This is a script for Readers Theatre (RT). RT involves attendees as participants, not as performers. There are no props or costumes, and there is no memorization required. RT methodology has a proven track record for involving and engaging participants and audiences. In composing this play I have relied upon Biblical references and religious traditions. Its purpose is to provoke laughter and raise questions. It is respectful of Christ’s divinity and speculative about His humanity. Volunteers read the several parts.

Clearly, this is not a standard research product. I have tested it, however, with clergy and religious groups. I know the results it produces: laughter and discussion. While the format differs from the kinds most often presented at conferences, it is perfectly suited for presentation to an audience of serious inquirers.

I plan 30 minutes for presentation and 30 minutes for Q&A, during which several research questions can be explored: Does the Diety possess a sense of humor? Is there laughter in heaven? What is heaven like and how do we know? If salvation involves transformation, what is the nature of that transformation? Obviously, the “answers” to these questions will be in the room, not in the play.

The participants will laugh at Jesus’ standup routine, in part because it is funny, but mostly because the heavenly audience only responds reverently and because the Evangelists offer explanations for His jokes, not laughter. Some may admire the logic of Thomas Aquinas and chuckle at the fact that Jesus finds Thomas annoying.

This event intersects with religion and information because views of heaven are intensely personal and substantially speculative. Christ’s divinity is anchored in scripture, but questions about His humanity linger. We know He wept; did He laugh? What information supports arguments that He displayed a sense of humor? This RT play advances one argument that He loves jokes.

Significance may be measured in terms of what an audience for research papers takes from a presentation, gifts like inspiration, knowledge, and encouragement. In fact, Readers Theatre methodology, itself, provides a novel and very useful way to observe and study the intersection of Religion and Information.

Can an audience take enjoyment, appreciation for a story, insight into problems, or discovery of alternative ways of looking at an issue, like salvation, for example from RT and RT methodology?