Discovering the Bible

Opinions on the Bible have varied considerably over the ages: Thomas Paine, the independent firebrand who wrote Common Sense, called the Bible "the work of a demon," while the philosopher Immanuel Kant termed it "the greatest benefit that the human race has ever experienced." What's indisputable is the fact that the Bible is the most influential book ever written, in addition to being the all-time bestseller. Hosted by Russell Boulter, this stimulating four-part series (on two tapes) interweaves contemporary footage from the Holy Land, dramatic re-enactments, computer graphics, and interviews with scholars to offer an overview of the Bible. In the opening program, "Getting Acquainted," viewers will learn how the Bible has evolved over the centuries--from papyrus scrolls written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek to today's CD-ROM based Bibles. In addition, the program covers the separation of Old and New Testaments, the diversity of authors which wrote the Bible (from scholars to tax collectors), and reminds us that many of our common sayings emanate from the Bible (such as "apple of my eye" and "go the extra mile"). The other three programs offer more in-depth coverage of "The Old Testament," "The New Testament," and the "Survival, Spread & Influence" of the Bible. Supplementary discussion guides are included (though the series stands alone). A well-produced, cogently written, and thoroughly entertaining introduction. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (R. Pitman)