God at the Improv: Humor and the Holy in Scripture

Asking if there is humor in any religious text might seem blasphemous to many readers. Religious texts are there to instruct us, not entertain us. Religious texts are serious works, not frivolous. However, if part of being human entails having a sense of humor, then it would be more surprising indeed for Scripture not to have humor. Humor instructs us as much as it entertains us. God at the Improv seeks to show that being religious and being humorous are not opposites, but actually work in tandem to enhance and enliven our faith and practice.

Anthony J. Petrotta is rector emeritus at St. Francis Episcopal Church (Wilsonville, Oregon) and was associate professor of Old Testament at Fuller Seminary (Northern California; retired). He has coauthored the Pocket Dictionary of Biblical Studies (with Dr. Arthur Patzia; InterVarsity Press) and Lexis Ludens: Wordplay and the Book of Micah (Peter Lang). His articles and reviews have appeared in several journals and magazines, including Radix and The Living Church.

David W. Gill is an Oakland, California, writer. He studied at UC Berkeley, San Francisco State, and the University of Southern California. He served forty years as professor of ethics at New College Berkeley, North Park University, St. Mary's College, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has authored ten books, including Workplace Discipleship 101: A Primer (2020) and this memoir. He is founding president of the International Jacques Ellul Society (www.ellul.org).