In an attempt to appeal to the Christian demographic in the United States, Hollywood has released several film and television productions that depict Jesus and other various Bible stories. However, one man has challenged the Biblical accuracy in stories as portrayed by the U.S. entertainment industry.
In a press release posted on Christian Newswire, Rick Dack of Defending the Bible International claimed that Hollywood was producing "media Bible myths." He argued that the entertainment industry is not interpreting the Bible, in particular stories in the New Testament, correctly.
"Is the New Testament the word of God or 'mere words' open to cinematic interpretation?" Dack wrote. "Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Bill O'Reilly, Christian Bale and others wince at criticism of their Bible films and books yet frequently produce, for the most part, media Bible myths."
Dack cited examples of "unbiblical morsels" he found on O'Reilly's production, "Killing Jesus." He claimed that the Fox News host made "contradictions" with the gospels in the film version of his book, which was produced by National Geographic.
"King Herod was tormented by the ghost of Isaiah," Dack wrote, claiming that event was an inaccuracy in O'Reilly's production.
Dack then turned his fury on Downey and Burnett's NBC miniseries "AD: The Bible Continues," which has gotten rave reviews from both Christians and secular people alike. He elaborated on the inaccuracies he claimed to have found in that production.
"Cornelius (Acts 10) was one of the executioners of Jesus," Dack wrote. "[There was] no Barabbas. Jesus doesn't ascend to heaven but walks up a mountain to meet other spiritual beings."
He then criticized a scene between Jesus and Peter as portrayed by "A.D.: The Bible Continues."
"Jesus tells Peter, 'and one day you will die for me. Are you ready to do that?'" Dack wrote. "Does this phrase mean Peter will die because he proclaimed the name of Jesus or that Peter had some form of deity?"
Dack later turned his focus on the film "Mary, Mother of Jesus," which starred Christian Bale, pointing out what he claimed were inaccuracies.
"Jesus was confused about his identity as the Messiah and surprised he could do miracles," Dack wrote. "He was forced into ministry by his mother and was visibly frightened. Jesus was conflicted about his identity as the Messiah."
Finally, Dack attacked what he claimed were inaccuracies in the film "Jesus," which starred Jeremy Sisto and first aired on CBS.
"John the Baptist calls Jesus a sinner," Dack wrote. "Jesus doesn't know what to say at the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was in love with Mary, sister of Martha."
According to Dack, "Jesus" also inaccurately portrayed Satan as "a shape-shifter who took Jesus on a tour of the future." He thought it was important for churches to address "media Bible myths" as well as "a defense of the scriptures."
According to Dack's website, he has a bachelor's degree in History from Northwestern College and has served on the board of the Institute for Biblical Archaeology between 2004 and 2014. He is related to former Broadway director and producer George Abbott and actor Tom Ewell.
