Some of the funniest comedy bits can be raunchy.

Take George Carlin's "Seven Dirty Words." Or Howard Stern's "Bestiality Dial-A-Date." And don't even get me started on "The Aristocrats," the comedic documentary about the most disgusting joke ever told.

But four comics who will perform at Calvary Chapel on Friday are attempting to prove that clean comedy can be funny and, at its best, inspirational. The Apostles of Comedy -- Jeff Allen, Brad Stine, Ron Pearson and Anthony Griffith -- all have secular credits, including appearances on "The George Lopez Show," "The Bernie Mac Show," The Drew Carey Show," "The Tonight Show," Comedy Central and HBO.

Each comedian answered an e-mail question posed by The Tribune , and their answers provide insight into their comedic journey. You can judge them on the jokes -- unless you believe only God can judge jokes.

What is funny about religion?

Allen: I don't feel "religion" is funny. But I do feel that God has a sense of humor. For example, when my wife and I decided to have children, we prayed for patience, tolerance, love and understanding. God answered the prayer. He gave us not one, but two, ADHD children. So be careful for what you pray for. The Big Guy has a sense of humor.

What is the goal of "Apostles of Comedy"?

Pearson : The goal of the Apostles of Comedy is to save over $1,000 in pennies. No, wait, that's my goal. Our goal is to be the best comedy tour out there and then go one step further. We want to wipe the audience out comedically, but also want to touch their hearts.

Why do you believe some -- or most -- comics resort to dirty humor to get laughs?

Stine : First off, I'm probably the cleanest of all the comics. I will shower up to eight times a day just to make sure I'm clean. As far as language goes, our culture in America cares very little for social decorum. All you can find in comedy clubs nowadays is blue language. It is much less creative and, as far as I am concerned, makes for lazy writing. Because clean is not demanded from clubs or even TV, for that matter. It is just taking the easy way out. Clean comics demand more from themselves by seeing just how funny they can be with words and concepts available to all comics and yet delivered without the luxury of a dirty word. Therefore, the joke lives or dies on its merits, not on shocking and titillating the audience. We actually honor our audience by assuming they're smart enough to appreciate it clean.

How can comedy be inspirational?

Griffith : A comic's ability to look at difficult circumstances and sprinkle them with humor can serve as a road map/bridge/tool for the viewer when it comes to life's complexities. Laughter [is] a great companion on this road called life.