23. How Should Christians Think About the Arts and Humor? with Guest James Cary All Things Bright and Beautiful

Art and humor can be difficult to define, but we all know it when we see it. But how should Christians think about the arts and humor? Are there boundaries and rules to what Christians produce and consume? In this episode we’re joined by BBC comedy writer, author, and podcaster, James Cary. We discuss the importance of enjoying the arts, how comedy is about truth-telling yet still seems to be at odds with religion. Cary discusses his view that Art is important, life is poetry, the Bible is funny (and that Jesus is too). He answers questions on the risks of reading the Bible without a sense of humor, and the essentially human component of humor.

Resources mentioned

The Sacred Art of Joking by James Cary

Cooper and Cary Have Words

Sitcom Geeks

Popcorn Parenting

How Lightyear is a bit of a Buzzkill by James Cary

Life is Beautiful (movie)

The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis

That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis

1984 by George Orwell

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Perelandra by C.S. Lewis

The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer by James Cary

Water into Wine by James Cary

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Going to Church in Medieval England by Nicholas Orme

Cynical Discourses by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay

The Real Great Escape by Guy Walters

Stranger Things Season 4

Substack James Cary