Christian comedian Jason Earls has found a unique way to bring the Bible to life, using comedy not just to make people laugh but to help them live more meaningful lives.
In a recent episode of the “Candace Cameron Bure Podcast,” Earls shared an anecdote from his time in seminary, where he first experimented with using humor to interpret biblical texts.
“It was in seminary that I had started dabbling in comedy,” he recalled. “I did this one class, and my professor’s name was Howard Hendricks, amazing man. We had to interpret Acts 3, The Gate Called Beautiful, in our own creative way. It couldn’t be anything that you normally do, you couldn’t preach, you couldn’t write. You had to develop some creative way. And The Gate Called Beautiful, if you know the story, there’s this man who’s begging, and Peter and John come walking up, and he begs.
“So what I said, now where I’m from in Virginia, we associate beggars as winos,” he continued. “And so…I act like a drunk man asking Peter and John, ‘Come on, don’t deny me three times, Peter.’ And then just begin to take the comedy dialogue of a wino and then start hitting the biblical principle of it.
“The class erupted, started clapping and standing up,” Earls added. “And Howard Hendricks said, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, that is what I’m talking about right there.’ And it was at that instance, I was like, okay, I need to be doing this for real.”
Earls has since taken his comedic approach on the road, integrating it into his preaching of the Gospel. His ability to combine humor with faith has resonated with many audiences, making complex biblical concepts more accessible and engaging.
In addition to his comedy and preaching, Earls authored a book titled “Lifecycles: When Faith and Purpose Are Like Riding a Bike.” The book draws parallels between learning to ride a bike and the journey of faith.
“As Achim learned to ride his bicycle, I helped him grasp the basics. I gave him the best tips I could think of, ‘Look ahead! Don’t lean! Keep pedaling!’ He mastered the basics as he hung on to the belief in what was most important in the process, ‘Dad, you got me?’” Earls’ synopsis reads.
“As we approach the dreams and goals in our lives, we strive to master the basics, but we can always count on the One who has His best for us, knowing the truth of His answer, ‘Dad, you got me?’ Ride along as we learn to trust Him like Achim trusts his father,” it continues.
Jason Earls’ innovative approach to interpreting the Bible through comedy is a testament to the power of creativity in faith. By making people laugh, he is also helping them to live more fully, grasping the deeper truths of their beliefs with joy and understanding.