New Film Explores New Testament Origins
A new film, described as an “origin story” of the New Testament, aims to connect with younger audiences who are increasingly curious about faith and the Bible.
Filmmaker Erin Zimmerman shared with FOX News Digital, “I couldn’t have predicted the rising interest in the Bible. Last year, Bible sales grew by 22%, and this year they’re up 36%. It feels like the ideal moment to release this film.”
Zimmerman, recognized with four Emmy nominations for her work with CBN Films, directs “Oracles of God: The Story of the New Testament,” which delves into the writing and preservation of the New Testament.
The film is set to hit theaters nationwide on November 2nd, 3rd, and 5th and represents the second installment in a five-part series examining the origins and evidence of the Bible. The first film focused on the Old Testament and premiered in 2023.
Having lived in Israel in 2017, Zimmerman felt a divine calling to create a documentary series that portrays the Bible in a “pure” way, as opposed to the “secret” or “mistranslation” narratives that she believes some secular works perpetuate.
She refers to “Oracles of God” as the “origin story” of the New Testament, showcasing how the Gospels and Epistles were compiled and asserting that the earliest accounts of Jesus and his Apostles retain their relevance today.
Filming faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the recent Hamas attacks in Israel. Zimmerman views this timing as providential, expressing that these events have strengthened her faith and her bonds with the local team.
Interestingly, she did not foresee that two years later, there would be a resurgence of spiritual interest in society.
The release coincides with popular Amazon Prime series like “House of David” and “The Chosen,” which have captured significant audiences and highlight a growing appetite for faith-oriented content.
Following the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, Bible sales witnessed a 36% surge in September. According to a recent analysis, Bible sales are projected to rise by 22% in 2024. Zimmerman remarked that due to the chaos in the world, many young individuals are seeking peace.
She suggested that figures like Kirk, a devout Christian known for quoting the Bible, encourage many young Americans to explore Christianity, possibly providing the meaning they find lacking elsewhere.
Zimmerman describes the documentary as the most accessible of the series, addressing frequent doubts about the Bible’s authenticity, including claims of mistranslation over the years. The film relies on scholarly research and historical evidence to highlight the meticulous care and respect with which early Jewish and Christian scribes approached the Bible, noting that thousands of preserved Greek manuscripts support its credibility.
She also mentioned that the next installment, titled “Creating the Canon,” will focus on how the books of the Bible were selected and compiled.
Zimmerman hopes that viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made in creating the New Testament and confidence in the evidence that the Gospels arose from eyewitness accounts.
She pointed out, “All the apostles except John were martyred. Historians suggest John survived being thrown into boiling oil. They, along with many others, dedicated their lives to preserving these words and the narrative of Jesus.”
