Neil Simon’s God’s Favorite (1974) is a comedic yet thought-provoking adaptation of the biblical story of Job, reimagined in a modern setting. While the original Book of Job explores suffering through a deeply philosophical and theological lens, Simon transforms it into a dark comedy, using humor to examine themes of faith, endurance, and divine testing.
A Modern Job in a Material World
The play centers on Joe Benjamin, a wealthy businessman living in Long Island with his devout wife, two children, and a loyal servant. His life of comfort is abruptly shattered when he is visited by a mysterious messenger named Sidney Lipton, who informs him that he has been chosen to be tested by God. As in the biblical story, Joe experiences a series of misfortunes—his house burns down, he loses his fortune, and he is afflicted with illness. Unlike Job, however, Joe does not respond with unquestioning faith but with frustration, bewilderment, and sarcasm.
The choice to set the play in a modern capitalist world highlights the contrast between material wealth and spiritual resilience. Joe, much like Job, must grapple with whether faith is dependent on prosperity or whether it can endure even in the face of unimaginable hardship. His suffering forces him to confront what truly matters in life—his wealth or his relationship with God.
Humor as a Spiritual Lens
Unlike traditional religious dramas that deal with suffering in solemn tones, God’s Favorite embraces humor to explore its themes. This comedic approach is in keeping with Neil Simon’s signature style but also aligns with spiritual traditions that use wit and irony to convey profound truths. In Jewish storytelling, for example, humor is often used to express resilience in the face of suffering, finding light even in the darkest moments.
By presenting Joe’s trials in a comedic light, Simon forces the audience to reflect on the absurdity of suffering. Why do bad things happen to good people? Is suffering a divine test, or is it simply a random part of life? These are questions philosophers and theologians have debated for centuries, and Simon’s play, while humorous, does not dismiss their weight.
Faith and the Limits of Human Understanding
One of the key struggles in God’s Favorite is the attempt to understand divine will. Like Job, Joe demands answers—why him? What has he done to deserve this? The silence he receives echoes the original Book of Job, where God’s response is not a justification but a reminder of human limitations.
In many ways, Joe’s frustration mirrors existential and spiritual crises found in various traditions. In Buddhism, suffering (dukkha) is seen as an inherent part of existence, not necessarily the result of divine punishment. In Christian theology, faith is often tested through trials, reinforcing the idea that belief should not depend on external blessings. In existential philosophy, thinkers like Camus and Kierkegaard wrestle with the absurdity of suffering, questioning whether meaning exists at all.
Through comedy, God’s Favorite makes these weighty themes more accessible. Joe is not a saint or a scholar—he is an ordinary man trying to make sense of his suffering, much like the audience.
Endurance, Transformation, and Redemption
By the end of the play, Joe undergoes a transformation. While he may not receive the answers he seeks, he emerges from his trials with a new understanding of faith and resilience. His suffering strips away his illusions about wealth and control, forcing him to find strength in something deeper.
Ultimately, God’s Favorite is not just about testing faith—it is about the ability to laugh in the face of hardship. By blending comedy with spiritual questioning, Neil Simon offers a fresh take on an ancient story, reminding us that sometimes, faith is not about having all the answers, but about finding the strength to endure—even with a sense of humour.
