Bible Study Materials on The Bible Series on History Channel An introduction to my Bible Study and the series itself

At first, I wasn’t sure what to think about a secular production on the major events in the Bible. What will they portray? How will they portray it? Will it be worth my time?

I'm usually fairly skeptical when it comes to how Scripture is portrayed (if, at all) on TV shows, movies and special series. Usually there are more questions than answers to be gained. I hardly ever recommend something religious to someone without first having reviewed it (or at least having it reviewed by a very trustworthy source). So, my first intention was to watch the first episode of the extremely publicized and talked about mini-series airing on The History Channel on cable before I did anything at all. My wife (and my parents and just about anyone else who has watched something with me that has a biblical reference in it) can attest that I am quick to criticize and point out the discrepancies contained within the show. I did decide to watch the beginning episode (aptly titled "Beginnings'). It aired on Sunday, March 3rd.

Just watching this series is beneficial to me - it causes me to review and analyze what is portrayed from Scripture. I'm offering the following weekly reviews so that you can look more critically and (hopefully) gain a better understanding of what Scripture teaches to us (and how it can be meaningfully applied to our daily lives). There are certainly many ways in which this series was weak and could have been strengthened (there are all kind of websites out there to criticize the minutest of details). Some of those points will be brought out in my study material. In particular, the show's advisors aren't in line with our confessional Lutheran stance on most points. This series will most definitely not be a substitute, summary or cliff notes for Scripture itself. Let it spur on focused Bible study for yourself and opportunities to engage others in what Scripture actually says.

The series does provoke thought and will probably provide talking points towards worthwhile Christ- centered discussions. Here are a few (turned out to be more than a few) of my caveats to this series (and any production intended to portray Scripture):  This isn't an inspired account o That kind of goes without saying, but coming to grips with this fact will bring you value even if the material isn't perfectly in tune with Scripture o The producers come from a particular viewpoint, both Scripturally and materialistically  It isn't intended to cover every detail of a particular account o There is a lot of material to cover - not even a whole 2 hour episode would be enough to completely cover one aspect of the Garden of Eden or Noah's life o Don't expect that a particular episode will provide answers to questions that may arise from a Scriptural account  It should encourage us to review the actual Scripture account o Scripture itself is what works faith and strengthens faith o Comparisons and clarity should be obtained first from what the Holy Spirit inspired - not what appeals to human reason (be a good Berean - Acts chapter 17) o Embellishments and stretching of Scripture are what provides drama and buzz around a new production - expect it when you watch

 Don't lose track of the central theme and most important message of Scripture o God's salvation history is woven through every single page of Scripture o Strive to see how a particular event pointed to Jesus o This point is particularly important after watching (or while watching) this particular series. You need to have supplemental material in order to see these connections as they are not at all evident when a dramatic event from Scripture is portrayed. That, by the way, is one of the indispensable values in going to church to hear a sermon or Bible class. Connections are made throughout Scripture that we may not catch at first (or even second, third or fourth) hearing or reading. No pastor or Bible teacher has mastered all of God's wonderfully woven intricacies and assurances of salvation in Scripture. We are all continually growing in this respect. (as even the angels can attest - 1 Peter 1:10-12)  Don't automatically dismiss the dramatic nature of the events portrayed o Scripture may not provide the tiny details because they weren't immediately pertinent to our salvation, but that doesn't mean that the individuals were without feeling. Be willing to value that feeling in God's activity since it was His great love for you that moved Him to act in history on your behalf. o Use the portrayals to broaden and deepen your understanding where Scripture gives you permission o Even though there may be inconsistencies with Scripture, it doesn't discredit the value of assessing another's view  Be willing to ask questions of how you had imagined in your own mind events had taken place o A good example of this is how the nativity scene while we were growing up almost always had the Wise Men in attendance (they didn't arrive immediately at Jesus' birth - Jesus was closer to 2 years old than being a newborn). o If you are in doubt about a particular event or reference, study the subject (and ask questions of your pastor)

One of the greater values of this mini-series is that it generates discussion and promotes Bible study among believers. It may also (I pray that this happens to the greatest extent) spur unbelievers to know more about the Bible. It should definitely produce points of contact for you to interact with others on what the Bible actually says. So, this goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway): Know your material! (2 Timothy 4:2)

With all that being said, take an opportunity to watch the mini-series with entertainment and discovery in mind. If you don't have access to the live shows, find someone who does and have a Bible study together. If that isn't feasible, go through the study and bypass the specific show questions (specially marked). You will have the option on purchasing the DVDs (available after April 2nd) and you can look at those questions later. You could also join someone to watch the DVDs at a later time.

What I'm putting together is my own study. I have looked at what others have produced. I'm listing the resources that I have looked at and think are worthwhile.

Pastor David Ernest Pastor at Glory to God Lutheran Church in Tinley Park, IL and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Grant Park, IL www.GloryToGodTinleyPark.net Resources to look at:

I would start here - www.breadforbeggars.com/2013/02/27/the-bible-miniseries-resources/ This site contains a conglomeration of available material, as well as other worthwhile articles and resources. It is produced by a WELS pastor. There is a special Facebook page for the History Channel series - www.facebook.com/groups/544361548927916/

Some of the material from Bread for Beggars comes from this site - www.georgiafaith.com/bibletv This is a WELS Congregation that is using the mini-series as an outreach event. Their Bible Study materials are valuable. They have a more comprehensive plan for analyzing the shows than I am currently working on (e.g., daily Bible reading, daily devotionals)

This is where you can find the History Channel material - www.history.com/shows/the-bible There is much to find here. You can definitely see the marketing intent behind the series as well as many others who hope to seize this opportunity.

Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell writes a review on the Answers in Genesis website after having previewed the entire 10 hour series www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2013/03/04/the-bible-on-history-channel-review She isn't nearly as critical as most sites, but she is able to give a perspective of the entire series. She is particularly generous in treating the inconsistencies with Scripture.