Posted on 10/19/2009 11:23:13 PM PDT by Steelfish
Biblical Sex Row Over Explicit Illustrated Book of Genesis A sexually explicit illustrated Book of Genesis by controversial artist Robert Crumb, which features Bible characters having intercourse, has been condemned by religious groups.
Ben Leach 17 Oct 2009
The book, which is released this month, carries the warning "adult supervision recommended for minors", and is described as "scandalous satire" by its publishers.
It includes graphic illustrations of Bible characters having sexual intercourse, and other scenes depicting naked men and women as well as "gratuitous" depictions of violence.
Crumb, the book's author, is most famous for his creation Fritz the Cat, a sexually graphic "underground" comic strip. It was turned into a film that became the first animation to receive an X rating.
He has said he does not believe that the Bible is the word of God. "I take it all for myth from start to finish, with probably some faint relation to historical reality." he said. "They're great stories. But for people to take texts as something sacred, handed down from God... that's pretty backward, I think."
The Book of Genesis illustrated by R. Crumb has been criticised by leading religious groups such as the Christian Institute. "It is turning the Bible into titillation," said Mike Judge, of the Christian Institute, a religious think-tank. "It seems wholly inappropriate for what is essentially God's rescue plan for mankind.
"If you are going to publish your own version of the Bible it must be done with a great deal of sensitivity. The Bible is a very important text to many many people and should be treated with the respect it deserves. "Representing it in your own way is all very well and good but it must be remembered that it is a matter of people's faith, their religion.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
I dare him to make an X-rated version of the Koran!
It looks like this twit is doing this to be provocative. Why concentrate on the sensational rather than the theologically significant?
I've been trying to follow this issue since I'm not familiar with Robert Crumb. With this declaration above though, I have no continued interest in either the man, or his book.
Robert Crumb is one of the last people on earth I would expect to be chosen to illustrate the Bible. Who’s next to try Robert Mapplethorpe?
I believe that this description of Crumb’s book is overwought.
The excerpts that I have seen wouldn’t disturb any normal person. That said, I have to admit that I have not seen every illustration on every page, but I have been assured by someone who has that there is nothing remotely like some of Crumb’s past salacious work.
Is this the same Robert Crumb who did all the crazy ‘60’s illustrations in “Zap!!!” magazines?
It seems to actually follow the Bible's story a fair amount. I do not know that the author made some of the depictions spoken about in this post to shock and scandalize or if he did them as he in his own mind pictured them. On the other thread the article said that "He's not afraid to show naked bodies entwined or swords splitting heads, but he refuses to become too explicit." This would make a difference as to how bad it actually is.
I can even hope that the author who it is said did the book merely thinking of The Bible as a myth will by it's message end up transformed. Sometimes these things like seeds take time to germinate and grow. I hope he also reads the rest of The Bible.
I can hope that people who would not think to read the Bible (believe me I know lots of science fiction types etc. that think that they fit into this category) will read/look at his book and then decide to read what the Bible actually says. His book may stir their curiosity. Of course, it would be up to The LORD if He chooses to use it in some way for His good.
Also, the stories in the real Bible are often anything but mild. Many Pastors only preach mild and politically correct parts of the Bible. The Bible is about real people in real time and there is no story anywhere that can match it's human drama. The story of God's dealings with sinful man is anything but candy coated. It is truly where all of reality is met.
The Bible shows man "with all of his warts and moles" and his ugliness because of sin. It shows the drastic dealings that The LORD God has had to do with sinful man. It also shows forth the terrible and brutal death of The Perfect Saviour of all mankind to pay the awful price of our sin. Thank The LORD it also shows forth His glorious resurrection.
This controversy reminds me of when Paul addresses the preaching of Christ that was done for the wrong reasons. He said:
Phl 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Phl 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
Phl 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Phl 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Great point! The Bible has always been fair game.
I will be sitting back and eating popcorn as these blasphemers stand before the Lord one day and try to explain their actions.
Nobody would have heard of it if they hadn’t raised a fuss. Why do Christians always give free publicity to obscenity?
Eggs Ackley! I have his book of drawings of Blues and Country performers. Great stuff. He's always been provocative, but his talent as an artist is undeniable.
I have flipped through the pages of this book. A friend who collects religious books bought it out curiosity.
I interpreted his images as literal descriptions of biblical scenes. There appeared no attempt to be crude or pornographic.
At the same time, there was no attempt to hide or be subtle images of naked humans in all the actions described in the bible.
Robert Crumb’s still alive? How did he ever survive the 70’s? How did I?
First thing I thought too!
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