Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal (2009) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Sexual content is frequent and explicit in dialogue, though less so in physical description. Biff is a character defined by his 'earthy' appetites, frequently visiting brothels throughout their travels to India and China, describing his exploits with various women, and discussing genital anatomy and sexual acts with crude humor. In the temple of Kali, Biff details various positions and the physical reactions of his partners with stark, comedic honesty. Joshua remains celibate, which creates a recurring comedic…

Violence ranges from slapstick comedy to harrowing depictions of Roman cruelty. The novel concludes with a graphic, realistic depiction of the crucifixion of Joshua and other characters, including descriptions of nails being driven through flesh and the slow process of suffocation. Earlier chapters involve physical altercations with bandits, the supernatural threat of a yeti in the Himalayas, and Biff's training in the martial arts where he learns to incapacitate foes. The threat of Roman execution looms over the…

Strong language is pervasive throughout the book. Frequent use of 'fuck,' 'shit,' and other crude profanity is utilized by Biff and various supporting characters to juxtapose the ancient setting with modern vernacular. The angel Raziel uses modern slang and expletives while watching television in the modern-day framing segments. Characters use blasphemous language regularly, often directed at the absurdity of their situations or the harshness of the Roman occupation. The dialogue is deliberately anachronistic…

The characters encounter various substances during their 20-year journey. This includes heavy consumption of wine (often to excess), the use of 'black hashish' in the East, and various herbal concoctions used by the Three Wise Men. Biff often seeks out intoxicants to deal with the stress of his travels, while Balthasar uses drugs as a tool for divination and astral projection. In the modern framing story, the angel Raziel develops a particular affinity for sugar and snacks, which is treated with a similar…

The book explores heavy themes of destiny, the weight of divinity, sacrifice, and the nature of friendship. It satirizes religious dogma and institutionalized faith while maintaining a protective and loving portrayal of the character of Jesus himself. Central to the narrative is the concept of the 'Lamb' and the necessity of suffering, which Biff constantly tries to subvert or prevent. The book also addresses the cultural clashes between Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism as the characters travel the Silk Road…