Overview

Saelid Gilhus argues that laughter is a central human phenomenon. Humans use laughter as a means to experience the world, categorise its forms and judge its values. But, laughter also transcends language, and is frequently used as a characteristic of the divine. The Mesopotamian Anu, the Israelite Jahweh, the Greek Dionysos, the Gnostic Christ and the late modern Jesus were all laughing gods. Through their laughter, gods prove both their superiority and their proximity to humans. In this comprehensive study, Gilhus examines the relationship between corporeal human laughter and spiritual divine laughter from Classical antiquity, to the Christian West and the modern era.

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9780415161978

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... accessible ... Many insights are to be found in the chapters dealing with the specific cultural and historical contexts of laughter .... <br>- Religious Studies Review <br>

... accessible ... Many insights are to be found in the chapters dealing with the specific cultural and historical contexts of laughter .... - Religious Studies Review

'Professor Gilhus has provided a pertinent and scholarly investigation into the significance of laughter in religion. - Theology 'Laughing Gods and Weeping Virgins is a delightful and good natured study of the place and meaning of laughter in religion.' - Religion & Theology 'This study of laughter and religion by Ingvild Saelid Gilhus is a model of graceful scholarship written in impeccable English and presented with engaging clarity.' - David Martin, Lancaster University 'This study of laughter and religion by Ingvild Saelid Gilhus is a model of graceful scholarship written in impeccable English and presented with engaging clarity.' - David Martin, Journal of Contemporary Religion, Vol. 13 1998

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Ingvild Sælid Gilhus

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