Customer Reviews

Ancient Mysteries: Who Wrote the Bible [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Shows how the most read and popular book was inspired by the political and religious agendas of men.