The History Channel‘s presentation of the miniseries “event” The Bible has sparked reactions of all kinds. From Mega-Church Evangelicals like Rick Warren and Joel Olsteen enthusiasm about the “power” of the show, to biblical scholars such as Dr. Joel M. Hoffman voicing their distain for the show. After the first episode aired, we read many opinions on both sides. The one thing that didn’t seem to be discussed in depth was the obvious “Whitewashing” of all biblical characters. From the underwear model “perfection” of Adam and Eve, to the Scottish broague of Noah and the Brad Pitt look-a-like chosen to play Jesus; something didn’t gel. Thankfully, The Rev. Wil Gafney, Ph.D. wouldn’t let her disappointment stay quiet. Her article Black Samson & White Women on the History Channel turned many heads with her criticism of The History Channel’s (along with Producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey) casting choices. This week, we are honored to be speaking with Dr. Gafney about her thoughts and opinions.
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Show Notes
Guest: The Rev. Wil Gafney, Ph.D.
Credentials: Bible Scholar, Author, Associate Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Episcopal Priest canonically resident in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, member of the Dorshei Derekh Reconstructionist Minyan of the Germantown Jewish Center in Philadelphia, she also has co-taught courses with and for the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Seminary in Wyncote, PA. Dr. Gafney is a member of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas.
Note: due to the vast knowledge of Dr. Gafney, Joey and Sean now both feel like big dummy-heads and “Cotton-headed Ninny Muggins*”.
*for reference, please see Will Ferrell’s classic movie Elf.
Recommended Articles:
The Bible Isn’t The History You Think It Is by Dr. Joel Hoffman
Black Samson & White Women on The History Channel by The Rev. Wil Gafney, Ph.D.
What the History Channel Is Getting Wrong About the Bible by The Rev. Wil Gafney, Ph.D.
Recommended Reading:
The People’s Companion to The Bible
Daughters of Miriam: Women Prophets in Ancient Isreal
Recommended viewing:
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[youtube]http://youtu.be/Om3mm2dv–k[/youtube]
Podcaster. Audiobook Narrator @SeanNarrates. Voice Over Artist @ScreamingPodsVO. Husband, dad, whiskey enthusiast & movie hoarder.