I’ve been watching The Bible miniseries on the History Channel. The final installment will be, fittingly, on Easter Sunday. My preferred name for the day is Resurrection Sunday, since that’s a more accurate representation of what took place—the miracle of all miracles.
The series has been drawing astounding numbers. How do I know they’re astounding? Primarily because the critics are astounded. That’s a pretty good indication. They’re rather flabbergasted that such interest exists.
What about the quality of the series? Does it measure up? Is it worth the praise it has been receiving? Generally, I believe so. Yes, I have some quibbles: I would have preferred a Moses who didn’t look quite so wild-eyed—my image of him is far more mature; I don’t know how the producers could cast a black man to play Samson, unless there’s something about the ethnic makeup of the early Hebrews of which I am unaware; and it’s always difficult to manage the perfect portrayal of the Son of God, one that will satisfy everyone’s preconception of how Jesus would have acted and how his persona would have come across to the people of that time.
All that said, The Bible communicates the true message of the gospel, showing the grand overview from the Garden of Eden to the establishment of the church after Jesus’ ascension [although I haven’t seen the final episode, the previews seemed to indicate it would go that far]. Those who haven’t heard a solid Biblical perspective of God’s plans for the ages will see the big picture. The Jesus who is on the small screen is loving, yet One who calls sin for what it is. I await the last installment’s treatment of the path to salvation, but I have high hopes it will be acceptable.
The perfect cinematic presentation of the entire Biblical history and message probably doesn’t yet exist, but I honor those who, with sincere and genuine faith themselves, have painstakingly and lovingly created this latest attempt. I believe God can use it for His purposes, and I trust He has already. Our role is not to cast stones at our brothers and sisters who seek to spread the gospel, but to support them in every way we can. This miniseries deserves our support.