I just finished binge-watching Season 1, which appears to be all there , thus far on Netflix, from Noah to the Crucifixion. Overall, it's worth watching. It's clearly taking a page out of The Ten Commandments in showing the miracles in Egypt, and Gibson's depiction of the Passion (excessive bloodiness and a lot of tears). It's clearly an American production in many ways, with a target audience of evangelical Christians.
I noticed right off that it was racially diverse, although Jesus is portrayed as the traditional white representation, not a dark-skinned Jew. But Sampson is a black man and he is persecuted for going out with a white girl (a very civil rights interpretation). Angels often appear as black men as well, and there is one Asian angel. I believe this was to appeal to black evangelical audiences. The racial diversity was not over-played, though, and it highlighted the universality of the Gospel message.
There was quite a bit of martial arts and swordplay in the series -- very Hollywood. It's a bit gory in places, perhaps too much so, and I found myself skipping past scenes with excessive violence. It's not for everyone.
The biggest tip-off that this was written by and intended for evangelical audiences was the representation of Jesus as a saying that he is the Son of God -- from the Gospel of John. The other gospels are not as clear about that, and the historical record seems to indicate that Jesus regarded himself as a rabbi, not as the Messiah.
Another small point: there is a lot the series skips over in Old Testament history, though I suppose that's necessary when you are dealing with so many stories. I do commend the writers for keeping the story going in an engaging, entertaining, and meaningful way. The spirit of the Bible is well portrayed.
A last point: it is heavy in miracles and the supernatural. Jefferson's Bible cuts out all such miracles, focusing instead on Jesus' ethical teachings. This story, like Hollywood depictions, use CGI liberally to show miracles from God. It is an example of biblical literalism. It might have been more powerful to interpret it without such imagery, but it would have been less entertaining too. And some people's faith is based on biblical literalism, as much or more than inner spiritual transformations. However, one could also tell these stories from the vantage of rational religion, showing inner transformations. It's hard to convey this in stories, so miracles are used as representations -- but the danger is that they are then taken literally -- which for some engenders disbelief.
Overall, I enjoyed it and would happily watch Season 2. I found it thought-provoking and a good way for lay audiences to engage with the Bible stories -- which in this day and age would be a good thing. I don't think secular society has done the world that much good, all things considered. The Christian message is still a good one for this world, provided it focuses on morality and nonviolence and goodness. Jesus' teachings could be an antidote for much that ails us.
I noticed right off that it was racially diverse, although Jesus is portrayed as the traditional white representation, not a dark-skinned Jew. But Sampson is a black man and he is persecuted for going out with a white girl (a very civil rights interpretation). Angels often appear as black men as well, and there is one Asian angel. I believe this was to appeal to black evangelical audiences. The racial diversity was not over-played, though, and it highlighted the universality of the Gospel message.
There was quite a bit of martial arts and swordplay in the series -- very Hollywood. It's a bit gory in places, perhaps too much so, and I found myself skipping past scenes with excessive violence. It's not for everyone.
The biggest tip-off that this was written by and intended for evangelical audiences was the representation of Jesus as a saying that he is the Son of God -- from the Gospel of John. The other gospels are not as clear about that, and the historical record seems to indicate that Jesus regarded himself as a rabbi, not as the Messiah.
Another small point: there is a lot the series skips over in Old Testament history, though I suppose that's necessary when you are dealing with so many stories. I do commend the writers for keeping the story going in an engaging, entertaining, and meaningful way. The spirit of the Bible is well portrayed.
A last point: it is heavy in miracles and the supernatural. Jefferson's Bible cuts out all such miracles, focusing instead on Jesus' ethical teachings. This story, like Hollywood depictions, use CGI liberally to show miracles from God. It is an example of biblical literalism. It might have been more powerful to interpret it without such imagery, but it would have been less entertaining too. And some people's faith is based on biblical literalism, as much or more than inner spiritual transformations. However, one could also tell these stories from the vantage of rational religion, showing inner transformations. It's hard to convey this in stories, so miracles are used as representations -- but the danger is that they are then taken literally -- which for some engenders disbelief.
Overall, I enjoyed it and would happily watch Season 2. I found it thought-provoking and a good way for lay audiences to engage with the Bible stories -- which in this day and age would be a good thing. I don't think secular society has done the world that much good, all things considered. The Christian message is still a good one for this world, provided it focuses on morality and nonviolence and goodness. Jesus' teachings could be an antidote for much that ails us.
