My take on the Bible Series

From a Writer's perspective.

First, let me say that I've read tons of books in my life but the Bible is by far the most interesting, fascinating, prophetic, encouraging, enlightening and inspirational book I've ever read. I would say that whether I was a believer or not, but because I do believe every word, it is much more than a book to me. It is the Word of God that answers mankind's ageless questions as to why we are here, how did we get here, where are we going, what is the purpose of life, and how do we find eternal life.

But, let's face it, the Bible leaves out a lot of details we writers would love to know! Things like facial expressions, internal thoughts and dialogue, feelings, and sometimes just a general description of the setting. If you're like me, you're dying to know more, see more, get a deeper insight into the way things happened. Biblical Fiction attempts this and does pretty well I hear though I haven't had the privilege of reading any. But to see the Bible played out in a movie setting is pure heaven to me! I've often asked God if He has a 3-D, Digital movie of the actual events,  because when I get to heaven I will be first in line with my popcorn to watch it!

That's why I was really excited to see this new series. I saw the producers interviewed on TV and they seemed to be decent, Godly people, which only encouraged me further. Maybe finally we would have a production that didn't twist the stories and that gave glory to God.  

And I must say I have truly enjoyed every moment! What a treat to watch all the characters I've read so much about! To see their expressions, hear their voices, enjoy the incredible settings. Miracles such as the burning bush, the parting of the Red Sea, and the plagues of Egypt were done exceptionally well. I've currently only watched the first three installments so I'm waiting anxiously to see how they show Jesus's miracles in the New Testament. 

Best of all, the ratings for the show have been beyond expectation. People are interested. They are picking up their Bibles. They are talking about God. Isn't that the point?

What saddens me is that so many Christians are going around bickering and complaining about certain things they didn't like about the series. They didn't like the way Abraham was portrayed. They didn't like Moses. They thought the producers took too much license here...added too much there. The don't like the way angels are portrayed. They don't like the way some things don't follow the Scripture exactly. And on and on and on.... And I have to wonder to myself, what a terrible witness to the world!

Yes, creative license was taken in some stories. It had to be taken because the Bible leaves out so much between the lines. Yes. some scenes didn't follow the Bible exactly. Yes. Abraham didn't appear to be have as much faith as the Bible claims. Yes, they are going fast and skipping stories. Yes, some parts are bloody.

But my question is: Is the theme of the story still coming through? And is God being glorified.?
I would have say an emphatic yes to that! 

I sincerely wish they'd done 20 hours of the Bible, not just 10. There are some cool stories I would have loved to see included like Joseph and Ruth and Esther and Elijah. But hey, they only had 10 hours!

My favorite parts so far: 

• I love that they've dressed up the angels in armor and made them look like warriors!! That's how they are!
• I loved the parting of the Red Sea and how Huge God showed up. 
• I loved the Temptation of Jesus when Satan offered Him all the kingdoms of the world and Jesus's mind kept flashing between pictures of Him being pampered as a king and Him being crucified on the cross. It really brought what a choice He had to make home for me
• And my favorite so far was when Jesus is in the boat with Peter and they've hauled in more fish than the boat can hold and Peter asks him something like "What are we going to do?" And Jesus replies "We are going to change the world."

I can't wait to see the final two episodes. If you haven't had a chance to watch it, please do. It's not perfect. It won't meet all your expectations. Some parts may disappoint you, but God is being glorified and Jesus is being preached! That's all that matters!