Bible Fiction on Television

Last year with Passion of the Christ, religious issues came back to the front of American media.

Now I see that NBC is coming out with two new Biblical shows this year. One is Revelations, premiering April 13 at 9pm ET/PT:

REVELATIONS 9/8pm Wednesdays
This limited-run drama series stars Bill Pullman as Dr. Richard Massey, a scientist faced with his toughest personal, professional and philosophical challenges. Massey is searching for reasonable explanations to signs indicating that the apocalyptic end as foretold in Scriptures is in motion. To save humanity, he must let go of scientific facts and embrace faith, so Massey aligns himself with a nun whose devout beliefs are unshakeable. Time is running out, literally, as the two race around the globe to thwart Armageddon and restore hope. Cast: Bill Pullman, Natascha McElhone, Michael Massee, Brittney & Chelsey Coyle, Tobin Bell.

The other biblical series is “Book of Daniel” for September of this year:

NBC is opening “Book of Daniel.”

The network has given a cast-contingent pickup to a darkly comedic one-hour drama pilot about an Episcopalian minister and father. He finds himself conversing with a hip, modern Jesus who helps navigate family problems, church politics and even his nagging reliance on prescription painkillers.

The pilot was written on spec by “Titus” co-creator Jack Kenny. NBC took the rare step of buying his finished script even though it was not developed through the network’s traditional process.

My first thought was, “Whew, at least it wasn’t CBS that’s doing this.” I’m of mixed feelings on these tv shows - on one hand, exposing millions of people to the teachings in the Bible is a good thing, right? On the other hand, it’s fiction - mainstream media fiction - and I’m not convinced NBC will stay biblical, preferring to stray. A “hip, modern Jesus?” I wonder what sort of car He will drive?

I’m concerned that instead of being supportive of Christianity, they’ll be subversive instead. We’ll see.