Why Mark Burnett’s ‘The Bible’ is Rubbish

Fuller ANE Studies writes on the facebook-

No wonder the series’ advance defenders have been NT scholars. This review answers one of my main questions about the series: Only five of the ten episodes are dedicated to the Old Testament. That was never going to work from a narrative perspective, since the OT is 3/4 of the Bible. It’s a misrepresentation of the Bible, and it reinforces in the popular mind that the actual history of Israel and Judah is of no consequence. Also learned this: “The sins of Sodom are represented by kissing, dancing and fire-eating.”

Absurd dilettantism is all we can expect from Hollywood.  They never get it right and they never will until such time as they inquire of and follow the guidance of actual biblical scholars.  Mark Burnett knows less about the Bible than Simcha knows about actual archaeology.  Indeed, you have to give it to Jacobovici, he may be a sensationalizer but he knows at least a tiny bit.  The same can’t be said of Burnett.

No one who watches the series by Burnett should labor under the delusion that it is at all accurate.  The parts I’ve seen definitely haven’t been and even when he uses scholars he cuts and pastes and they end up saying things I seriously doubt they have said.

Finally, as an aside, I got an email from Christianbooks.com saying that they highly recommended the series.  For shame.

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7 thoughts on “Why Mark Burnett’s ‘The Bible’ is Rubbish

  1. I have little hope for this series (and said as much to my congregation this morning). I’m not holding my breath. I did wonder how much pertained to OT/NT. Thanks for sharing.

  2. “Absurd dilettantism is all we can expect from Hollywood. They never get it right and they never will until such time as they inquire of and follow the guidance of actual biblical scholars.” The consultants on this series included me, Candida Moss, Paula Gooder, Helen Bond and Craig Evans. Are we actual bibical scholars, Jim?! :)

  3. Pingback: Some thoughts on the Reception History of #TheBible series | Unsettled Christianity

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