I know a lot of FReepers have been dissing this series, but I have watched the first 2 (of 5) installments and speaking as one who is very familiar with the Scriptural passages that have been featured so far, I am reasonably pleased with the quality of the work product.
Was Samson of such a dark complexion? Who knows? I have been to Ethiopia and have known plenty of Ethiopian Jews who are blacker than the ace of spades. So what? The Queen of Sheba (believed by many to have come from Ethiopia) was quite dark in complexion and Solomon was quite enamored of her. It is believed by some scholars that the Shunamite woman described in The Song of Solomon was dark complexioned. Many Egyptians are very dark complexioned. Could Samson have been of darker complexion? Possibly. I wouldn't be inclined to pre-judge.
While there are scholarly improvements I could make, as I am sure others could also, I think these are 2 Hollywood producers who have remained true to their faith and have approach their work with a reverence for Christ, even as detailed in the linked article.
The snipers and critics are all out there, even as one might have expected. Rick Warren is applauding the series, and while I don't care for him at all, I will not judge Burnett's and Downey's work negatively like some will just because he happens to like it.
Burnett and Downey should applauded for building on their success in other areas of entertainment to uplift the Christian message and communicate their faith in "The Bible" series, breaking through the bilge that typically characterizes the work product of Hollywood.
They are standing in their professions in ways that too few snipers who call themselves Christians are willing to do in their own lives and careers. It's just easier to snipe when some have so little to show for themselves by comparison.
Burnett and Downey have prayerfully summoned the guts to take the risk to affirm the veracity of the Bible.
I am willing to keep an open mind as I watch the rest of the series and at this moment I continue to remain thankful for their bold effort.
FReegards!
