Holy Fools and Sacred Laughter: Comedy in the Christian Tradition

25/10/2025 42 min
Holy Fools and Sacred Laughter: Comedy in the Christian Tradition

Listen "Holy Fools and Sacred Laughter: Comedy in the Christian Tradition"

Episode Synopsis

Send us a textDid you know the Bible contains toilet jokes? Or that medieval priests brought donkeys into cathedrals and had congregations bray instead of saying "Amen"?Join Alex and Michael for a hilarious and profound exploration of Christianity's surprisingly rich comedy tradition. From Elijah's savage mockery of Baal's bathroom breaks to Jesus's absurdist parables, from Jerome's vicious fat jokes about theological rivals to Dante sliding down Satan's hairy legs like a fireman's pole - discover how laughter and faith have always been intertwined.Featuring insights from priest-comedian Chris Bedding of Pirate Church fame, this episode reveals how comedy serves as prophecy, resistance, and even survival. Learn why Luther fought the devil with farts, how Holocaust survivors used dark humour to maintain dignity, and why Kierkegaard wrote philosophy under comic pseudonyms.Whether exploring medieval Feasts of Fools, modern Christian memes, or the deep theology behind divine laughter, this conversation proves that sometimes the most profound truths come wrapped in the most ridiculous packages. Because maybe, just maybe, the opposite of faith isn't doubt - it's the inability to laugh at yourself.A must-listen for anyone who's ever wondered if God has a sense of humour. (Spoiler: 400,000 species of beetles suggest the answer is yes.)Support the showThanks for joining us on The Theology Pod. We hope today's conversation has given you something meaningful to wrestle with as you continue your own spiritual journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform—it really helps other seekers find our conversations. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. For show notes, reading recommendations, and to join our ongoing discussion, visit us at TheologyPod.com. You can also follow us on social media @TheologyPod on Facebook for reflections and updates on upcoming episodes. We love hearing from our listeners. Feel free to send us your questions, topic suggestions, or just let us know how these conversations are impacting your faith journey via our social media platforms. Remember, theology isn't just an academic study—it's the lived experience of wrestling with the divine in our everyday lives. Keep asking the hard questions, keep seeking, and keep engaging with the mystery. Until next time, may you find grace in the questions and peace in the seeking.

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