The Bible is Funny
Summary
The Bible is Funny is a multiplayer card game in the same vein of Apples to Apples and Cards Against Humanity, but with a Biblical twist. In this game, players must choose the best, out-of-context verse to fit the prompted scenario. With verses pulled from the most remote corners of Scripture and modern, relatable scenarios, this game presents the Bible at its most fun.
Assessment
The Bible is Funny features a simple style and easy to pick up mechanics that make it approachable for players. The game does not really have a theological message itself — aside, perhaps, from the message that God does have a sense of humor and the Bible periodically reflects that — but can create some great discussions or challenge players to dig more into Scripture (”That’s a real verse in the Bible?? Let me look it up….”).
In terms of cleanliness, the game does take some of the more PG to PG-13 verses from the Bible and some of the contexts the players use the cards for may be a little more on the adult side. The game is rated for +8, but seems to suit a slightly older audience in both content and overall playstyle. Appropriate age range does also depend somewhat on the group playing.
Light-o-Meter
Overall — 6 out of 7 Little Lights
Mechanics: 6 out of 7 Little Lights
Artwork/Style: 6 out of 7 Little Lights
Quality: 6 out of 7 Little Lights
Theological Message: 6 out of 7 Little Lights
Age Appropriateness — Says it works for ages 8 and up, but here at the Brainy Blog we’re thinking its more appropriate for tweens to adults.
Talk
I had some friends introduce me to this game the other day and we literally laughed so hard we started crying. And I knew it absolutely had to be a SALT review.
Now, since I know “does the Bible/does God have a sense of humor” can be kind of a big question and there is a ton of media out there that spends its time mocking Scriptures, I want to emphasize how respectful this game is towards the Bible. At no point does it have built-in mechanics that point and laugh at Scripture. At no point does it take God’s Word lightly in an inappropriate way. At no point does it accidentally lead you to create pseudo-heresies (I’ve played other Christian games like this and sometimes things get a liiiiiiiiittle theologically awkward). In my opinion, this is a game that delights in some of the crazier aspects of the Bible in a positive way.
On top of this, the game seemed like a pretty great way to memorize Scripture and build your familiarity with the Bible. I know there were a few verses I had to recall the context for and that, well, made me think about Scripture. It might also generate some great fellowshipping with your friends and family (because fellowship moments DO NOT have to always be serious) and it’s also easy to play even if you don’t know Scripture that well.
The one part I’m a little iffy on is that game — in my opinion — is very much right on the border for “family friendly”. It’s not something you should really be playing with kids (unless you pick through some of the cards), although its probably fine for older teens. From what I saw it didn’t include any of the REALLY graphic (either violent or sexual) content from the Bible, but it definitely included some of the edgier stuff (i.e. one of the weird compliments from Song of Solomon).
Overall, I think this is a great game that is expertly designed to have fun with the Bible, not laugh at it.
Also: my gaming group started with the Zacchaeus rules and that’s where we — much to my dismay — discovered I’m the shortest person among my friends.
Where to Enjoy
Barnes & Noble: The Bible is Funny Card Game | Barnes & Noble®
Christianbook.com: The Bible Is Funny Card Game: The Party Game of Hilarious Pairings for Verses Out of Context: Anthony Russo: 9780593579497 - Christianbook.com
Focus on the Family: The Bible Is Funny Card Game by Anthony Russo
WalMart: Anthony Russo, The Bible Is Funny Card Game, 200 cards - Walmart.com
This review is for this specific product and this product alone. In no way, shape, or form is this review meant to be an endorsement of the private lives, individual choices, lifestyles, or behaviors of those company(ies), publisher(s), creator(s), producer(s), author(s), artist(s), etc. associated with this product. It is God's sole providence alone to judge, and we make no claim to this right. With our reviews, we're simply looking at the value and merits of this specific product alone through the content and perspective of a Christian worldview. We pray you find it helpful and useful.