I learned today from Deirdre Good’s blog about the audio “Bible Experience” going complete and releasing the Old Testament along with its already released New Testament project. When I read about it, I was impressed to learn that the chosen version was the TNIV. I’m not totally sold on the translation, but I think its gobs better than the old NIV. The actual audio project itself sounds amazing, as it’s made up of a star-studded cast of mostly African American entertainers (like Angela Bassett, Vanessa Williams, Forest Whitaker, Denzel Washington, Cuba Gooding Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Blair Underwood, and Sinbad [!!]). They have sound works in the background that is like Lord of the Rings without the visuals.

At the website, you can listen to some samples from both the OT and the NT. Just to let you know, the “creation story” is actually Genesis 6 though 8. I laughed out loud when I was waiting for a dramatic “In the beginning . . .” but instead heard about the Sons of God marrying the daughters of humanity.

After listening to some of the audio clips and watching the trailer for the project, I’d like to take this opportunity to record some reflections. First, on the production itself, I do have some concerns about distractions from the text:

• Famous people: When I think about Samuel L. Jackson playing God in the New Testament, I find it hard not to picture the actor, though it is humorous to think of God asking, “You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?”
• Overacting: On the audio clip for the Jonah story, Cuba Gooding, Jr. was getting so into the emotion that I could barely tell what he was saying. I think it’s important that we hear all the words on an audio Bible.
• Too many sound effects: During the story of Noah building the ark they had hammering noises (did Noah use hammers?) and some guy making weird grunting noises. I could barely keep focused on the text being read. I wonder what sound effects they’ll use in the background of Song of Songs!

Then I have some deeper reflections about meaning when it comes to an audio Bible like this. First and foremost, listeners of this immensely popular and award-winning project need to realize the layers of interpretation at work here. We are, of course, not working with the original languages. On top of this, we have an English translation of the Bible that has (like all translations) reflected certain theological perspectives at some points. Then, we have the sound effects and the voices of the actors. It is often difficult to interpret the tone in which something has been said (as Jesus speaks with Nicodemus, for example) even when reading the original language. The modern translation takes a particular stance on that, but even that can have multiple interpretations based on various vernaculars. When these words are performed, we have a dramatic interpretation lived out in audio form. As long as listeners realize that this is an interpretation of an interpretation, they’re good to go.

Second, when watching the trailer, I found a number of problematic points worth observing and questioning:

• “It’s the oldest literary text known to man.” Really? What qualifies as a “literary text”? When do you think the Bible was written? When do you think non-biblical texts were written? Why do you use “man” when the Bible translation you’re using is gender inclusive?
• “What’s most important to God is that we keep union, and intimacy, and fellowship with him.” What about following God’s laws? Or living in the Spirit? Are those things important to God?
• The voice of God is different for the two testaments: “And with his new covenant, God has a new voice.” Two different voices for God? Is it a different God? Gotta love good ol’ Marcion.
• It’s kind of odd that the performance of the crucifixion that they show is a harmony of all the last things that Jesus says on the cross in the various Gospels. I’m sure it’s not like that on the recording, but still: why show that on the trailer?
• Do you have a favorite part? “The crucifixion. I think, for me, when I watch Blair just say it with such . . . passion and it wasn’t just that he was acting a piece; he felt what Jesus felt.” Felt what Jesus felt? On the cross? What are you doing to your performers, Zondervan?!
• “Man, you gotta listen to Revelations.” It’s not plural, people! There is only one revelation.
• “I’ve seen how this came together. It is not something one person or even a group of people could have designed and put together. Truly, The Bible Experience is not a project of man, but a God-breathed project. I believe that with all my heart.” AAHHHHH!!!! What?!? Again, we have to remember: it is an interpretation of an interpretation. Perhaps the people working on this were inspired by God–I’m no judge of that–but be careful what you call “God-breathed,” especially when you want to sell it. And one more thing, again with the “man”? A little inclusivity, please.

Well, I’m not really all that negative about it. To be honest, I’m excited about it. I had seen it in bookstores, but hadn’t thought about it much until today. Now it’s going on my wish list. One thing that excites me is that I didn’t see a single white person doing the recordings in the trailer. It’s about time we had a black Jesus in a popular media version of the Bible, not to mention a black God. Honestly, I find myself thinking: I wonder what they did with… Leviticus, Song of Songs, Daniel, Revelation, etc. As long as we appreciate it for what it is, and nothing more, then I’m all for it. I wonder if I can get a review copy!