Russell Heddendorf, From Faith to Fun: The Secularisation of Humour

摘要

Russell Heddendorf begins with two observations. The traditional positive values of orthodox religion have declined in importance, while humour has increased in importance but had a negative influence. The general thesis of his book is that these two trends are connected. For Heddendorf, a religious perspective counters crisis with faith, and this is good, whereas a secular response to crisis relies on humour, and this is bad. It is bad because the form of humour that flourishes in an increasingly secular society is fun, and fun is no substitute for faith.