Jesuits Telling Jokes

Book excerpt: A core tenet of Ignatian spirituality is that God can be found in all things. From the standpoint of the Jesuits, “all things” most definitely includes humor! In Jesuits Telling Jokes, Nikolaas Sintobin, SJ, uses a little Jesuit jocularity to introduce us to the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits)—how they began, who they are, what they do. Each chapter opens with a humorous cartoon and joke to illuminate one particular aspect of the Jesuits, and the rest of the chapter offers a brief but insightful look into a foundational Ignatian principle or practice, such as the discernment of spirits, finding freedom in obedience, and making the street a monastery. For anyone wanting a good laugh and a great introduction to how the Jesuits live, work, think, and pray, Jesuits Telling Jokes is the perfect place to start.