Visual Parables, March/April, 2012

This half hour documentary begins in 16th century England with the execution of William Tyndale. Tyndale translated the Bible from Latin into English, which was a crime in England at the time. Tyndale's translation allowed those outside the priesthood to read the Bible for themselves. His translation in conjunction with the recent improvements to the movable type printing press revolutionized how average citizens were able to interact with the Bible. No longer was a priestly intermediary needed to read the scripture; how the masses could read it for themselves. Tyndale's translation could not be printed in Germany and then smuggled into England and Scotland.

What follows is a catalog of the impact the Bible has had on many events in history. From the movement to educate all children to changes in child labor laws to the end of slavery and segregation, the ability of the average citizen to read the Bible has had a tremendous impact upon our world.

A brief primer on the Bible itself comprises the third segment. A quick overview of the origins and composition of the Bible is followed by a summary of the overall theme of love within the scripture. Finally, the video concludes by tracing the impact of scripture distribution in modern times, highlighting locations where possession of a Bible is still a crime.

This overview of the Bible's impact and history would be suitable for high school youth and adults. Due to the scene at the beginning of the film where William Tyndale is shown strangled and then burned at he stake, this film is not appropriate for younger viewers.

Libraries Alive, Fall 2012

Aimed at those who have little knowledge about the Bible, narrator Christopher Hawes goes on location to film his documentary whose core message is that Scriptures are mightier than the sword.

Hawes provides a 24 minute fast-clip through centuries of history. Kings and the religious establishment wanted people to remain ignorant of what was contained in the Bible. However, with the invention of the printing press, everything was changed. Heroes, like Tyndale, translated the Bible into English and as a results, mankind was improved. Even today, Scriptures continue to speak with the same power as was true in the 16th century with the advent of mass communication. This fast-paced video quickly switches to an explanation of where the Bible came from, who wrote it and how accurate it is. Hawes explains that he main theme of the Bible is that God is deeply in love with his creation. The Bible is his love letter explaining his plan to redeem the world through his son. Because the Bible changed lives, and continues to do so, it is indeed mightier than the sword. This DVD is worthy of purchase for patrons who are not yet convinced that the Bible has mighty power.

Video Librarian, November/December, 2012

Filmed in Germany, Israel, and England, this docudrama explores the impact of William Tyndale's translation of the Bible into English in the 16th century; its subsequent dispersal among the people thanks to the revolutionary technology of Johannes Gutenberg's printing press; and the present-day effort to spread the Good Word by those who sometimes risk their own lives. Backed by maps, drawings, and dramatic re-creations, host Christopher Hawes recounts how the practice of putting Bibles in the hands of ordinary folk started with Tyndale, who was the first to translate the Scripture from Latin (the language of the powerful elite), an action that cost him his life in 1536. In speaking of biblical accuracy Mightier Than the Sword notes that while the thoughts of Plato and Aristotle were first written in documents 1,200 to 1,400 years after their deaths (and fewer than 50 copies of the originals exist), the New Testament was penned 130 years after Christ died, with more than 24,000 copies in existence. Inspired by what they call the main theme of the Bible—the story of a God deeply in love with Creation—modern-day Tyndales continue their quest to spread the gospel around the globe. Recommended.

Church Libraries, Winter 2012-13

How did God's Word become what it is today? Answering that question, this DVD provides an overview of the history of the Bible, mainly its translation into the English language. Utilizing mostly narration, it shows a chronology of development and showcases how the Bible has affected people throughout the centuries.

The documentary is divided into two parts: history and impact. The first half gives data about the beginnings of the Bible's translation into the English language, including profiles of translators and printers. This section is done entirely through narration over artwork or acted scenes depicting relevant events. The second half is more interview based, featuring theologians and scholars who document changes the Bible has made to cultures, societies, institutions, and schools.

Overall, this brief film is a concise and accurate introduction for people who are fairly new to the Bible. Thus, it is appropriate for church and school libraries.