Educational Media Reviews Online

This twelve-part series was difficult to review as the breadth and depth of the guests Bill Moyers has invited to be a part of this project rival any series on the subject of faith and reason. Additionally, the guest list carries heavy anticipation coupled with deep curiosity. Guests range from a European, agnostic author to a hip-hop artist turned playwright to a philosopher to an atmospheric physicist to a Buddhist monastic. Also included is world renowned author Salman Rushdie, who adds intrigue to the already vividly colorful cast. Viewers will, no doubt, discover a plethora of comments that will inspire as still many others require deep thought. The guest list includes Jeanette Winterson, Pema Chödrön, Richard Rodriguez, David Grossman, Sir John Houghton, Anne Provoost, Will Power, Colin McGinn, Mary Gordon, Martin Amis, Margaret Atwood, and Rushdie.

Moyers delves into the works of those he is interviewing and asks questions that any intelligent individual might ask as well as challenging questions that only a seasoned, professional interviewer would ask. At times he seems to be yielding to the strengths of the person he is interviewing, while at other times he is more pressing and unwilling to concede. Unlike many interviewers who love to hear their own voices, Moyers exhibits skillful interviewing by finding appropriate times to allow his guest to speak freely and answer questions fully, thus permitting his guests to be provocative. The interviews in this series range in time from 24 minutes to 58 minutes. Each DVD opens with general background material that introduces the guests to the audience. These openings allow viewers, who may be unfamiliar with the guest, the ability to better comprehend and appreciate the interview.

This series is highly recommended for the college or university library, especially those with philosophy, ethics, or religion programs. Public libraries with a higher concentration of academic patrons may find the series a valuable asset as well.