Every few weeks a politician, pundit or soap star causes a media storm by making a gaffe or tweeting a joke that some people do not find funny. Comedy is very hard to get right and yet we think it’s important to have a sense of humour and not take yourself too seriously. On the other hand, a sense of humour failure can lead to losing your friends, your twitter account, your job, your career and, in some cases, your life. James Cary knows about this. He is a sitcom writer who’s written jokes about bomb disposal in Afghanistan (Bluestone 42), defended comments about Islam by Ben Elton on Newsnight, been on a panel with radical Muslim cleric Anjem Choudary, sits on the General Synod of the Church of England and somehow managed to co-write episodes of Miranda. An odd mix, but one that makes him very readable. This entertaining, breezy book, explains how comedy works (with jokes and quotes) and gives much-needed insights into the controversy surrounding humour.
Maybe Jesus was joking, the disciples didn't know what they were doing and the New Testament is a lot funnier than you might think. You would think it weird if someone suddenly ascended into heaven, right? Reading between the lines, do we detect a touch of rivalry between Peter and John? And surely the lack of parables in the latter's mystical tome is simply crying out to be redressed . . . In this sparklingly witty book, BBC sitcom writer James Cary gives us a new and liberating way of looking at the gospel as he entertainingly relates it to a modern context, with references ranging from Charles Dickens to The Vicar of Dibley. Cheerfully playing around with the text, he takes the Bible seriously but allows us to laugh at our own petty vanities and foibles - and be enlightened in the process. The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer is ideal for anyone wanting to liven up their Bible reading and looking for new ways to be thrilled by this sacred text. It's also perfect for priests, pastors, youth leaders and all those involved in ministry and giving sermons, as James Cary shows using comedy and humour is a brilliant way to communicate the gospel. Warm, funny and full of brilliant insight and Christian humour, The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer will make you laugh out loud and shake your head in awe. You'll never read the Bible the same way again.
Sacred art flourishes today in northeastern Brazil, where European and African religious traditions have intersected for centuries. Professional artists create images of both the Catholic saints and the African gods of Candomblé to meet the needs of a vast market of believers and art collectors. Over the past decade, Henry Glassie and Pravina Shukla conducted intense research in the states of Bahia and Pernambuco, interviewing the artists at length, photographing their processes and products, attending Catholic and Candomblé services, and finally creating a comprehensive book, governed by a deep understanding of the artists themselves. Beginning with Edival Rosas, who carves monumental baroque statues for churches, and ending with Francisco Santos, who paints images of the gods for Candomblé terreiros, the book displays the diversity of Brazilian artistic techniques and religious interpretations. Glassie and Shukla enhance their findings with comparisons from art and religion in the United States, Nigeria, Portugal, Turkey, India, Bangladesh, and Japan and gesture toward an encompassing theology of power and beauty that brings unity into the spiritual art of the world.
Tap into the power of the Divine. Learn how to forgive—and be forgiven. Everyone knows that forgiveness is a virtue and a key to emotional, spiritual and even physical well-being. But learning how to actually forgive—or to accept forgiveness, as the case may be—is a sacred art few of us have mastered. It doesn’t have to be that way. Writing from personal experience and her broad knowledge of many faith traditions, Marcia Ford offers a new perspective on forgiveness and reconciliation, an approach rooted in the Spirit that can be learned by anyone no matter how deep the hurt. Through real-life examples, penetrating reflections, scriptural references and practical suggestions, Ford outlines the steps that one by one can help you to forgive, including: Coming to terms with anger, bitterness and resentment Understanding the differences between forgiveness and reconciliation Taking the initiative, even when you’re the one who’s been wronged Strategies for listening “with the heart” in emotionally charged situations Knowing when to forgive and forget—and when to forgive and take action Ways of allowing the power of the Divine to work through you Finding compassion for others—and for yourself ... and much more
The Sacred Art of Marriage explores married life as an art studio with fifty-two tools to creatively craft your spiritual life together. Drawing upon the fourth chapter of The Rule of St. Benedict, this book offers married couples fifty-two weeks of spiritual practices and ancient wisdom to deepen your marriage. Newlywed couples planning and preparing for married life will encounter in this book a variety of creative plans and patterns to put into practice, including daily, weekly, seasonal, and annual patterns of healthy, married living. Journeying through a year of marriage, readers move seasonally through this four-part book, from Summer, into Fall, through Winter, and around to Spring. In The Sacred Art of Marriage, you'll discover ancient wisdom and practical ways to deepen your spiritual life together across seasons as you grow together in God's gift of marriage.
