Educational Media Reviews Online

Who Wrote the Bible? follows theologian Robert Beckford on a journey of spiritual rediscovery in which he examines the origins of the Old and New Testaments. Beckford believes faith is as much a driving force in world events as politics or economics and as many people believe the Bible to be the word of God, Beckford feels the time has come for an examination of who wrote this work and what motivated them to do so. His investigative efforts include a review of the role that Moses played in the authorship of the first five books of the Old Testament, an examination of the archaeological evidence, and an analysis of the motivations of the various editors who had a hand in forming the work we know as the Bible. Beckford also considers the principle of separation of church and state, the place of the First Amendment in American politics, the intentions of the founding fathers, the rise of faith-based initiatives, the increasing influence of the Christian right, and the impact of a president who is open about the place that religion has in his life. Moreover, the situation in the United States is examined through comparison with the role of the ultra orthodox in daily life in Israel, the struggle with theocracy in Iran, and India’s problem of Hindu/Muslim violence. The liberal/conservative split within the church is investigated as is the ebb and flow of secularism in societies.

Featuring interviews with religious leaders, archaeologists, and historians from around the world this documentary provides a concise summation of the current scholarship on biblical authorship. Given the rise of religiosity in the United States and in other parts of the world this film should find a wide audience. Beckford’s even handed approach will lend itself to discussions about the Bible and the foundations of faith. This film is highly recommended for audiences from Jr. High through adult and to the libraries that serve them.