From 2 to 200 million: 'The Bible Series' looks to bring an old book to a new generation - 19 Dec 2013
"At first Mark thought I'd lost my mind but I prayed on it and realised it's something I really should do."
In 2009 actress Roma Downey and her husband, producer Mark Burnett, began production on a 10-part mini-series for the History channel. Their dream was to create a historically and biblically accurate adaptation of the 66 books that make up the Bible, in a manner that was accessible and appealing to a broad, international audience.
"It is a daunting task, to say the least, to tackle a project like The Bible. It is not only the book from which Western civilisation has drawn its very breath, influencing art, music, culture, literature and law but also the sacred text at the heart of our own Christian faith.
"There were many days when the work felt so big and we felt so small. It was during those times we learned the real power of prayer."
Their faith, it seems, was rewarded. The first episode premiered in North America to a year high viewership of 13.1 million and even before its premiere on English television last month, had been seen by over 200 million people worldwide. The series went on to garner 3 Emmy nominations and its DVD became the fastest selling series release in American history. A New York Times bestseller followed, with a feature film and 16-city concert tour set to premiere next year.
“Its success speaks to a hunger that people have for God."
The couple hoped the series would draw a new generation to the Bible and in spite of the varying reception it received, it certainly seems to have done that. Shops have reported significant increase in Bible sales and Pastor Rick Warren, author of the international bestseller The Purpose Driven Life, reports that he alone has performed 3000 baptisms as a result of the series. Likewise, its production seems to have catalysed a new wave of Biblical features in Hollywood, with Academy Award nominated directors Ridley Scott and Darren Aronofsky tackling the stories of Moses and Noah respectively.
“We felt called to do it through a real prompting from the Holy Spirit… there have been times I have felt in our marriage that maybe we were brought together for such a time as this.”
Mark and Roma’s story is one of calling and the power of prayer and since the series premiere, they have spoken in detail about the manner in which pursuing this purpose has strengthened them in their marriage and in their faith. In the face of golden statuette-d acclaim, vigorous criticism and all the mild indifference in between, they have come to meet God in new ways. And coincidentally, some other people seem to have as well.
For those of you in the UK...
Following the series’ international success, our friends at Damaris have partnered with the Bible Society to release a free souvenir guide to accompany the series’ release, available to UK residents. Featuring articles on the major themes explored, as well as information and photos from each episode and an augmented reality feature, it serves as key resource for those interested in exploring the Bible further.
You can find out more about the guide HERE and if you’re interested can order your free copy HERE.
If you haven’t heard about the series, you can catch the next episode this Saturday at 10pm on Channel 5, or buy the DVD from Boxing Day.