Have a haiku momentwhen your mind stops and your heart moves. Writing haiku offers the chance to honor, hold, and fully experience a fleeting moment that takes you out of yourself, a moment that hints at the deeper unity that lies beneath the surface of things. from Chapter One In this encouraging guide for both beginning and experienced haiku writers, Margaret D. McGee shows how writing haiku can be a consciously spiritual practice for seekers of any faith tradition or no tradition. Drawing from her experience as a spiritual retreat leader and published haiku writer, McGee takes the mystery and intimidation out of beginning to write haiku. For those already on their way, she provides helpful hints and exercises to broaden and deepen both your haiku artistry and your appreciation of haiku as part of your spiritual life. With humor and encouragement, she offers step-by-step exercises for both individuals and writing groups, and shows how haiku can help you: Pay attention to the world around you to connect with sacred moments Overcome fear and self-doubt to access your innate creativity Explore and use haiku together with spiritual practices in your own faith tradition Make haiku a spiritual part of your daily routine
A Glasgow bank heist turns into an unlikely meet-cute for a disgruntled female cop in this hilarious crime novel by the master of tartan noir. Their eyes met across a crowded room. It was a room crowded with hostages and armed bank-robbers, and Zal’s eyes were the only part of him that Angelique could see behind his mask. Officer Angelique de Xavia already had enough to be upset about before she’s taken hostage by the most bizarrely unorthodox crooks ever to set foot in Glasgow. Disillusioned, disaffected and chronically single, she’s starting to take stock of the sacrifices she’s made for a job that’s given her back nothing but grief. So when her erstwhile captor has the chutzpah to phone her at work and ask her out on a date, Angelique finds herself in no great hurry to turn him in. She’s long since learned that the cops will never love her back. But maybe one of the robbers will.
Unlock the secrets to a fulfilling and humorous life with "PLEY," your passport to the world of satirical well-being. In this cheeky and irreverent guide, author K.D. Gudwerck takes you on a rollicking journey through the highs and lows of the modern young professional's quest for health and happiness. Ditch the corporate stiffness and join the rebellion! The first chapter, "Let’s Pley" introduces you to a world where work and play are not mutually exclusive. Discover the art of embracing the absurd and injecting joy into every facet of your life. Next, learn how to navigate the delicate dance between productivity and leisure. Uncover the secrets of controlled slacking, ensuring that your downtime becomes an art form without sacrificing your professional edge. Forget the grind. Enter the Naptime Revolution, where rejuvenation meets rebellion. Discover how short, strategic naps can elevate your productivity and creativity, making you the envy of your well-rested peers. Why compete in the rat race when you can strive for leisurely greatness? Join the Leisure Olympics and compete in events like 'Synchronized Lounging' and 'Creative Procrastination' to prove that winning doesn’t always have to be serious business. Turn family gatherings into joyous affairs with the 'Family Feud (and Fun)' strategy. Learn how to navigate the chaos of family dynamics and turn awkward moments into opportunities for laughter and bonding. Forge meaningful connections through humor. Explore the art of being 'Friends with (Satirical) Benefits' and discover how shared laughter can strengthen relationships, both personally and professionally. Banish kitchen stress with 'Culinary Capers.' Turn cooking into a comedic adventure, creating delicious meals with a side of laughter. Say goodbye to kitchen disasters and hello to culinary triumphs. Navigate the minefield of family gatherings during holidays with finesse. Learn the secrets to 'Surviving the Family Invasion' with grace and humor, ensuring your festive seasons are filled with joy rather than dread. Discover the unexpected wisdom behind procrastination. Unleash 'The Zen of Procrastination' to find moments of peace in delaying the inevitable, turning the mundane into the extraordinary. Embrace the healing power of laughter with 'Laughter Yoga for the Soul.' Dive into joyous exercises that combine laughter and mindfulness, revitalizing your spirit and leaving you with a contagious smile. Decode the mysteries of personal finance with a comedic twist. 'Financial Follies' takes you on a hilarious journey through budgeting, investing, and adulting, proving that you can manage your money without losing your sense of humor. Craft a soundtrack for your life with 'The Pleylist for Joy.' Explore the transformative power of music, creating playlists that uplift your mood and accompany you on your journey to a more fulfilling life. Wrap up your PLEY adventure with 'The Pleyful Manifesto.' Embrace a new way of living, guided by humor, joy, and the belief that a playful existence is the key to lasting happiness. Embark on a journey of laughter, leisure, and love with "PLEY," the ultimate satirical health and happiness guide for the young professional who refuses to take life too seriously. It's time to play your way to a joyful existence!
