c. 2007 Religion News Service
CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. _ Hollywood, meet the Bible.
Zondervan, the Christian publishing giant, is launching the prequel to its critically acclaimed spoken-word Bible, “Inspired By … The Bible Experience” _ an Old Testament version that will include a Hollywood cast with three Oscar winners, five Golden Globe winners and seven Emmy winners.
The Old Testament version will be similar to the New Testament version released last fall and includes dramatic performances set to an original musical score and Hollywood-style sound.
The New Testament version has sold more than 310,000 copies and has become the best-selling audio Bible. It also is one of the industry’s fastest-selling new Bibles.
“It’s evident that The Bible Experience’s universal appeal knows no boundaries, as evidenced by its remarkable sales, and we believe it is poised to have a long-term impact on the faith of millions of people,” said Paul Caminiti, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan.
“Our mission is to introduce innovative projects that engage more people in the Bible, and The Bible Experience is doing just that by bringing the Bible to life like never before,” he added.
Highlighting the cast is 2007 Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker as the voice of Moses, along with Angela Bassett (Esther), Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jonah), Denzel and Pauletta Washington (Song of Songs), LL Cool J (Samson) and Nick Cannon (Adam).
In addition to brisk sales, “Inspired By … The Bible Experience” has received national recognition, including numerous five-star reviews, Audiobook of the Year _ the highest honor of the Audio Publisher’s Association _ an AudioFile Earphones Award and a nomination for an NAACP Image Award.
Like the New Testament version, the Old Testament version is based on Zondervan’s Today’s New International Version Bible translation.
In addition to the Old Testament edition, the Complete Bible also will be available in stores nationwide this fall.
(Rob Kirkbride writes for The Grand Rapids Press in Grand Rapids, Mich.)
KRE/LF END KIRKBRIDE350 words
Photos of Whitaker, Bassett, Gooding, Denzel and Pauletta Washington, and LL Cool J, are available via https://religionnews.com
