Concern Level: Extreme
This is heartbreaking. This series of books, this multi-year project, calls itself a “Bible”, yet is authored and illustrated by a man whose Good Re... → Continue reading below
The Brick Bible
VERDICT: Avoid
Concern Level: Extreme

Concern LevelExtreme
Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content
This is heartbreaking. This series of books, this multi-year project, calls itself a “Bible”, yet is authored and illustrated by a man whose Good Reads author bio currently describes himself as “Elbe Spurling (born September 7, 1973) is an American transgender artist, author, and moralist best known for The Brick Bible book series (published under her birth name Brendan Powell Smith)” later saying that he is “not religious”. Many avoid Christianity today and try and turn a blind eye to it, possibly even saying publicly that they “don’t believe in God”… but few would dare touch a project like this. The second unthinkable aspect of this is that it is marketed to unsuspecting children. Just let that sink in for a second. Again, many atheists have tried to climb up on a hill of moral high ground and thrown stones at the God of the Universe (something shockingly absurd), but few we know of have tried to funnel this through a medium that targets not only kids, but extremely young kids (just look at the cover and illustrations and format and think what section this book ends up in at libraries and stores). Brendan (aka Elbe) hides behind a wall of “I’m just quoting and showing what’s there”, but the truth is sickening. The Bible is a book that contains endless depth, and that includes capturing the depth of human depravity and sinfulness and rebellion (a topic on our mind concerning this series of books for sure). Christian parents decide what their children are ready for. Messages are simplified and summarized and filtered to what a child is ready for, eventually including the whole of Scripture. No Christian parent would include every shocking detail of the brokenness of humanity to a young child, and yet that is what this author seeks to do, deceptively hiding it behind ‘cute’ pictures. We don’t say things like this much on this site, but it is truly disgusting. There is no other way to describe it. Sometimes strong language is needed. There is more to say, but honestly, we are too saddened to even write more. God, please use this to help warn families. We love you and we are sorry for our part in the brokenness. We can never thank you enough for your grace and mercy. We know even this is not beyond your ability to redeem and save. Please help us…
VerdictAvoid
Our Thoughts
Sometimes, sadly, all we can say resides in the Concerning Content section. We shudder to think of this man standing before the God of the universe, as we all will one day, when all deception has melted away, and having to give an account for this. May we all pray for Truth and Love and Salvation to invade his life long, long before that day. 'For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.' 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 ESV
Plot SummaryNote: This information is typically from the publisher.Use with caution
Note from Chrisitan Parent Reviews: This is a series of books. We chose a Publisher’s Summary for one where they included a warning. Now please take a look at the covers of these books. Then look inside and see the pictures and font size. The idea that these are “intended for older children teens and adults” is honestly outrageous. ------------ NOTE TO This book is intended for older children, teens and adults. For younger children, please search Amazon for The Brick Bible for Kids series of picture books. The Brick Bible books have taken the world by storm, and now, for the first time, Brendan Powell Smith's visually striking The Brick A New Spin on the Old Testament and The Brick The New Testament are available in a beautiful hardcover box set. With over two thousand color photographs depicting the major narrative scenes of the Bible, this slipcovered set (including new material and a bonus two-sided, full-color poster) is the gift you've been wanting to give your LEGO (R)-loving friends and religious family members for holidays, birthdays, or just because. Book one includes scenes from the Old Testament--the creation of the world, the temptation of Adam and Eve, the great flood, the presentation of the ten commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and more. The Old Testament is a complex text, but Smith's "brick" illustrations help bring out the nuances of each scene and will make you reconsider the way you look at the Bible--and LEGO (R). Book two offers a new spin on the story of Jesus. Smith portrays Jesus's birth, miracles, last supper, and death and resurrection with meticulous attention to detail. From the fate of Judas to the life of Paul and his letters to the Ephesians; from the first book burning to the book of Revelations, this is the New Testament as you've never experienced it before. Find a place on your shelf for this beautiful two-book collector's set and continue to be amazed at the Bible as illustrated by your favorite toy.
Purchase LinkAbove Reproach: We intentionally do NOT use referral links on this site.No purchase convenience link provided for 'Avoid' books
This review/article from a Christian lawyer is excellent. Please take the time to read it in full. May God bless this writer for helping be a voice where there are so few.
Read ReviewTouches on a few of the many concerns with this.
It certainly seems this was published before the full understanding of this evil project was discovered. For example, this article and accompanying comments do not include warnings about the author and his lifestyle and its reflection on writing a “Bible”. There is a good chance it pre-dated this information becoming public. Either way, this is just a glimpse.
Read ReviewDirect my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts. Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.
— Psalm 119:133-136
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