Rupple

After the conference, Rupple introduced me to his wife, Peggy, who works for the Mass Communication department of Biola University, a major Christian institution in Los Angeles.

Rapture Ready! Daniel Radosh 2008

Yet even as he urged people to set their sights on Hollywood, Rupple warned that anyone who did should expect to come under fire from other Christians.

Rapture Ready! Daniel Radosh 2008

“We have a place at the table now,” said Peggy Rupple.

Rapture Ready! Daniel Radosh 2008

Rupple grumbled that usually when something is funny, people laugh.

Rapture Ready! Daniel Radosh 2008

Rupple is one of the pioneers of Christian comedy.

Rapture Ready! Daniel Radosh 2008

Comedy can transcend entertainment, Rupple argued, but only if comedians are truly daring.

Rapture Ready! Daniel Radosh 2008

On the other hand, Rupple said, comedians who are ruthless in exploring their personal struggles often pull their punches when it comes to taking on the behavior and teachings of the church.

Rapture Ready! Daniel Radosh 2008

Rupple brought up another way in which performing for Christian audiences can make a comedian soft.

Rapture Ready! Daniel Radosh 2008

“There is always a struggle between the comedian who is grossly insecure, and the Christian who is supposed to be secure in the loving hand of his almighty God,” Rupple told me later, relaxing on a leather couch in the church Starbucks.

Rapture Ready! Daniel Radosh 2008

Like Rupple, Chondra Pierce was a Christian comedy pioneer.

Rapture Ready! Daniel Radosh 2008