What the Critics are Saying about
“How to Choose a Church or Synagogue”
“I LOVED it! Ruth Laker writes so intelligently!”
NPR's Robin Young
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“Ruth Laker writes her eyes glittering with good humor — remarkably intelligent laughs and points to ponder!”
Bookwire
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“An enjoyable and novel treatment of religious communities. Ruth Laker casts the warm, intelligent, and perceptive glance of an inquisitive stranger at each of us, highlighting our humanity with a smile. I think it's a lovely, gentle (and yes, gentile) treatment of religion from which readers will benefit and grow.”
Rabbi Bob Alper
U.S. Stand-Up Comic touring with Ahmed Ahmed
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“God is a Comedian is very likable...Laker's approach of showing up at a church or synagogue, seeing what happens, asking questions, and writing it all down, is a refreshing change from the sentimentality of most writing about religion. The critical comments are sharp and it's funny!”
John Morreall, Ph.D.
Professor of Religion
College of William and Mary
Founder of Humorworks
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“This is a book both delightful and motivating. It encourages readers to consider why we do what we do as faith communities and how what we do and say might seem to 'outsiders.' Laker views the world without scripting her inner responses and so we laugh out loud at what seems funny to her and are moved by what seems real and holy. Ruth Laker's book is good for the soul and would a great gift for leaders and members of religious communities, and for people who have wondered about this or that body of the faithful; a book that invites the reader to laugh at what often seems to be off-limits and maybe also to understand some of what others find so compelling and precious.”
Freda A. Gardner, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary
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What Readers are Saying about
“How to Choose a Church or Synagogue”
“Ruth Laker’s book is an absolute joy to read, a belly laugh (at least!) per page, with deep insights and observations about the contradictions inherent in all religions. The author writes with loving humor and intelligence, without judgments, and yet still hits the nail on the head every time. She shows the quirky side of religion and yet how it fills a deep need in our lives.”
Gail Youngs, Actor and Producer, Phoenixville, PA
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“If you’ve prayed how to bring people into an experience of God’s love in the church community, Dr. Laker’s “How to Choose a Church or Synagogue” is an answer to prayer. The “de-churched” may find the story of their church visit(s) here, the “jaded majority” may laugh till they cry, “The Right” may issue its Fatwa, but this book—a Gulliver’s Travels for the 21st Century—speaks directly to evangelists who dare to look for the will of God,
who know that life is short and eternity long, that
God deserves better of us. The message?
Open your eyes—the Emperor has no clothes; open your
heart—the Emperor likes it like that.”
George Reitnour, Attorney, Kimberton, PA
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“I thoroughly enjoyed “visiting” the various churches and synagogues through her eyes and I delighted in her “aside” comments. All congregations could profit from the Socratic wisdom and Dr. Laker’s wonderful sense of humor.
She has a giant-like spirit!”
Pastor James Churchill, Paoli Presbyterian Church, Paoli, PA
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“Got God? Ruth Laker does! Allow her to take you on a humorous journey that shed myths, family bondages and the insipid church experiences of your past. Accurately depicting the essence of many religious organizations in America today, Ruth graciously and gently hands you the keys to unlock the magnificent
Cathedral Gates of your own heart.”
Mimi MacKenzie, QVC Guest Host, Chester Springs, PA
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“I enjoyed this book immensely! For people who take God-talk seriously, Ruth Laker’s book is required reading.”
Pastor George Tigh, Bethel Hill United Methodist Church, Lansdale, PA
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“Readers will smile and laugh as they recognize the human comedy present in Dr. Laker's How to Choose a Church or Synagogue. Her sense of humor is wickedly irreverent and on-target, but never cruel. Just behind the laughter is a loveable soul searching for an authentic spiritual home in this imperfect world.”
Rosie Mussachio, Teacher, Fredonia, NY
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“Oh my tomatoes!” Having recently experienced ‘church shopping’ with my family, I highly recommend “How to Choose a Church or Synagogue.” Ruth Laker's great sense of humor and questioning spirit were refreshing. She considers a wide variety of church ‘flavors.’ I particularly appreciated learning that it’s really okay
to run away quickly from a bad fit! A great read!”
Marcy Huang, Ph.D., Chemist, Collegeville, PA