The Humor of Christ [Paperback]

Elton Trueblood (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Shows how Christ used humor in his teachings to bring a fuller appreciation of the Gospel message.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Harper & Row San Francisco (August 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060686324
• ISBN-13: 978-0060686321
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #454,397 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well, get in back in print., December 24, 1999

By 

R. Wallace "Bob Wallace" (St. Louis, Mo USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Humor of Christ (Paperback)

A very slim, easily readable volume in which Trueblood carefully goes through every saying of Jesus's in the New Testament and argues that many of them are humorous, often very witty sayings. For example, he argues that the saying that looking at someone with lust in your heart is the same as committing adultery was not meant to be taken as literally true. What Jesus was doing was mocking the arrogant and self-righteous of his age, who considered themselves as so superior that they were beyond mere lust. In our age own, everyone is familiar with certain preachers who act as if they are beyond all sexual temptation or desire...then get caught with hookers. (Apparently human nature doesn't change.) Another instance that Trueblood writes about is the curious exchange between Jesus and a woman whom he refuses to cure, insulting her with the comment, "It isn't right to give the children's food to the dogs." On the surface, this is an appalling comment. Trueblood argues Jesus was teasing her, and that she bested him by coming back with, "Yes, but even the dogs can eat the scraps that fall from the table." I can imagine the smile on his face as he says, "If you can give me an answer like that, I will cure you." This book is an eye-opener for those who have been curious as to why so many of Jesus's sayings didn't make much sense...unless you see them as wit.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars if there was any justice, this would be a bestseller, August 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Humor of Christ (Paperback)

This is a profound book. The whole body of Christ needs it desperately. Its point is simple and beautiful: Christ used humor and irony in his teachings. Not all (or even most) of his statements are meant to be taken literally. The other reviewer gave two of the best examples--the "foreign dogs" thing was actually teasing, and the "lust is adultery" thing is actually meant to mock excessive righteousness, not literally tell people that lust *is* adultery. This could and should bring about major changes and clarifications in our understanding of Christ's message, and it is badly overdue. As he himself said to his disciples (paraphrased), "Can't you people see I'm not talking about bread?" He wants us to understand him. This book is a major help in that purpose.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Refreshing Look at the Teachings of Christ, July 1, 2002

By 

John Fuller (Birmingham, AL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Humor of Christ (Paperback)

When I spotted this book on my library's shelf, I was immediately intrigued by its title, having shortly before noted a major toning-down of sarcasm on Christ's part in the NIV translation of John 16:31. Trueblood's book is as intriguing as its title, although it tends to a rather serious tone, an irony given the nature of the subject matter. He perhaps goes a little too far on occasion, finding humor where none may be intended, but the book is worthwhile for its original analysis of the parable of the unjust steward in Luke alone. It is also an easy read for a work of evident scholarship.