The Bible comes from Hollywood

Manfred Tiemann is pursuing three goals with his book: On the one hand, the author would like to offer specific information on Bible films for different possible interpretations in 20 subject areas, e.g. showing the influence of Bible illustrations and adaptations in the literature for Bible films, explaining theological preconceptions, the contrast between historical Jesus and Hollywood Jesus prove with film examples, work out anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism in Bible films and prove how Bible films were instrumentalized in politics, mission and evangelism. On the other hand, Tiemann would like to invite you on an exciting journey through the history of Bible films: the journey begins in Oberammergau in 1897 with the first silent film sequences, then leads to the rise of sound films with the era of monumental films, and goes into the pluralism of the 1980s, which is characterized by piety in evangelism films to allegations of blasphemy in scandal films, and shows new accents in musicals and transfigurations, in mystery thrillers and mainstream cinema. In addition to the classic, direct (monumental) Bible films, indirect Bible films are presented that transfigure biblical figures or content. Newer cartoons (e.g. computer animations, with Playmobil figures) will also be presented. Third: The book wants to stimulate interreligious dialogue: both Old Testament and New Testament figures are included in the Koran and filmed from an Islamic point of view. From a Jewish point of view, Bible films should also be included in the dialogue. The volume concludes with an index section listing the films, assignments of Bible texts/persons in direct and indirect Bible films, photo credits and a selection of literature.