The Bible in Living Sound

From SPARK

One-sentence summary

450 dramatized Bible Stories for children on 75 CDs.

Description

This is an English-language dramatization of the entire Bible on 75 CDs. It is mainly for children, but the producers think all ages will enjoy it. It has also been translated into Thai, Mandarin, and Japanese. These can be listened to on the Internet. See Bible in Living Sound.

• The complete set includes 450 stories. Volumes 1-8 include all the stories from the Bible. They begin with Adam and Eve and include Paul's travels. This set costs $371.25 (USD) as of August 2007.
• The Old Testament set includes 240 stories on 40 CDs. Volumes 1-4 include all the stories from the Old Testament. This set costs $198.00 (USD) as of August 2007.
• The Life of Jesus set has 60 stories on 20 CDs. Volumes 5 and 6 have stories from the life and times of Jesus. These include the story of His birth, all of the parables, His miracles, His death and resurrection. This set costs $99.00 (USD) as of August 2007.
• The set about Paul and the apostles has 45 stories on 15 CDs. This set costs $74.25 (USD) as of August 2007.
• The Gift Pack includes 30 stories on 5 CDs. It is an introduction to the Bible. It includes selected stories from both the Old and New Testaments. This set costs $21.99 (USD) as of August 2007.
• The Passion of Jesus set has 18 stories on 3 CDs. This set costs $10.00 (USD) as of August 2007.

Considerations

• This review was written after listening to the three-CD set The Passion of Jesus.
• Exact quotes are from the English King James Version of the Bible.
• Listeners need to be acquainted with the whole Bible to understand the many scene changes and flashbacks. No explanation is given for these.

Limitations

• Much of the drama is based on theory, not biblical fact.
  • For example, CD 57 contains a large section where an evil-sounding Satan tempts Jesus.
  • The man who represents Jesus doesn't speak in a convincing way. He speaks in a slow monotone.
• It would be difficult for children to identify the extra-biblical material that is included in the drama.
• The music background is old fashioned. It is similar to the dramas produced by Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, Illinois called Unshackled.
  • The music should be adapted to the culture wherever the CD is used.
• Users will need some form of electricity and a CD player.

Guidelines for Use

• Anyone with a good understanding of the English language could enjoy this dramatization. However, it is too involved for many people groups and includes too much extra-biblical material.
• Other cultures such as Thai, Chinese, and Japanese, where the people are technology-oriented, may understand the drama and the different voices. But they also need to be aware of the extra-biblical material.
• If this material is ever translated into minority languages where both children and adults are not technologically oriented, translators would need to simplify the script. Explanations of what is biblical and what is not would also be necessary. This could be difficult.
• If recorded, more realistic sounds and speaking voices could be used.
• Sections of this drama are available for listening in English. This includes The Passion set.
• Thai, Mandarin, and Japanese translations are on the Internet.
  • The Mandarin translation includes the complete set covering both Old and New Testaments.
  • The Japanese translation includes the New Testament set.
  • The Thai translation includes parts of the Old Testament and all of the New Testament.

Where to Obtain

Link to Producer or Source Organization

Bible in Living Sound

Cost

See description for costs.

Producer/Owners

Author/Artist/Producer

Bible in Living Sound

Current copyright owner

Bible in Living Sound

Other Information

If you are interested in translating these Bible drama stories for a minority language group, you need to contact the owners at Bible in Living Sound. Together you can work out a Creative Commons License agreement for the use of this material.

Reviewed by

Vida, VMS Children's Resources

Date

August 10, 2007