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Over 70 actors spanning three continents create powerful, dramatized audio Bible.

by Catholic.net Staff Writer | Source: Catholic.net

 It’s the greatest story newly told. Actors from Hollywood, the West End , and beyond have breathed new life into the Good Book, bringing its power and inspiration to a whole new generation. You need only listen to Julia Ormond as “Mary” or Neal McDonough as “Jesus” (see them too at www.truthandlifebible.com) to hear sacred words from the distant past made current and so compelling—especially in an age when even many Christians know little of the Bible (according to a recent Pew survey) and have all but forgotten the stories and people it celebrates even during major holidays like Christmas.

Launching November  2010, in time for the holidays, this 18-CD, 22-hour series called Truth & Life Dramatized Audio Bible New Testament boasts a huge talent of over 70 world-renowned actors such as Blair Underwood, Michael York, Stacy Keach, Malcolm McDowell, Kristen Bell, John Rhys-Davies, Sean Astin, and Brian Cox. The series was produced by New York Times bestselling author, broadcast journalist and producer Raymond Arroyo and legendary award-winning radio show producer Carl Amari, who is also president and CEO of Falcon Picture Group. Brenda Noel directed. 

The Truth & Life Dramatized Audio Bible New Testament is endorsed by the , bears the imprimatur of the archbishop of New York and includes a special foreword by Pope Benedict XVI.

Visit www.truthandlifebible.com to watch behind-the-scenes video of the celebrities performing their roles and to hear Luke Chapter 1 (Mary visited by an angel), Matthew Chapter 3 (Jesus is baptized) and Mark Chapter 5 (Jesus raises a little girl from the dead).

“They’re not just reading,” explains Arroyo, “these actors are performing, sharing these stories in the same way they were originally communicated—passed from person to person as part of an oral tradition. The stories come alive (think radio drama style with sound effects and original music), propelling us right into history, the way it might have happened.”

Describing his impetus for the project, co-producer Amari adds, “My children would ask me about a particular Bible passage, and I’d realize that I really didn’t know what it meant, even though I grew up in the Church.”

“It’s the delivery,” suggests Arroyo. “ Reading or listening to Scripture being read is often a confusing, dull experience.” From the pulpit, it’s grounds for a snooze.  “But performed like this,” he says, “you are thrown into the middle of the action. The Bible is suddenly not only understandable, but arresting and compelling.” 

The Actors:

Neal McDonough as "Jesus," Julia Ormond as "Mary, Mother of God," Blair Underwood as "Mark," Stacy Keach as "John," Michael York as "Luke," Brian Cox as the “Voice of God," Sean Astin as "Matthew," Kristen Bell as "Mary Magdalene," Malcolm McDowell as "Caiaphas," and John Rhys-Davies as the Narrator. 

 

Truth & Life Dramatized Audio Bible New Testament
Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition 
Publisher: Falcon Picture Group
Distributor: Zondervan
Release Date: November 1, 2010
Compact Disc ISBN 978-1-59171-325-8
Price: $49.99