis that advised us to 'surrender' to a work in order to truly understand and thereafter to justly critique it.
The sections I found less convincing and satisfying were covering the ideas of the comic in scripture. I do not doubt that Jesus enjoyed the comic in the the most wholesome way but I find it a stretch to agree with the comedy that James sees in places including the Easter story.
James Cary is impressive in using his comic gift, plying his creative trade in a challenging arena and yet walking in a well-grounded and firm faith. Well done!
So overall a good helpful read yet with some areas which, even after reading, do not fully convince me.
His observations on comedy and interactions with society and society values are helpful and challenging. He has caused me to rethink the rather visceral reactions I have to matters that could be regarded as blasphemous. I appreciated greatly the challenge found in the quote from C S Lewis that advised us to 'surrender' to a work in order to truly understand and thereafter to justly critique it.
The sections I found less convincing and satisfying were covering the ideas of the comic in scripture. I do not doubt that Jesus enjoyed the comic in the the most wholesome way but I find it a stretch to agree with the comedy that James sees in places including the Easter story.
James Cary is impressive in using his comic gift, plying his creative trade in a challenging arena and yet walking in a well-grounded and firm faith. Well done!
So overall a good helpful read yet with some areas which, even after reading, do not fully convince me.
April 15, 2023
I listened to the author reading the book. And I was surprised at how unnatural he sounded. I have heard James talking on many podcasts - his own and others - and he has always sounded so much more natural in his speech. This one really surprised me.
The content of the book? Some parts of it I thought were very humorous but there were other bits that were not quite there for me. Then there were some serious topics like comedy and Islam. Why do we not see more fun being made of it? I have always thought that there was one reason, and one reason only. But James pointed out that there are Muslims on the comedy circuit in England and they have no problem making fun of Islam! (I live in Australia, by the way, so my knowledge of the English comedy circuit is non existent.) I won’t say anything more in my review about the topic of Islam and comedy.
James then spends quite some time discussing various comedic events in the Christian Bible. I was aware of some of them but he opened my eyes to a whole new lot of them. I’m grateful for that!
This isn’t a riveting or must read book. But it is fun in most parts. And, in my opinion, it’s not a waste of time.
The content of the book? Some parts of it I thought were very humorous but there were other bits that were not quite there for me. Then there were some serious topics like comedy and Islam. Why do we not see more fun being made of it? I have always thought that there was one reason, and one reason only. But James pointed out that there are Muslims on the comedy circuit in England and they have no problem making fun of Islam! (I live in Australia, by the way, so my knowledge of the English comedy circuit is non existent.) I won’t say anything more in my review about the topic of Islam and comedy.
James then spends quite some time discussing various comedic events in the Christian Bible. I was aware of some of them but he opened my eyes to a whole new lot of them. I’m grateful for that!
This isn’t a riveting or must read book. But it is fun in most parts. And, in my opinion, it’s not a waste of time.
July 20, 2021
I’m coming to this as a non-Christian non-Brit, and while this book was written for British Christians, I found it well worth reading. As well as a way to, surprisingly, learn quite a bit more about the rules of the United Kingdom.
There is a great section at the beginning talking about comedy, in general. What is joking, what makes a joke, when am I going to end this list, probably not yet, pretty soon though, don’t you think, and so on. Just by itself, this is worth the read.
The further sections talk about humor, and how it intersects with faith. We focus mainly on Christianity, but there’s a lot of talk given to why other religions don’t receive the same jokes, and such. Really quite interesting, and I am grateful to have seen through others eyes.
There is a great section at the beginning talking about comedy, in general. What is joking, what makes a joke, when am I going to end this list, probably not yet, pretty soon though, don’t you think, and so on. Just by itself, this is worth the read.
The further sections talk about humor, and how it intersects with faith. We focus mainly on Christianity, but there’s a lot of talk given to why other religions don’t receive the same jokes, and such. Really quite interesting, and I am grateful to have seen through others eyes.
May 30, 2019
I generally like this book. Comedy is my favourite genre of entertainment. In part one of the book I learned a lot about the technicalities of comedy. It gives me the way to describe some aspects I already know or observe. Part two enlightens me about the relationship between Christianity and comedy.
I wish it stopped there. Reading part three feels like following sport commentators or financial segments on TV: it seem to say a lot of things, but I don't get what the author is actually trying to say. What's the punchline?! Maybe it is just the author thinking out loud geeking out about comedy....
I wish it stopped there. Reading part three feels like following sport commentators or financial segments on TV: it seem to say a lot of things, but I don't get what the author is actually trying to say. What's the punchline?! Maybe it is just the author thinking out loud geeking out about comedy....
March 16, 2019
A more serious book then it first looks, this book deals with all sorts of humour, and can be useful even for a none theological thinker, although there is a section on the humour of the bible that is very interesting to the theologian in me.
It was a very interesting thoughtful read, from an experienced source, and I would recommend it for those not sure about how to deal with humour in the Christian religion, those interested in that topic and also those who wish to know how best to utilise it.
It was a very interesting thoughtful read, from an experienced source, and I would recommend it for those not sure about how to deal with humour in the Christian religion, those interested in that topic and also those who wish to know how best to utilise it.
November 27, 2021
Humor and Christianity have had a long and varied relationship. Cary has words about this and other related topics, such as "Should Christians watch shows with bad stuff in them?", Christian outrage and why it's not helpful, and reading Scripture aloud and why we should do it more.
A good read, that if not always gripping (it jokingly touts itself as the book you find by your friends loo), has some valuable things to say, and does so in a light-hearted, down-to-earth way.
A good read, that if not always gripping (it jokingly touts itself as the book you find by your friends loo), has some valuable things to say, and does so in a light-hearted, down-to-earth way.
March 27, 2021
Cannot rate this highly enough! Worthwhile reading for Christians and non-Christians alike, this book breaks down so many questions - was Jesus funny? Is Christianity an easy target? - into easy to read, mini essays explaining exactly why the author thinks a certain way. It’s not too theological, it’s not too basic, it’s just right.
Loved it :)
Loved it :)
June 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Conversational, informative, pleasant.
I am shocked every single time I re-learn about Britain not having free speech. I suppose that's a very American thing to forget and be shocked about time after time. (*Butterfly* Is this observational humor?)
I am shocked every single time I re-learn about Britain not having free speech. I suppose that's a very American thing to forget and be shocked about time after time. (*Butterfly* Is this observational humor?)
July 28, 2019
I enjoyed the exposé of hilarity and humor in the bible. "Scripture is a script." - JC (James Cary not Jesus Christ)
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November 26, 2019Alas! Too short.
May 3, 2020
Some interesting observations and entertaining stories, but didn't quite hold together as a book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews