Contact: Rick Dack, Defending the Bible Int'l., 763-913-0351

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., April 15, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Is the New Testament the word of God or "mere words" open to cinematic interpretation? 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. Are Christians supposed to be grateful for what celluloid crumbs we receive? Below are some unbiblical morsels to critique…

• King Herod was tormented by the ghost of Isaiah (Killing Jesus, National Geographic channel/FOX).
   
• Cornelius (Acts 10) was one of the executioners of Jesus (AD: The Bible Continues).
   
• Jesus was confused about his identity as the Messiah and surprised he could do miracles ("Killing Jesus" and "Mary, Mother of Jesus" starring Christian Bale).
   
• No Barabbas (AD: The Bible Continues).
   
• Contradictions between Bill O'Reilly's "Killing Jesus" book, the National Geographic film "Killing Jesus" and the gospels.
   
• He (Jesus) was forced into ministry by his mother and was visibly frightened. Jesus was conflicted about his identity as the Messiah ("Mary, Mother of Jesus" starring Christian Bale).
   
• Jesus was in love with Mary, sister of Martha. Satan's a shape-shifter who took Jesus on a tour of the future ("Jesus" starring Jeremy Sisto).
   
• Mary Magdalene called Peter a coward for running away after Jesus' arrest in "A.D." (The Gnostic belief that Peter and Mary fought over church leadership).
   
• In "A.D.: The Bible Continues" Jesus tells Peter, "and one day you will die for me. Are you ready to do that?" (Does this phrase mean Peter will die because he proclaimed the name of Jesus or that Peter had some form of deity?).
   
• John the Baptist calls Jesus a sinner - original CBS broadcast. Jesus doesn't know what to say at the Sermon on the Mount ("Jesus" starring Jeremy Sisto).
   
• Jesus doesn't ascend to heaven but walks up a mountain to meet other spiritual beings (AD: The Bible Continues).

Are there scripturally accurate Bible films on the New Testament? Yes, "The Gospel of John" (2003), "The Jesus Film" (1979), the "Visual Bible – Acts" (1994), parts of "Peter and Paul" (1981) and the original "A.D." (1984) – some "A.D." sets include Bible study curricula. These films are essential in educating your family about the New Testament, stated Rick Dack of Defending the Bible International (www.defendingthebible.com). Has your Pastor and Principal addressed media Bible myths and offered a defense of the scriptures? If not, your church and school needs to invite Defending the Bible Int'l. This ministry's "Biographies of the Bible" classes and presentations supply all the answers you will ever need in defense of the scriptures. These classes also include 3D animations of Bible sites, Hollywood stories of faith, archaeological biographies of Bible characters and more. Check out www.defendingthebible.com for class information on over thirty topics including Eden, Noah's Ark, Joseph, Samson, David and Goliath, Daniel, the Nativity, the Resurrection, Acts and more!