Yet another book I would not have read had it not been for my annual challenge. I am grateful for the challenge & this book. I enjoyed Between Heaven & Mirth much more than I expected.
Author James Martin SJ is a Jesuit priest who uses this book to stress the message that we should not take ourselves too seriously. I went to Catholic school from first grade through my freshman year of high school. During those years, the priests and nuns in authority were stern. School & church were always serious.
James Martin SJ defies that stereotype. For example, he spiritedly explains how parables and prayer can be funny. The levity he brings to the religion is enlightening to someone who was raised to worry, pray, feel guilty & pray some more. I learned early on that Catholics can be self-righteous about their religion. Father Martin acknowledged this fact which I found refreshing. To find balance, he references several leaders from other religions. I hope this makes the book appealing to any denomination since the point is humor.