A Comedy of Faith

Anthony Salame has done the seemingly impossible: he has found a way to create family friendly stand-up comedy.

Key Takeaways:

Transitioning from crude to clean, family friendly stand-up comedy followed his recommitment to Christ.

Anthony Salame has navigated a successful 20-year career in the entertainment industry that has been diverse and multifaceted.

However, he shares that reconnecting to his Christian roots a few years ago influenced the change in trajectory of his professional path.

From stage to page

According to Anthony, it’s not his number one rated breakfast shows or his internationally renowned stand-up comedy performances that are his greatest achievements in life.

He has found his calling in storytelling, and says the most fulfilling chapter of his career has been his venture into writing faith-based children’s literature.

Transitioning from crude to clean, family friendly stand-up comedy followed his recommitment to Christ.

“The most rewarding work I’ve done is definitely these children’s books that I’ve been putting out in the last few years,” Anthony told Hope Weekends.

His books aim to instill valuable life lessons as he integrates foundational biblical teachings and incorporates themes, such as, “kindness, love, family and unity”.

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Clean comedy in a secular world

In the cutthroat world of stand-up comedy, where vulgarity and blasphemy often reigns, Anthony’s commitment to clean, family-friendly humor stands out.

“I made that decision to work clean,” he said.

“I just have to continue to be true to myself.”

“If you’re funny, you’re funny and people will respect you… I’d say 8 out of 10 times when I’m in the comedy club performing, there’s definitely at least one comedian mocking Christianity, mocking our Lord and Savior, and it’s heartbreaking.

“But what can you do? You just got to pray for these people and… I just have to continue to be true to myself.”

Foundations

Despite being grounded in Christian teachings from a young age, Salame didn’t prioritise faith as an adult.

“I probably wasn’t putting my faith first all the time, I was chasing that career,” he said and explained that he believes strong foundations can guide people back to faith, even if they stray.

“I think when that foundation is there, they’ll always come back.”

It’s something he lives out in his day-to-day life.

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

“I read my books to kids and especially the older kids that are going into high school, and I always stress to them, you’re going to be faced with adversities, and you’re going to probably succumb to some peer pressure with your group of friends.

“But, you know, never lose that relationship with God,” he said.

Anthony encourages Christians finding their way to “read scriptures”, “be true to yourself” and not “follow the crowd”.

“It’s important to stay connected to God… if you’re not connected to God, not connected to that spiritual life, you’re going to get sidetracked and you’re going to maybe get lost in the world. But that relationship keeps you rooted in Him.”

Enter now for your chance to win a Kids’ Book Pack, written by Anthony Salame.

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

Feature image: Photo of Anthony Salame supplied and used with permission, Background image by CanvaPro