Free Republic

Never believe rumors of Jesus’ death. He is alive and well — and coming soon to a theater near you. Sean Bean is one a-list actor listed for a movie about Jesus’ boyhood that will hit theaters in 2016. Hugh Jackman will star as St. Paul in another reported movie due out next year. Pope Francis recently blessed the actor playing Jesus in a new version of Ben Hur. Thus, in 2016, Hollywood will feature at least three movies that more or less affirm the basic Christian understanding of Jesus Christ. Ironically, these three movies will come 10 years...

Dear Dave, Yesterday evening you suggested I watch The Prince of Egypt, in your opinion the best movie inspired by the book of Exodus. Although I didn’t have time then, I got to it this morning. It impressed me mightily. The top 5 reasons why I loved it – and why everybody who reads this article should watch it if they haven’t already – are: 1. Moses never doubts God, only himself. This is a vital lesson for believers of all kinds; you can doubt your own abilities, but never doubt the most high God, who created everything, and without...

National Geographic's adaptation of Bill O-Reilly book Killing Jesus recently debuted to record-breaking 3.7 million viewers. The telecast would be all-time highest rated telecast. Killing Jesus was aired as a three-hour special which chronicled the events leading up to death of the Jesus Christ. The book was released in September 2013 and till now it has sold more than 6.8 million copies. The Guardian's Selina O'Grady called Killing Jesus "a breathy retelling of the gospel stories by two conservative Catholics, one of whom, O'Reilly, believes that he was inspired to write the book by the Holy Ghost." The telecast will...

The History Channel's 2013 series "The Bible" was a surprising, massive hit, drawing 13 million viewers and eventually producing a movie adaptation, Son of God, that grossed nearly $60 million. This Easter Sunday NBC will be airing the first of 12 episodes of the follow-up series "A.D.: The Bible Continues," which focuses on the events recorded in Acts 1-10. The producers, Mark Burnett and his wife, Roma Downey, told Christianity Today that the new series takes "a deeper dive into the book of Acts so we can really explore the stories and really dig deeper into the characters. You’ve got...

"A.D. – The Bible Continues" premieres on Sunday, April 5, to coincide with the Easter holiday. It's a time of celebration for Christians, and the new series from Mark Burnett and Roma Downey captures the turmoil and emotions of those witnesses to the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. The series opens with the final moments of Jesus' life played out: charges of blasphemy brought by the High Priest, Pontius Pilate washing his hands of accountability in Jesus' death, and the crucifixion. Viewers are introduced to a man desperately trying to spare his own life in the midst of...

I just watched "Killing Jesus". To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I found it unbearable. I understand adding pieces between the lines to flesh out the story for TV, but totally re-writing the Bible is beyond the pale. The stories of John the Baptist death, the trial before Pilot, and especially Judas and the 30 pieces of silver are totally rewritten, and the original was much better. I saw no one in this film worthy of worship, much less praise. Sorry, O'Reilly - You missed the mark on this one.

The Bible on screen

There are lots of Biblical Movies coming out this year (Son of God, Noah), but I don't think many compare to some of the older ones (like Ten Commandments, Passion of the Christ). What is your favorite Biblical movie?

Son of God, by 20th Century Fox, grossed $25.6 million in its debut weekend, Feb. 28 to March 2, placing second to Non-Stop at the box office. The film spins off from last year’s History channel series The Bible, by reality TV producer Mark Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey. It’s joined by a number of other Bible-based films headed to the big screen with star-studded casts in the coming months. Noah from Paramount Pictures opens on March 28, with Russell Crowe as the man instructed by God to build an ark. Exodus from 20th Century Fox is slated...