I got a kick out of the cast list for the new, The Word of Promise audio Bible. It just won Christian book of the year from the Christian Book Awards, so I'm sure it's good--but Luke Perry as Judas?
Several years ago I asked for The New Living Translation on audio CD so that I could listen to the Bible on my commute--but I didn't care for it (not the Bible, silly, the narration). The skilled narrator was a bore, and there was something dispassionate about hearing it in someone else's voice. I feel more connected to the text--and to God's still, small voice--when I'm actually doing the reading for myself.
So how will Luke Perry come across as Judas? Will I imagine Dylan Michael McKay or will I hear one of history's most conflicted--and ultimately lost--souls?
Another performance that trips me up is Richard Dreyfuss as Moses. Dreyfuss has become such a brand that, though he can outperform many actors, you never forget you're watching Richard Dreyfuss. Putting Dreyfuss in the Bible might be like having a bottle of Coke at the Last Supper.
You'll also meet Bo Duke (John Schneider) as James, the "bride" of Brad Paisley and "daughter" of Steve Martin, Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Mary the mother of Jesus, Mickey Spillane (Stacy Keach) as Paul, Vinny's assistant (Marisa Tomei) as Mary Magdalene, La Bamba (Lou Diamond Philips) as Mark, and a ghostbuster (Ernie Hudson) as Peter. Fittingly, Jim Caviezel plays Jesus.
Of course, I haven't heard the thing yet, so what is it called that I'm doing? Oh yeah, pre-judging something, or prejudice. But that's kind of the point of blogging... exploring and exposing my "hmmm moments." The thing has got me curious...
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