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Holy Bible: Inspired By The Bible Experience: New Testament
Listeners are invited to hear the words of the Bible with this fully-dramatized reading performed by an unprecedented ensemble of distinguished African-American actors, musicians, and personalities. The cast includes such recognizable voices as Denzel Washington, Blair Underwood and Angela Bassett. Unabridged. 19 CDs with 1 DVD.
19 pages, Audiobook
First published February 15, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 13, 2022
I have devoted one month and one week to listening to The Bible experience. As it always says at the end “audible hope you have enjoyed this“ but I have to say that I have not. I am glad that I have now heard the book of revelations having heard about it much of my life but never having had a clue about what it said other than the end would not be good for people who rejected the Bible. And the Old Testament is really a bit much. Hard to believe that anybody who read that would want to read the New Testament. And then the New Testament had this little bit at the end where it told the story of Jesus that all of us good Sunday school students know pretty well. And as it’s true for almost all of the Bible it tells the story several times several ways. The Bible really needs an editor. And then after this segment about Jesus and the story we all know, there are a whole string of letters mostly from Paul I think that are pretty much like the sermons that were far too long when I was going to church. My recollection of church was seeing how long I could hold my breath with my Timex watch with the second hand. But I have now listened to the entire Bible for 90 hours and can check this off my list. I did this because I thought that at the age of 75 I should have this experience just in case it proves to have any relevance at some future date. Just in case there is an essay at some point to compare and contrast what I thought death was going to be like as compared to what it is actually like! But at the moment I think that I have already experienced hell in the form of 90 hours of listening to the Bible!
July 17, 2022
4⭐️
Obviously, the Holy Word of God gets 5bazillion stars…
However, this specific audio version had some drawbacks. I enjoyed the many different voices as a whole and being able to recognize different celebrities by their voice was fun…
However, one voice who spoke for God sounded drunk with really slurred words and he did a lot of Narrating.
They had random songs in between and that, I think was unnecessary because people who pick up the Bible are not expecting to pick up music, and the music in this was not my fav style at all.
Sometimes when they switch narrators, they do the fade in/fade out mid sentence thing, and that, I found odd.
Obviously, the Holy Word of God gets 5bazillion stars…
However, this specific audio version had some drawbacks. I enjoyed the many different voices as a whole and being able to recognize different celebrities by their voice was fun…
However, one voice who spoke for God sounded drunk with really slurred words and he did a lot of Narrating.
They had random songs in between and that, I think was unnecessary because people who pick up the Bible are not expecting to pick up music, and the music in this was not my fav style at all.
Sometimes when they switch narrators, they do the fade in/fade out mid sentence thing, and that, I found odd.
August 11, 2019
This is, by far, my favorite audio Bible ever. It's not a dry reading, but it's not overly dramatic. One I had listened to sounded like audio-only of a stage play... to much going on for a reading. But this...? This is beautiful.
I grew up in the Church. I've heard the Word of God read aloud for 40 years, but when I listen to this, I hear it in a new way. It comes alive for me. Very well done.
I grew up in the Church. I've heard the Word of God read aloud for 40 years, but when I listen to this, I hear it in a new way. It comes alive for me. Very well done.
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January 1, 2026There is a such thing as too much added sound effects. 🫣 The added background noises was overkill and it made me sad because the whole cast from the known actors, like Denzel Washington, Phylicia Rashad, Cicely Tyson, Forest Whitaker, and so so many others as well as the voice actors who are OGs in the narrating game were delivering A1 performances.
I mean just hearing Denzel deliver the Song of Songs/Solomon stopped me dead in my tracks because he was giving that narration his all.
....Sidenote: Any Christian who tries to tell you that book is only about God's love for us and is devoid of any sexual undertones is a lie and the truth ain't in them. Denzel reading that had me clutching my pearls with the way he bought depth to that book of the Bible because the Song of Songs/Solomon is the Biblical version of the Karma Sutra/Biblical smut.
