Book Review: Clueless in Galilee by Mac Barron

Clueless in Galilee: A Fresh Take on the Gospels by Mac Barron

The stereotypical understanding of Jesus and His disciples is that they are pious, serious, calm, and thoughtful men. You know, like they look in stained-glass windows or marble statues or traditional paintings. The truth of the matter is they were flesh and blood like us and subject to doubt, vanity, and hunger. Well, not Jesus on the first two but he definitely did get hungry (otherwise, why would Satan have tempted Him to turn stones into bread after forty days of fasting in the desert?).

Mac Barron from the Catholic in a Small Town podcast has written this short book showing various moments, mostly from the Gospels, where people are less than brilliant. Jesus has to explain and explain again what He means in a parable. Or Jesus has to correct a misunderstanding (Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." And they discussed it among themselves, saying, "We brought no bread." Matthew 16:6) or overenthusiastic attitude ("Lord, do you want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?" Luke 9:55). There is a humor gold mine in such passages and Barron gets the richest gags out. It's the sort of humor that humanizes the people in the Bible, making them more relatable. Barron also pulls out a little spiritual insight or practical wisdom for himself and the readers.

If you never had the image of Jesus face-palming His sacred head as you read the Gospels, you will after reading this book. It's fun, quick, and fruitful.

Highly recommended.