The Bible – in surround sound
A number of audiobooks bring cinematic effects to readings of the Scriptures.
from the January 23, 2008 edition
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The producers of dramatized Bibles hired theologians to help interpret the material. They faced a few other challenges, too, from getting through all the "begats" to fine-tuning the interplay among performers. "Whenever there was an actor who was a bit over the top, it would stick out," says Mr. Amari. "We'd have to refine it and refine it."
Reading the Bible aloud can actually be quite a challenge, says Stephen Cook, professor of Old Testament at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria. "A lot of people are under the mistaken impression that the Bible is this authoritative voice on high, that should be read in a serious manner," says Mr. Cook. "A lot of it is extremely humorous, and there are a lot of very funny parts."
Nondramatized recorded Bibles – typically read by a single narrator – remain available for those who prefer to perform scenes in their heads. Last June, a publisher rereleased a 17-year-old audiobook of the late singer Johnny Cash reading the New Testament.
Audio Bibles are not for everyone. Many rely on contemporary translations and tend to be geared toward Protestants. Then there's the matter of listening to the Bible, rather than reading it, which some may view as a shortcut. "If you're going to study the Bible, you need to read it carefully," says actor Max McLean, narrator of several Bible translations. "But if you want to get an overview, one of the best ways is to listen to it."
Of course, countless millions of Christians throughout history have only heard the Bible read aloud.
"The main difference is that in oral cultures, hearing is a communal experience. Between the headphones we tend to be closed in on ourselves," says Wayne Meeks, professor emeritus of biblical studies at Yale University. "Yet even in that private place, really good stories take us into other worlds with other people. And the Bible has some awfully good stories." Bookstores offer a variety of audio Bibles on compact disc, and some can be downloaded through audible.com or other websites for listening on a computer or MP3 players. Audio cassettes generally aren't available, although you may find them at libraries.
Here are several recent editions. Prices are for compact discs.
The Listener's BibleNarrated by Max McLean
Translation: New International Version, English Standard Version, or King James Version.
Length: 75-80 hours
Cost: $119.95 (Old Testament alone, $89.95; New Testament alone, $39.95)
Dramatized by Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Blair Underwood, etc.
Translation: Today's New International Version
Length: 89 hours
Cost: $124.99 (New Testament alone, $84.99. Old Testament alone, $49.99)
Dramatized by Michael York, Marisa Tomei, Jim Caviezel, etc.
Translation: New King James Version
Length: 20 hours
Cost: $49.99
(Old Testament forthcoming in 2009)
Also: Casscom Media at casscom media.com offers a number of narrated audio Bibles, including a compilation of passages in Spanish. Other books of faith are also available in audio format. To find titles, check bookstores or perform an Internet search for the book's title and the word "audio."
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