This month’s book we decided to keep it light, definitely lighter than what we have been reading. We chose LAMB: The Gospel According to Biff by Christopher Moore. I listen to this book before I read it, which I highly recommend. The audiobook is reader’s theater narrated by Fisher Stevens who takes on all the accents and seriousness of the characters. It was a fun listen. In my opinion, I didn’t find it to be irreverent in any way. This comes from a Catholic schoolgirl, elementary to university. It will be interesting to see how our book club discussion goes. In a sense, this humorous perspective of Christ’s missing years makes Him more human.
Lit Lovers Discussion Questions
1. Did you find Lamb to be fairly true to the Bible as you know it? Did you learn anything from Lamb? Do you find reading the Bible enjoyable?
2. Early in the book, Biff writes about “little-boy love,” describing it as “…the cleanest pain I’ve ever known. Love without desire, orconditions, or limits — a pure and radiant glow in the heart that could make me giddy and sad and glorious all at once.” Do you understand what he’s saying? Have you ever experienced that kind of love?
3. Would Joshua have made it to maturity without Biff? Do you think Jesus had any human — not divine help in becoming who he was? Is Moore making a statement about historical facts in the Bible, or about the value of friendship in general?
4. Were you offended by this book in any way? There’s so much here that Moore could almost be called an “equal opportunity offender.” Did you find that some parts bothered you, while others didn’t? Did he go too far, in any way? Not far enough?
5. At one point, Biff asks, “Are all women stronger and better than me?” and Josh answers, “Yes.” Do you think Moore believes this? Do you think Christianity teaches this? From what you know about other world religions, how does the role of women differ in each?
6. Did you recognize any moments in your own development as you heard the story of Christ? Do you relate to the character of Josh? Does this story of “Josh” make you feel any differently about Jesus as a human being?
(Questions issued by publisher.)