Madam, I'm Adam and Other Takes on the Old Testament

David M. Kelly is a teaching assistant at Brock University in St.
Catharines.

At long last Canada can boast a worthy successor to Charles Schulz
(a.k.a. “Peanuts: The Theologian”). He has arisen in the person of
one Philip Street, the author and artistic talent behind Madam, I’m
Adam.

Street, a Toronto-based freelance graphic designer and cartoonist,
presents us with a hilarious collection of biblical cartoon strips, many
of which first appeared in Catholic New Times between 1988 and 1990. He
reinterprets the Old Testament in refreshingly human terms—indeed,
with all the cynical insight of twentieth-century Homo sapiens sapiens.
His brand of humor runs deep, often cutting to the very core of
traditional religious experience.

Admittedly, Madam, I’m Adam may offend hardline conservative
Christians and Jews. Lines like “Yahweh, Baby” are not likely to be
greeted with hosannas and palm branches. But for those who believe that
their religion should contain laughter as well as solemnity, Street’s
book will prove a godsend: the ideal gift for that hard-to-shop-for
cleric in your life!