Secrets of the Dead: Battle for the Bible DVD

Comments about PBS Secrets of the Dead: Battle for the Bible DVD:

The program was exceptionally well made and informative, with concise explanations of the historical events and excellent camera work. The key focus was on three men who were determined to make the text of the Bible available in English, efforts that the Roman Catholic Church viewed as a threat to its power over the people. These men worked independently and at different times. The earliest was John Wycliffe, who succeeded in getting rough English translations of the Bible hand-copied and distributed within England, although the books quickly were officially banned and as many as could be found were burned by church authorities. Even Wycliffe's body later was dug up and burned by the church as a public sign of the church's disapproval. Later, William Tyndale, who clearly must have been a genius, worked from the Greek texts to make a new sophisticated translation of the Bible into English, employing eloquent language that has profoundly influenced the current English text. Tyndale's Bibles were printed in Antwerp and smuggled into England, but Tyndale later was hunted down, tried and burned at the stake in Belgium. Later still, Thomas Cranmer was archbishop of Canterbury at the time of Henry VIII, and with the formation of the Anglican Church, the time became right to promote use of English Bibles in Anglican churches in England. King James convened a conference that resulted in the production of the now famous King James' version of the Bible that preserves much of the rich language from Tyndale. For only a one hour program, I must say that this was an artfully made and extremely informative film, and I strongly recommend this DVD.

Comments about PBS Secrets of the Dead: Battle for the Bible DVD:

People need to know the truth regarding the reformation. This is only one small part of what went on during that time. Hope you will make more fims on this subject.

Comments about PBS Secrets of the Dead: Battle for the Bible DVD:

While this is a secular documentary, it has had a spiritual impact in my life, motivating me to read my Bible and to treasure the opportunity to do so. As a former English teacher, I appreciate the references to the influence Tyndale's translation has had on our language today.

Comments about PBS Secrets of the Dead: Battle for the Bible DVD:

As a High School teacher of Social Studies and History, including AP European History, I found this documentary to be an excellent primer or review for the Reformation. Though a bit Anglo-centric, it nevertheless covers the major issues and controversies surrounding the 16th-17th century European struggle over faith and power. Its focus on the struggle over control of the message -- the Bible itself -- drives home the central issue of the day: defining the nature of the relationship between the individual, on the one hand, and God and salvation on the other. I highly recommend this informative, pertinent, and engaging film!

Comments about PBS Secrets of the Dead: Battle for the Bible DVD:

This briefly ends with the Puritans in America. And only mentions the beginning of the Evangelical form of church worship and ministry style.

The Evangelical worship form established first by the Rev. Jonathan Edwards is uniquely American in it's origins.

Some might argue it's almost "unAmerican" not to be Evangelical.

The God in America series provides a good presentation for the later.

The Battle for the Bible provides a good presentation on the means by which the Protestant reformation could occur at all.