Mark Driscoll Interviews 'The Bible' Creators Mark Burnett, Roma Downey on New Film About Jesus’ Life

By Lauren Leigh Noske
Mark Driscoll Interviews Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Mark Burnett (l-1), Roma Downey (r-2) talks about their new film "Son of God" at Mark and Grace Driscoll's Resurgence Conference 2013 on November 6, 2013.  Youtube via The Gospel Herald

Pastor Mark Driscoll interviewed Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, creators of "The Bible" mini-series, about their upcoming film at Resurgence Conference 2013.

Mark Burnett and his wife, Roma, have produced numerous television shows, such as "Touched by an Angel," "Survivor," "The Apprentice," and "The Voice." The couple felt called to create a series on the Bible, and was met with much dissuasion from Hollywood co-workers - "of course, everybody told us we were crazy, [that this was] going to ruin our careers," they said. Nevertheless, Burnett and Downey were at peace about the project and didn't care whether it would damage their careers. Much to the surprise of many, "The Bible" mini-series had over 100 million viewers.

Burnett and Downey managed to condense much of the Bible into ten hours of film, with the help of scholars and leaders in the church who gave them feedback on the manuscript. Working on such an immense project together deepened the couple's marriage and friendship, Downey says. "The Bible" took over four years to film, with some setbacks along the way; though they sometimes faced disappointment and fear, they persisted in prayer and things "just had a way of working out," they said.

There was enough extra footage from filming the mini-series for the producers to make "Son of God," a movie about the life of Jesus Christ. The film also covers the Lord's death, resurrection, ascension, and the Great Commission. Burnett and Downey hope that the movie will put Christianity "right in the middle of dinner conversations," and make people feel comfortable with talking about Christ. They also hope that people will bring lost family and friends to see the film, which has been rated PG-13.

Driscoll thanked Burnett and Downey for using their God-given abilities and opportunities to tell people about the Lord - "There's nothing more important that you could do with your life," he said. "Son of God" is scheduled to debut on Fox in February 2014.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo