Rachael Phillips

It Takes a Village Idiot: Comedy in a Different Light 

by Dan Rupple

 Available at www.seriouslyfunny.cc [click Mart] 

            When searching for a text for my humor writing seminar at a Christian college, I nearly despaired in my quest for a comedy guide that would not result in students’ corruption and my immediate dismissal. As a result, I accumulated an extensive collection of dirty books I will have to hide from my mother. Full of excellent comedy writing techniques and exercises, they nonetheless curled my Christian hair with their vulgarity and outright blasphemy. No way could I conscientiously pass them out to my students. Fortunately, I finally found the website of Dan Rupple, a founding member of the pioneering Christian comedy team Isaac Air Freight and former production supervisor for CBS television (“The Price Is Right,” “Late Show with David Letterman”). Now an adjunct professor at Biola College in La Mirada, California, he encountered similar problems, so over the years he designed his own textbook, It Takes a Village Idiot. What a relief! I avoided an execution date with my Dean. I also found a source of sound theology, an excellent guide to ministry through humor, and potent tips and techniques for generating, writing and performing humor that will sharpen any comedian’s craft.

            Notice I said “comedian.” Rupple is a performer first and a humor writer second.

His advice is most valuable in the context of writing humor that will be shared in satires, skits and sketches. This makes his book especially relevant to those who want to use humor in performance evangelism and/or church ministry. A writer can also integrate Rupple’s principles when creating columns, short stories, essays or novels, but those interested in writing alone will need to look elsewhere for more in-depth techniques.

             The self-published book’s biggest weakness is its numerous mechanical errors in punctuation, spelling, etc. Hopefully, these problems will be corrected with the next printing.

            Overall, It Takes a Village Idiot has proved invaluable as a guide for those who aspire to share the joy of the Lord of Laughter with His children and especially with those who have never felt His smile.