Taking Humor Seriously

In this episode, Kasey Olander, Robert Duckworth, and Steve Wilkens explore the existence of humor in the Bible and how humor can be used to share truth.

About the Contributors

Kasey Olander

Kasey Olander works as the Web Content Specialist at The Hendricks Center at DTS. Originally from the Houston area, she graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in Arts & Technology. She served on staff with the Baptist Student Ministry, working with college students at UT Dallas and Rice University, particularly focusing on discipleship and evangelism training. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, having interesting conversations, and spending time with her husband. 

Robert C. Duckworth

Robert Duckworth is a licensed professional counselor and a board approved supervisor in the State of Texas, and he serves as the Director of Counseling Services at DTS and an adjunct faculty member in the Counseling Ministries department. In addition to the leadership he provides to Seminary wellness initiatives, he also enjoys launching new counselors when teaching practicum courses for at DTS. Robert has as vast amount of experience working with youth in the juvenile justice system who have been challenged with delinquency, behavioral concerns, family crisis, and substance use. He is enthusiastic about the restoration of families negatively impacted by socioeconomic challenges and the criminal justice system. Specifically, his clinical approach encompasses narrative and cognitive behavioral therapies. He enjoys presenting pertinent content related to mental health and wellness at state and national conferences. Robert is a member of the American Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (ACES), and the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS). Robert and his family are active members of North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship. He is married to Asara, and they have three children: Asher, Leah, and Jack.

Steve Wilkens

Steve Wilkens has been Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Azusa Pacific University for 35 yearsHe is author, co-author, or editor of over a dozen books, his most recent, “What’s So Funny about God?:  A Theological Look at Humor.”  He and his wife Debra live in Monrovia, CA, and have two adult children, Zoe and Zachary.