I digress though...
In the end, I returned to my American Standard Version read in the traditional audio format without sound effects after finishing the Old Testament of The Bible Experience because the sound effects got to be too much. If they ever re-do this project, I'd love to have it strictly with the actors and actresses' voices alone and minimal added effects.
I mean just hearing Denzel deliver the Song of Songs/Solomon stopped me dead in my tracks because he was giving that narration his all.
....Sidenote: Any Christian who tries to tell you that book is only about God's love for us and is devoid of any sexual undertones is a lie and the truth ain't in them. Denzel reading that had me clutching my pearls with the way he bought depth to that book of the Bible because the Song of Songs/Solomon is the Biblical version of the Karma Sutra/Biblical smut.
I digress though...
In the end, I returned to my American Standard Version read in the traditional audio format without sound effects after finishing the Old Testament of The Bible Experience because the sound effects got to be too much. If they ever re-do this project, I'd love to have it strictly with the actors and actresses' voices alone and minimal added effects.
June 8, 2020
Excellent, amazing, my favorite audio Bible.
I could do without the occasional, sudden bursts of music, and it was a little odd to have readers suddenly take over for other readers.
But still excellent, moving; the actors read the Bible with feeling, as if it ought to inspire feeling.
It should.
I could do without the occasional, sudden bursts of music, and it was a little odd to have readers suddenly take over for other readers.
But still excellent, moving; the actors read the Bible with feeling, as if it ought to inspire feeling.
It should.
August 23, 2019
I have listened to many (i think 5 total) audio recordings of the Bible. Of all those i've listened to, this one stands head and shoulders above the others. It's narrated by African Americans of note: clergy, actors, singers, etc. Samuel L. Jackson narrates the voice of God. Levar Burton is the Apostle John. LL Cool J is Samson. The rest of the Bible uses equally capable men and women throught. The Bible version being read is the TNIV and the entire Bible is filled with dramatic and appropriate background sounds. I started listening in January, intending for this to be part of my daily practice throughout the year, but i ended up finishing it in early August because it often was too compelling to put it down. I recommend this for anyone interested in listening to the Bible in a way that will feel alive and powerful and useful. This is sold in two parts, as the Old Testament and as the New Testament.
January 9, 2018
Audiobook: 20h.32m.
For the first time in my life, I personally understand why everybody was so keen to kill Jesus. The performances in this (NIV) audio Bible make it so clear that what Jesus was saying was outrageous, and outrage finally felt like the natural consequence of his public ministry. If you do no other new thing this year, dear Christian, listen to this version of the Gospels. It will change you.
The one detail in this presentation that I didn't love was the choice to insert musical breaks into the letters of Paul. Regularly (and unpredictably), a three-to-five minute song would interrupt the letter. If these were thematically relevant, the connection was light. I found myself skipping through them, wanting to get back to the Bible part. Setting this single grievance aside, the Bible Experience is still a thoroughly compelling and thoughtfully produced audio Bible. He who has ears, let him hear.
For the first time in my life, I personally understand why everybody was so keen to kill Jesus. The performances in this (NIV) audio Bible make it so clear that what Jesus was saying was outrageous, and outrage finally felt like the natural consequence of his public ministry. If you do no other new thing this year, dear Christian, listen to this version of the Gospels. It will change you.
The one detail in this presentation that I didn't love was the choice to insert musical breaks into the letters of Paul. Regularly (and unpredictably), a three-to-five minute song would interrupt the letter. If these were thematically relevant, the connection was light. I found myself skipping through them, wanting to get back to the Bible part. Setting this single grievance aside, the Bible Experience is still a thoroughly compelling and thoughtfully produced audio Bible. He who has ears, let him hear.
August 1, 2020
This rating and review is based on The Bible Experience dramatized recording not on the Bible text itself.
