The Bible: A History

Some believe that the universe was created in a single stroke by God. Others, educated in the sciences, see that it emerged in the wake of the Big Bang. Is there common ground between these views? Host Howard Jacobson seeks common ground in which both the sciences and religion could be considered right.

Of all the characters in the bible, Abraham is the most predominant. From him the three largest religions in the world arose. Christianity, Judaism, and Muslim. But rather than setting a foundation for peace among them, each religion claims Abraham as their own. Host Rageh Omaar wants to discover who Abraham was, and whether or not he his the key to peace among the masses.

The ten commandments given to Moses shaped Christianity and even the world today. Some people believe that they are nothing but an outdated burden. Host Ann Widdecombe researches the origination and interpretations of the ten commandments and wants to know if society would be better if everyone followed them today.

There is no doubt that the bible spells trouble for women. Some parts are absolutely ripe with sexism and misogyny. However, historian Bettany Hughes proposes that it is actually very interesting what happened to women in the bible, and that it marked a turning point in the history of the gender.

Irish ex-con Jerry Adams has always tried his hardest to incorporate Jesus into his life. Sometimes he was more successful than others. But now, he wants to know more about Jesus the man, not just Jesus the son of God.

St. Paul did more to shape the moral and ethical presumptions of the ancient world than any other. He was far ahead of his time, suggesting that equality among man and change in society was actually for the better. Tom Holland discusses the relevancy of Paul's teachings then, and today.

The Book of Revelations is known to be a detailed description of the end of the world. Some believe it was designed to scare the masses into piety. In his childhood, our host Dr. Robert Beckford was taught that it was a prophetic truth. But now he wonders if there is more to it than the death and destruction that most people know.