'Telling the Truthiness' by Richard Braaksma

Stephen Colbert is best known as the mock news pundit of the hit show The Colbert Report. His character is an over the top yet loveable know-it-all who speaks from the gut more than the brain. In the 2005 pilot episode Colbert coined the word “truthiness” to encapsulate his blend of confidence, ignorance, and adherence to the doctrine of American Exceptionalism. Truthiness became the ethos for The Colbert Report, but it also became a brand of satirical comedy which Colbert has pioneered and developed over the last ten years.

Nevertheless, good comedy is about more than just getting laughs. Good comedy tells the truth, reveals that the Emperor has no clothes, and shines light into the dark corners of our world. While Stephen Colbert is no stranger to trivial silliness, his overall comedic voice is deep and profound. This voice – honed over hundreds of episodes, public appearances, and public stunts – is fundamentally concerned with telling the truth. Truth by satire. Truth by telling lies. Telling The Truthines.

This book explores the function of Colbert’s comedy and art as truth telling. At the same time, it draws out biblical themes and ideas including the doctrine of sin, truth and revelation, comedy and sarcasm in the bible, and ultimately, “parhessia” – a New Testament word having to do with redeemed human beings granted “free speech” before God.

Telling The Truthiness affords space to wrestle with how Colbert wears mock ignorance to mirror the blissful ignorance of our culture. It delves into the cathartic nature of poking fun of our “sacred cows,” the historical prophetic calling to speak truth to power, the ability to face darkness with laughter, and the gospel related freedom the truth brings – even the freedom to not take ourselves too seriously.

This book is not a biography of Stephen Colbert. Nor is it a mere highlighting of religious moments on the show that confirm Colbert’s Catholic convictions or religious sensibilities. This book is an analysis and celebration of the art of Stephen Colbert as prophetic truth-telling.

Available in Paperback or on Kindle.