124. Laughing Jesus

October 27, 2008

Q: I recall an article about the secret or hidden life of Christ, playing games as “seek and ye shall find,” and there was a drawing of a young Jesus laughing. Does this ring a bell? And how would one go about getting a copy of that drawing?

A: I’m not sure, but I think you’re combining two different things. The first is an article called “My Cousin Jesus, A Boyhood Remembered” (listed on the Contents page as “I Remember Jesus”) from the December 1970 issue. This article has the “seek and ye shall find” reference, but the artwork is just a painting done in a religious style showing a young (but not laughing) Jesus. The other one could be “Magic Made EZ” from the June 1971 issue which has a photo of a smiling guy who is supposed to be Jesus. Maybe it’s some place else where you saw the “laughing Jesus” drawing. If anyone knows the answer, please post it in a comment.

Update: According to Berk in the comments, this appeared in Playboy magazine, not National Lampoon. 

Comments

I recall the same picture. It was a full page picture of Jesus 'bustin' a gut over something.' It was done with a bit of the Warner Sallman style. My memory had me thinking it was a cover shot but now I believe it was internal to the magazine.

—Roger Parry

November 9, 2009 8:18 am

Laughing Jesus was a full page conte crayon (brown with white highlights) illustration in Playboy. His head was tilted back a little and one hand was on His chest just below the throat.

—Berk Meitzler

April 17, 2021 6:31 pm

Thanks, Berk!

—Mark

April 17, 2021 7:45 pm

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