The Bible on Television

This volume examines and discusses selected Bible documentaries and academically informed dramatizations of the Bible. The major focus is UK mainline television, and on recent productions (mostly within the past 15 years) but there is also engagement with productions from the USA. After a critical introduction by the editors, charting and reflecting on the use of the Bible on television in recent years, the book falls into three sections. In the first section, a number of influential filmmakers and producers, including Ray Bruce and Jean-Claude Bragard, discuss their work in relation to the context and constraints of television (especially religious television) programming. The second section contains reflections of various academics who have acted as 'talking heads', historical consultants and presenters. They discuss different aspects of the process, including the extent to which they had influence and how their contributions were used. In the third section, a number of scholars assess the finished products, discussing what they tell us about the modern reception of the Bible. There is also consideration of how these productions influence biblical scholars and contribute to the scholarly agenda.