The author of numerous previous books of broad appeal and scholarly acclaim on subjects ranging from sociological theory to religious ethics in government and economic systems, and the coauthor of a vastly influential treatise on The Social Construction of Reality, Berger unfolds in Redeeming Laughter a new perspective on a classic domain. Berger's comic terrain is at once noble and amusing, the terrain of Erasmus and Swift. Like his predecessors', Berger's writing in these pages is bolstered with exemplary learning and wry observation.
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Peter L. Berger (Boston, MA) is University Professor of Sociology, Emeritus, at Boston University and the founder and Senior Research Fellow of the Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs. He has written numerous books on sociological theory, the sociology of religion, and Third World development. Among his more recent books are In Praise of Doubt (with Anton Zijderveld); Religious America, Secular Europe? (with Grace Davie and Effie Fokas); Questions of Faith; Many Globalizations (edited with Samuel Huntington); and Redeeming Laughter: The Comic Dimension of Human Experience. Professor Berger has received honorary degrees from Loyola University, University of Notre Dame, University of Geneva, University of Munich, Sofia University, and Renmin University of China.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
perhaps the finest treatment of the comic presently available,
By
This review is from: Redeeming Laughter: The Comic Dimension of Human Experience (Hardcover)
If one were limited to reading just one book on exploring how and why the comic dimension of human existence functions, this should be the choice. Berger treats the comic dimension with breadth -- from the standpoint of sociology, ethnic and cultural studies, and theology. He seasons the text with many (good) jokes that contribute well to the development of his argument that the comic is a dimension that intrudes on the everyday, taken-for-granted world. The comic both enlightens everyday existence so that we see it with new eyes and opens us to another world -- one of sheer possibility and joy. This "other" world has a redemptive and transcendent quality -- always possible and potent -- and thus makes our everyday world more enchanted and delightful.
Berger writes with such competence, confidence and genuine humility that he makes reading the text an experience of redemption and enchantment in and of itself. I am grateful that he wrote this book and pleased that I read it (again and again).
6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A continuing theme.,
By Dr. M. J. Foster (England) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Redeeming Laughter: The Comic Dimension of Human Experience (Hardcover)
I am heartened that Peter Berger continued to write books past the age when many have retired. Having now looked back at his first edition of "A Rumor of Angels" 1969, in his concluding remarks in the last chapter he mentions "the comic relief of redemption" - this giveaway phrase was explored a little more in the additional chapters supplied to the second edition of "A Rumor of Angels" 1990. In "Redeeming Laughter" the subject of the comic as a sign of transcendence is given full treatment.
In addition to the subject matter, the reader is stretched a little. The book is not aimed at "Common Language" readers (aimed at a low reading age, as is true for all too many present day books). when I first read the Social Construction of Reality (authored jointly with Thomas Luckman), and then the Sacred Canopy - I was forced to keep a dictionary at my side. This was then true as I read "A Rumor of Angles" back in the mid 1970s. Even though I continually have read academic books over the past 30 years (mainly historic) - as soon as I opened the pages of "Redeeming Laughter" I was again reaching for the Dictionary. This is not to say, the Author's English is perfect, as it is not. For example in "A Rumor of Angels" 2nd Edition, Anchor Books, Doubleday 1990, page 126, Peter Berger writes; "I'm not looking for a new faith to be converted to" instead of the strictly correct "I'm not looking for a new faith to which to be converted". Peter Berger's insights to belief, and his positive reaffirmation of faith, are not the results of a blind faith, but a faith which has been thought through at a deep level. He has shifted his position over the years in regards to secularisation as world events (especially the reassertion of Islam) have unravelled. As a side thought, I suspect that the oil money has much to do with the latter. Redeeming Laughter is the further outworking of an earlier insight. We are clued in to the giveaway phrase of 1969, nearly thirty years afterwards - the wait has been worthwhile. The combination of the Books, The Sacred Canopy, A Rumor of Angels 2nd Edition, and Redeeming Laughter, all ought to be read by any student seeking to enter full time Christian Ministry. Dr Michael Foster. Rector of 10 Parishes in rural Dorset, England.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Laughter Sociological Perspective,
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This review is from: Redeeming Laughter: The Comic Dimension of Human Experience (Hardcover)
Peter Berger is a brilliant Sociologist. Writing style is engaging yet high level vocabulary and critical thinking. His Invitation to Sociology is also a great and challenging read...as is this review of humor throughout an historical, world-wide perspective. From court jester to comedian.
Also has some fun jokes dispersed through-out. Deep read.
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16
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- The Morality of Laughter by F. H. Buckley in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- The Morality of Laughter by F. H. Buckley in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Contending for the Faith: The Church's Engagement with Culture (Provost) (Interpreting Christian Texts and Traditions Series, #1) by Ralph C. Wood on page 43, and Back Matter
- Global Citizenship and Social Movements: Creating Transcultural Webs of Meaning for the New Millennium by Janet McIntyre in Back Matter
- South Park Conservatives: The Revolt Against Liberal Media Bias by Brian C. Anderson in Back Matter
See all 16 books citing this book
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