Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Seven or eight years ago I asked Word (UK) whether I could compile a Christian comedy album for them. They liked the idea, ordered up piles of obscure American albums for me from which to make my selection and when I finished the selection loved it, my cassette copy apparently circulating around the company where it caused much mirth. But they wouldn't release it! They apparently thought too much of the sensibilities of Christian bookshops and their cliental and thought it would "cause offence". So consequently neither that nor any other US Christian comedy album got released on this side of the pond until last year when finally they tentatively tried out with a Mike Warnke album. Now this album will hopefully open the door a bit further, because (a) Christians need to laugh and (b) there are some formidable comedy talents lurking in America's Christian sub-culture. The kingpin is the decidedly weird Mike. Warnke (pictured) and his "Going Blind With Sampson" is an archetypal funny opener. Black comedy man Lee Wilson is less good and Steve Geyer is dire but Isaac Air Freight offer a funny comedy pastiche of 'Back To The Future'. The selection could have been much better - US comedy often simply doesn't translate to our culture. But the best stuff here has some good laughs and (in Mr Warnke's case particularly) some cutting spiritual points. Investigate.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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