An excellent dramatized recording of the New Testament Bible. Listening to this in the mornings as I get ready has been such a blessing. The voice acting is superb. LeVar Burton as the voice of John the Beloved was a particular stand-out. Blair Underwood as Jesus was also very good. The cast also included a host of excellent female voices including Loretta Devine, Yolanda Adams, Erika Alexander, and Yvette Lee Bowser in female roles and as narrators of several epistles.
Be aware that partway through the New Testament (somewhere in the epistles, I think) the recording starts to provide gospel music interludes to break up the text. Unfortunately, I typically listen to audiobooks at 2x speed which does not do justice to the music, but I appreciated the mixture of worship and scripture. I highly recommend this audiobook version of the New Testament.
An excellent dramatized recording of the New Testament Bible. Listening to this in the mornings as I get ready has been such a blessing. The voice acting is superb. LeVar Burton as the voice of John the Beloved was a particular stand-out. Blair Underwood as Jesus was also very good. The cast also included a host of excellent female voices including Loretta Devine, Yolanda Adams, Erika Alexander, and Yvette Lee Bowser in female roles and as narrators of several epistles.
Be aware that partway through the New Testament (somewhere in the epistles, I think) the recording starts to provide gospel music interludes to break up the text. Unfortunately, I typically listen to audiobooks at 2x speed which does not do justice to the music, but I appreciated the mixture of worship and scripture. I highly recommend this audiobook version of the New Testament.
April 1, 2022
Bruh! Who added gospel songs, actual full gospel songs throughout a few of the books in this audio. I want to hear the scriptures not gospel songs. Anyway, I really enjoyed this version of the New Testament, it’s not boring at all. Every word is clear and all the actors recited their roles well. Nice work
September 17, 2022
This is a well done audiobook of the Bible read by famous people like Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding, T. D. Jakes as Abraham, Blair Underwood (Jesus), and Samuel Jackson. It truly kept my interest. I could listen to it over and over and thoroughly enjoy it each time. Great listen while I travel.
This was a library borrow but I believe I’m going to invest in it.
This was a library borrow but I believe I’m going to invest in it.
April 9, 2020
The BEST audiobook of the Bible! I read the New Testament during Lent this year and it was fantastic. I plan to continue with the Old Testament which I've only listened to parts of so far. The different voices being a lot to it and show the emotion felt.
December 16, 2019
I love audio dramas! I always catch so much more than I realized was in there.
March 3, 2020
Good summary of Bible. Only weird thing was random gospel music interspersed throughout the readings.
October 24, 2022
This was an unique way to listen to the New Testament. I really enjoyed it!
June 3, 2023
Love listening to this version. So much talent, so well done.
January 2, 2024
Daniel
on-hold-or-read
June 4, 2012Downloaded from Audible.com 6/5/07
Narrator: Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Blair Underwood, and more
Publisher: Zondervan, 2006
Length: 20 hours and 32 min.
* Winner of Audio Publishers Association 2007 Audie Award, Audiobook of the Year
* Winner of Audio Publishers Association 2007 Audie Award, Inspirational/Spiritual
Publisher's Summary
The Bible has a voice. Listen.
Like never before, you can experience the beauty, drama, and life-changing power of the Bible. Inspired By... The Bible Experience breaks new ground in the presentation of the Bible.
Unique among audio Bible productions, The Bible Experience is a captivating performance of the Bible presented by a stellar ensemble of today's top-name actors, musicians, clergy, directors, and award-winning producers. This historic production also features a cinematic musical score, unparalleled sound design, and the highest production value.
The Bible Experience is truly theater of the mind and spirit.
With performances by:
Yolanda Adams, Erika Alexander, Tatyana Ali, Tichina Arnold, Essence Atkins, James Avery, Angela Bassett, Bill Bellamy, Reverend A.R. Bernard, Bishop Charles Blake, Pastor John Boyd, James Brown, Jim Brown, Wren Brown, Levar Burton, Dr. