Banned from the Bible (2008)

Banned from the Bible is a documentary that aired in 2003, diving into the texts that were not included in the Bible. These texts, known as the Apocrypha, offer different perspectives and stories that could have significantly altered Christian theology if they had been included in the biblical canon.

The documentary discusses various reasons why these texts were excluded, ranging from theological disagreements to the consolidation of power within the early church.

It also explores the content of these texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas, which presents a different view of Jesus’ teachings, and the Book of Enoch, which offers a detailed account of the fall of the angels.

Narrated by Christopher Nissley and featuring scholars like John Dominic Crossan and Marvin Meyer, the film provides an in-depth look at the historical and religious significance of these ancient writings.

The documentary was produced by Film-Roos and aired on the History Channel, contributing to the broader discussion about the formation of religious texts and the history of Christianity.

By examining these excluded texts, Banned from the Bible encourages viewers to question and explore the complex process by which the Bible, as we know it today, was compiled.

It sheds light on the diverse beliefs and practices that existed in early Christianity and how they were shaped by the political and religious contexts of the time.