THE HILLBILLY BIBLE

The Passion of the Christ meets The Dukes of Hazzard in this interpretation of the Gospel of John written in a slangy, Southern dialect.

Not much is sacred in this sacred text, which stumbles down the line separating good-natured yuks and what some straitlaced Yanks might consider blasphemy. The Hillbilly Bible introduces John the Baptist and Jesus, and then chronicles the Savior’s ministry, miracles, Last Supper, arrest, crucifixion, resurrection and appearance before his disciples. However, it’s not your mother’s King James Bible. Jesus is accused of being a snake-oil salesman. Judas Iscariot is referred to as a booger. And anything that Jesus says that might come across as mysterious is quickly dumbed down and explained away in blunt Southern laymen’s terms. Still, Rey keeps to the message that those who believe in Jesus will attain everlasting life. A self-proclaimed “writer, humorist and rock star wannabe” from Memphis, Rey did his homework for this project, reading four versions of the Book of John before channeling it into Good Ol’ Boy argot. The Book of John is kind of the redheaded stepchild of the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, with its content differing from that of the first three–referred to as the synoptic Gospels. Unlike the others, the Book of John recounts Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. It is more explicit in its explanation of the Trinity: God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It also has a more evangelical tone–a good pick for Rey, who encourages readers to spread the good news like peanut butter.

A fine gag gift for Southerners or Christians with a sense of humor.