Product Details

• Format: Box set, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 2
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: January 22, 1997
• Run Time: 150 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303936997
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,818 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Debates have long raged over the Bible's authorship. "The Bible is a library, and libraries only get built over long, long years, centuries," notes one biblical scholar in the two-part Who Wrote the Bible?. Yet many disagree, believing that the Bible is the literal word of God, handed down to mortals who acted merely as transcribers. This fascinating video explores questions such as "How much of the Bible is the word of God, and how much is the work of mortals?" "Are all the original books still in the Bible?" and "Where do legend and history intersect in the Bible?" Delving into the theory that four authors took part, examining historical evidence such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, and looking at ancient customs, we are given a new perspective on the most well-known and well-read text of all time. The first 75-minute tape looks at the five books of Moses--the Old Testament--while the second 75-minute tape examines the New Testament. This is a truly interesting investigation of the origins of the Bible, engaging for those with a background in religion and educational for the layperson. --Jenny Brown

Product Description

It is the world's most widely read and revered book, regarded as the Word of God by the faithful and a fascinating historical document by scholars. But what are the facts behind the creation of this immortal text?This two-volume set chronicles new scientific research and theological insight into the origin of the Holy Scriptures. Leading Biblical experts journey back to the land and the times of the Bible's very creation to probe its most profound mysteries: Did Moses really write the Torah? What secrets does the oldest existing piece of the Bible reveal? And what hints of its genesis can the Dead Sea scrolls tell us? From ancient Qumran to Jerusalem and from Galilee to Egypt, the clues this unique inquiry uncovers will intrigue and inspire the faithful and scholarly alike!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Who Wrote the Bible is a useful video for teenagers/adults, November 22, 1998

By 

Marty Schmidt ([e-mail]) (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ancient Mysteries: Who Wrote the Bible [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I highly recommend the "Who Wrote the Bible" video because it allows high school and college students (as well as adults) to explore some of the big scholarly questions about the Bible in an attractive, professional format. It gives students exposure to top scholars and allows them to engage in questions they often have about the human side of the production of the Bible. I would especially recommend its use in conjunction with Friedman's book by the same title which explains in relatively simple language the JEDP theory. While conservative churches may not buy into the views espoused in the video, others will find the exploration of the Bible's origins engaging and at times liberating.

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars not enough substance, September 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ancient Mysteries: Who Wrote the Bible [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I'm sorry, this documentary is a nice introduction into Biblical scholarship, but does not have enough "substance" for long-time readers into the subject, to whom most of the information in this video is nothing new. The brief "Acts" or episodes does help to make a review of the basic points a little superficial. The "cop out" at the end ("perhaps we will never know....") also prevents deeper insight.

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive tape or dvd on the Bible, September 13, 2007

By 

paul (springfield, IL, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ancient Mysteries: Who Wrote the Bible [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I was very impressed with the presentation.A lot of ground is covered in 150 minutes. Many of the experts interviewed have incisive things to say.The treatment is not superficial,though you can only cover so much in the timr alloted. One Jewish scholar really made me think when he said 25% of the Tanak [O.T.]is hard to understand,even for scholars.Clearly it was written by fallible humans. So much for inerrancy, at least for me.The tapes or DVD have valuable information for any interested person.I read the Bible with new interest and appreciation after watching this presentation.