Laugh Again [Paperback]

Charles R. Swindoll (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 23, 1995

Discover outrageous joy in this modern classic. Chuck Swindoll shows how we can live in the present, say "no" to negativism, and realize that while no one's life is perfect, joy is always available. Applying scriptural truths in a practical way, Swindoll shows readers how to laugh again.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 23, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849936799
• ISBN-13: 978-0849936791
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Charles R. Swindoll is senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church, chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary, and the Bible teacher on the internationally syndicated radio program Insight for Living. He has written more than thirty best-selling books, including STRENGTHENING YOUR GRIP, LAUGH AGAIN, THE GRACE AWAKENING, and the million-selling GREAT LIVES FROM GOD'S WORD series. Chuck and his wife, Cynthia, live in Frisco, Texas.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars laugh again/experience outrageous joy, May 20, 2000

By 

Conrad Duncan (West Newton, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Laugh Again/Experience Outrageous Joy (Hardcover)

This is probably the best study of the book of Phillipians that I have ever read. It's easy to follow, brings out a perspective that is unique and insightful, and it speaks on a subject sorely needed in today's stressed-out world. Laugh Again is truly a self-help book good for the new millenium regardless of the original publishing date. Buy it for anyone you think needs some Outrageous Joy!

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh and Enjoy Life!, October 1, 2003

By 

Dr. W. G. Covington, Jr. (Edinboro, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Laugh Again (Paperback)

A person who experiences joy is not one who has an absence of troubles, but one who has learned to live abundantly in spite of circumstances. Swindoll tells us life was meant to be enjoyed, not merely endured. He advises us not to let circumstances control our emotions. On page 19 he writes "There is nothing better than a joyful attitude when we face the challenges life throws at us." We told to laugh in spite of, not because of circumstances. He tells us to relish the moment. Live life in the now.
The confidence such people have is based in God. They trust His love, His sovereignty, His plan, although they may not see what the future holds.
The apostle Paul is a role model of living a life of this nature. Swindoll says Paul drained every drop of joy out of every day (p. 27).
Chapter two tells us that joy is a choice we make. It is a decision made from our own free will.
Chapter three sells us on this joyful way to live. We're told to regularly deposit the right kind of emotions in our internal bank (p. 51).
This book is full of positive, solid, Scriptural principles for how to live the life Jesus intended His followers to live.
It is a powerfully strong book.

17 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars All the references in Phillipians are changed to laughter, January 6, 2005

By 

Marc Axelrod (Potter, Wi USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Laugh Again (Paperback)

This book is a prime example of how an able Bible expositor can sometimes rework a scripture text in order to make it say what he wants it to say. Swindoll does this throughout his book LAUGH AGAIN, which is a loose exposition of the book of Philippians. He substitutes the word `laughter' for `joy' and transforms the book of Philippians into a message that helps us to laugh about life. His application of the first eleven verses of Phillipians 1 is that we begin to laugh again when we place our full confidence in God (p. 44, large print edition). Moreover, his title for the chapter on Philippians 2:12-18 is "While Laughing, Keep your Balance." When Swindoll is determined to teach something that isn't in the text, his exposition tends to go awry, and that is exactly what happens in this book.

Dr. Swindoll would have been farther ahead to write a book about experiencing more joy in your life and letting Philippians speak for itself. Not only would joy have been a relevant topic of discussion, but this approach would have modeled for his readers how to handle scripture. I do not recommend this book, but Swindoll has written other books that I do recommend heartily, including his GROWING DEEP IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE and his book PAUL from the stories of great lives series.