Artistic License

I watched a series on Prime called David. It was well made and it appeals to believers because we so desperately want to know more. We want to have a better understanding of the way things were in the Bible. We want to go back in our minds, and experience the Bible days. So as I watched, I payed close attention to the story line. When the film started, it contained a disclaimer saying something like, “artistic license has been taken in the making…..” The story started with David as an outcast in his family and in society. That is not in the Bible! This was a key issue in their story line and David’s mother saved his life by throwing herself to a lion, which was also NOT in the Bible.

So here’s the problem. If I don’t know what the Bible says, then I buy what Hollywood says “hook, line and sinker”. It will be a while before I get the storyline and those images out of my head. My point? People who do not know the Bible will believe Hollywoods rendition. They will be misled. You may think it doesn’t matter, but oh it does! Does it matter that David was an outcast in his family and society or not? I think so! He was the youngest, but not an outcast. An outcast of society would not have been so easily accepted by the tribe of Judah. It sends the wrong message - David’s mother believed in him but no one else did.

Be careful with these TV renditions of the Bible. Check out who’s making them. What are their beliefs? Where is the funding coming from? Do your homework! You may be surprised and not pleasantly.

Blessings