Martha and I watched the second installment of “The Bible” Sunday night on the History Channel. Apparently, we weren’t alone. In fact, last week’s first episode in the five part series was the largest cable network viewing of the year, attracting 14 million viewers. With other viewings during the week, upwards of 27 million people viewed the first part.
Click here to see my review of the first installment.
This is my take on all of this.
First, the number of viewers is heartening. It’s encouraging for two reasons. First, I am encouraged to know that in a dark time in America many people are interested in the message of the Bible. Second, my guess is that somewhere right now some producer is looking for something to produce which will appeal to the very large demographic of people who are looking for faith-friendly productions.
Second, this series is interesting and well-done. Martha and I both agreed the series really holds your attention.
Third, the producers look for action. They don’t appear to have left out any violent episode in the Bible. In a related vein, watching the sacrifice of animals reminds me of the costliness of sacrifice. That’s the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.
Fourth, the second installment seems to have taken a little more “poetic license” with the text of Scipture, often conflating material (I presume to get as much material as possible into a two hour time slot).
Fifth, the second installment vividly demonstrated the consequences of sin. The stories of Samson, Saul, and David show what sin does to us and the people around us.
Sixth, I believe many people will take a new interest in the Scripture because of this series.
Finally, many wonderful truths went lacking. For example, when Nathan confronted David over his sin, Martha said she was waiting to hear, “You are the man!” Some things like Nathan’s confrontation of David can’t be more vivid even with video. Those of us who wish other events had been included are reminded that God’s Word is sufficient. It can’t be improved.
God’s word is swift and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword.
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3 Responses
I agree with all you commented. I, too, was waiting for the famous derision of “you are the man.”
jim*)
🙂 AMEN
Blessings.
I agree. I felt it was a little bit bloody at times and something I might not show to youth.
I understand why they had to abbreviate so much of the scripture but it can be misleading. Like the fact that the philistines killed Samson’s wife so to speak without including the information that the father of the bride gave her to the best man after Samson stormed off from losing a bet. Etc.
I hope and pray that this will lead to more curiosity in the scriptures in the general public.