Scripture Alive!
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Reviews on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 5:00 PM
I’m incredibly excited about something I heard on the radio just now.
I was on my way home from the office and tuned in just in time for a beautifully produced audio version of Christ’s mercy towards the woman caught in adultery.
I recognized the scripture passage immediately, and the performance was so engaging—neither over nor under-produced—that I just wanted them to keep playing the whole Gospel.
Alas, it was only an excerpt. Turned out I’d tuned in for Al Kresta’s interview with Raymond Arroyo talking about the Truth and Life Dramatized Audio Bible New Testament
What a wonderful idea!
I have long kept the New Testament on CD in my car, and I do listen to it regularly—but to be honest, even though the version I have is beautifully read, it’s a little dangerous to drive to for any length of time. The narration is so soothing it makes me drowsy.
The excerpts of this new audio Bible left me engaged and craving more. They were beautifully read by professional actors Stacy Keach, Julia Ormond, John Rhys-Davies and more, and there were just enough sound effects and soundtrack music to facilitate the story without being distracting.
And the text of the Revised Standard (the so-called “Ignatius” Bible) was absolutely un-monkeyed around with.
I can imagine so many uses for these CDs: as a wonderful way to introduce children to the Gospels; for young adults and adults with learning disabilities who find it difficult to meditate on the written word; and for anyone who would like to have much better working familiarity with the Gospels, these readings would be great to accompany chores or errands.
Unsurprisingly, our sister site had the story weeks ago. Here’s what Raymond Arroyo and his co-producer have to say about it:
“I decided that it might be powerful to get great actors who do not read the Bible, but perform the word as a radio drama but do not deviate from the Scripture. It would be a great way to learn and understand the word by performing it and putting music and sound effects to it.”
Both producers realize the powerful position audio holds. Arroyo explains: “Audio is a totally immersive experience because it allows the imagination to kick in.”
Amari knows this firsthand. “That canvas in the listener’s mind is boundless,” he says. “No movie screen can hold that picture. Your theater of the imagination is bigger than that screen they can put it on. That’s why I wanted to produce the New Testament in audio media.”
Both pointed out the Bible began as an oral tradition, handed down word by word to people. And this audio will be in that vein.
The Scripture is something “to be felt and heard,” Arroyo says. “I think of mothers and fathers bringing their kids to school in the morning, commuters on a long drive, people running errands brought into this present moment that is now and yesterday at the same time — the eternal nature of the word contained within.”
Amari agrees: “This audio (approach) puts you there; it transports the listeners through time to these events as if they’re a witness to them.”
Marvelous! Hear some samples for yourself here.
No one’s recruited me to say these things—I’m genuinely excited by the project. But in full disclosure, if you use our link above to buy your own copy, Faith & Family gets a penny or two.
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