The Forbidden Book: The History of the English Bible
Turning Point Ministries

Not only should we be reading our Bible on a daily basis, I don't think it hurts to know the history of the book itself. This DVD helps viewers understand how we got the Bible in the English language. Considering at one point that the Bible was only available in Latin, this is an important history.

A few brave Christians helped make this possible, often at the expense of their own lives. We learn about reformers such as John Wycliffe, who translated the Bible from Latin to English in order to make God's Word available to all, Martin Luther, William Tyndale and many others.

The DVD presents information on the Apocrypha and also on how the Geneva Bible was brought to this country by the Pilgrims. Interestingly, the first Bible printed in this country was in a Native American tongue that no longer exists.

If this DVD has any shortcomings, its that the production techniques are very plain. The narrator is never identified, there are no production credits and the only interview is with Craig Lampa, PhD, Bible historian. His affiliation is not given. Also, some graphic violence is shown when the reign of Queen Mary (Bloody Mary) is discussed and several woodcuts of martyrs and their method of execution is shown. Yet it does show that real sacrifices were made. For example, some parents from that era were put to death for teaching their children the Lord's Prayer in English! Also, the only web site info given is for a dealer of rare Bibles.

The DVD is available from Turning Point Ministries and runs for about 58 minutes.