Humor Us

"In a world of serious problems and stressed-out people, psychology of religion scholar Donald Capps explores the idea and use of humor and William James' notion of the Gospel of Relaxation in light of scripture and the ministry of Jesus. We are wonderfully introduced to Jesus and his disciples as a joking community. This book is a fitting coda to Don Capps' prolific life. He offers us not only last laughs, but the gift and grace of humor."

--Ryan LaMothe, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology



"This is Donald Capps' last book, and it is among his best. His third monograph on humor, Humor Us, engages empirical, theoretical, medical, historical, biblical, and theological writings on humor, offering a compelling vision for moderating stress and alleviating anxiety by means of what William James called 'The Gospel of Relaxation.' We all would do well to cling to Capps' wisdom."

--Nathan Carlin, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas



"Donald Capps provides more than 'molecules of hope' as he invites the reader into his own 'gospel of relaxation.' In a playful manner that combines serious scholarship about the healing power of humor and imagination with a sense of hopefulness, Capps argues persuasively that a reluctant partnership exists between religion and humor. This partnership serves as an antidote to twenty-first-century anxiety."

--Carol L. Schnabl Schweitzer, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, Virginia



"Laughter is not the best medicine, according to Donald Capps in this subversive and at times very funny book, but humor can serve as a powerful placebo for alleviating stress in an age of anxiety. While religion and humor have seldom made for comfortable bedfellows, Humor Us provides compelling biblical support for ushering humor into the holy of holies. Through meticulous scholarly investigation of gospel parables and healing narratives, Capps invites readers to take 'imaginative possession of the shared experiences of Jesus and his disciples,' including shared humor. This book is a subtle but devastating indictment of humorless academic theology, while simultaneously offering pastoral comfort for anxious souls who labor and are heavy laden."

--Robert C. Dykstra, Charlotte W. Newcombe Professor of Pastoral Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary