Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal

Jesus Christ is perhaps the most important figure in the history of mankind. It's because of this fact that the massive 30-year gap in his biography is so astonishing. The Gospels tell of all sorts of details, from the manger to the preaching, but there is simple an absence in between. What did Jesus do as a teenager? What did he do as an early 20-something? Lamb is a humorous look at the possibilities of those formative years.

First, this is not simply a comedy, nor is it a fluff book. There is a ton of research; I actually learned something from the book. It's deeply philosophical and religious in many ways, with quite a bit of theological history and insight, even though it's not preachy. There is, however, the majority of the book, witty dialogue and adventure which provides the reader with the answers to questions such as the origin of the H. in Jesus H. Christ.

Biff, also known as Levi bar Alphaeus, has been resurrected to tell his childhood tale of his best friend, who just so happens to be Joshua bar Jehovah, or Jesus. Along with Maggie (Mary Magdala), Biff recounts his story and fills in the holes of his best friend's life.

The great part about Lamb is that Biff's memories not only provide insight into the past, but also fill in hilarious details of everyday life, like the origin of sarcasm. Biff has a way of telling a story. He knows just the right words to bring about laughter, and is just raunchy enough that it's hard to see why he would be Jesus' best friend. I guess everyone needs "that friend". He's smart, nice, and pure on the inside, but his exterior is a tad rough. The majority of his story is of an epic journey throughout Asia, where Joshua learns about his powers, responsibilities, and role in life. He learns how to be the Messiah, and various lessons about life from the three magi. Along the way Joshua deals with the struggles associated with being the Messiah, particularly his difficulties with his attractions to Mary.

This book is really a showcase for Christopher Moore. It's rare when a writer can tackle such a powerful topic with equal parts levity and seriousness. It's even rarer to do both while bringing about emotion and genuine laugh out loud moments.

Anyone who simply loves a good book should enjoy reading Christopher Moore's thoughts on the life of Jesus. It's for any and all who enjoy a good laugh, who enjoy Moore's writing, or who are interested in an oddball theological perspective. It's completely inclusive, understanding, and a joy to read.

Wonder how Jesus dealt with puberty? Ever thought about how he might have used his spiritual gifts when the Big Man Upstairs wasn't looking? Christopher more has plenty of ideas about this and more.

The narrative reads a bit like some odd combination of "Scrubs" and "The West Wing," with main characters like Bif always at the ready with a dry, acerbic comeback for any situation. It's not realistic dialogue by any means, but hey, if you can get past the premise of this fictitious account of Jesus' missing years, then the stylized non-period-appropriate jargon will not bother you in the least.

This is one of the few books that has made me laugh out loud in several years. Being a theologian and writer myself, it's so refreshing to see someone so facile with words and also so sensitive to the human condition take such an irreverent jab at many old religious conventions. Anyone who considers themselves to be a biblical literalist, or who rejects outright the idea that, just maybe, other people and religions from cultures beyond his own influenced Jesus' ministry will have a hard time wading through this book. In fact, I sent a copy to my mother, a Southern Baptist, and surprisingly she loved it; her husband, however, found no humor in it at all.

My advice is to get over yourself and any hangups you have about what you think the life of Jesus was, or had to be, or should have been, and just enjoy this as a story about a special kid with an irrepressible calling. Then just sit back and enjoy watching it all unfold - or should I say, unravel?

Oh, and if you don't laugh when you find out how Jesus helped a young man learn to pee around corners, you lack a single humorous bone in your body. Quit reading immediately and go on to something more your speed, like the encyclopedia.

We all know of Peter, Paul & Mary. But do you know of Josh, Biff & Maggie? First, we aren't talking about singing; although I wouldn't have been surprised to have seen some "Louie, Louie" lyrics.

My wife doesn't have to take the time to read this since I was constantly interrupting her by reading passages from this to her. I hate it when someone does that to me, but I really couldn't stop myself.

I kept thinking of the books by Jack Douglas (Never Trust a Naked Bus Driver; My Brother Was an Only Child; ...). If you have never read his stuff, you have missed some humor classics.

If you enjoy laughing, read this book. If you don't - what's wrong with you?????

For any who feel uncomfortable about reading a book that tells a less than reverent story let me quote from Moore's Afterword: "This story is not and never was meant to challenge anyone's faith; however, if one's faith can be shaken by stories in a humorous novel, one may have a bit more praying to do." AMEN!

The basic concept of Lamb is almost genius. Moore's somewhat irreverant take on the story of Jesus adds a human-ness to the characters that has probably never been imagined by most people. Moore is generally successful at keeping the story close to the historical version, so that the story remains believable and doesn't become too ridiculous.

However...

Instead of using real humor for his book, Moore seems to be totally preoccupied with sexual-perversion-type jokes. Having just finished the book, I'd estimate that about 80% of the attempts at humor are of the lame "Porky's" variety. After all the research that Moore did for the book, that was the best he could do?

If you simply cut out all of the unnecessary and pathetic sex jokes, the remaining book would probably be pithy and witty. Maybe someday Moore will come out with an edited version.

Laugh out loud funny at parts and thought provoking at others. I'd recommend this to all! I didn't want the book to end.