I was glad to get all the feedback on my Facebook post last night when I asked my readers if they were watching “The Bible” mini series on the History Channel. There was a lot of great discussion, which made me want to share my thoughts and have even more people weigh in with theirs.
I know that there has been a fair amount of controversy surrounding the series because of some inaccuracies that have been made in the interest of creative license and, I’m sure, in what had to be a monumental task of getting the Word from the scroll to the screen. While I would certainly love to have seen it be a completely accurate rendering, I look at it this way:
1. The series challenges my Bible knowledge. When I caught myself thinking, “Wait a minute….” I went straight to my Bible for a fact check. That’s good for me!
2. It provides teaching moments. A lot of you were posting on Facebook last night about the opportunities you were having with your kids for some great discussions. That’s what I hope to be doing with my kids as they grow older, always guiding them to go to the Word for clarification, whether they are watching a Bible movie or listening to a pastor at church.
3. Millions of people were watching. When I think of the impact this will have on nonbelievers, and how God will use it to introduce Himself and His Word to them, I’m absolutely amazed. I believe that the heart intention behind this production was sincere. More than ever, today’s technology and cinematography allow for the mighty power of God, His magnificence, and His omnipotence, to be dramatized like never before. Of course, that will never be captured accurately in a movie, but I would definitely say that this is coming closer than any thing before it.
What did you love about the series last night? What bothered you? What Bible stories are you hoping they include? What are you looking forward to seeing played out on screen? I would love to know your thoughts and opinions!
I am honestly surprised so many people that read frugal blogs actually pay for cable! We cancelled years ago and never looked back.
Kelly, I agree with you! Although we know there were some inaccuracies and loads left out that would have been great to have been included, this gets lots of people discussing it and looking in their Bible, maybe for the first time! I heard on one of the talk shows that the writers, producers, and actors were led many times to refer to the Bible for accuracy. That, in itself, is awesome! I have mixed feelings about it, but, hopefully, more people will come to know the Lord as a result!
well stated, Kelly. I could not agree more. I love the timing of this as well. With many focusing on Spring break options and egg hunts, it’s great that the season of Lent can be complimented with discussions of the Bible – many teachable moments for all of us – thanks for your thoughts!
Mandy, not only does the History Channel have a free app where you can watch online, but there are other free avenues as well.
I watched it with my kids. I found myself going right to my Bible to remind myself of the story and clarification. My kids got a kick out of the fact that God actually caught Sarah laughing. In all seriousness, this series has already provided some wonderful opportunities for discussion with my kids. Looking forward to the next installment.
We’ve loved watching it and we have definitely gone to the Word for several clarifications and that’s such a great practice that we need to do more often! It helps me see the flow of events better too then just reading it.
I am definitely supporting the series and faithfully watching and recording it. I’m not concerned about creative license being taken as long as the heart of the gospel message is presented. I am however disappointed with the extent of the violence shown. Many violent things happened in the bible so I am not suggesting the story or events be altered. However, including a visual of what happens after someone gets stabs or throat slit is not necessary and makes this a series that cannot be watched as a family with younger children. My 8 and 11 year old don’t need to see lots of blood and chopped off heads etc. My kids have read most of these stories in the actual bible and were very disappointed that after previewing it, we decided it was not appropriate for them to watch. These things could be left to the imagination. This is really an series for grow ups. I do hope it reaches a lot of people for Christ. I am just disappointed I couldn’t recommend families watch it together.
I, too, have found my husband and myself going back to Scripture to correct inaccuracies for our children. We have found several things to be inaccurately portrayed, to our chagrin, but have enjoyed the different perspectives that this rendering of Bible stories has given us 🙂
As for what was left out……I think the book of John says it best: The world couldn’t contain the books that would be written if everything God did was written down 🙂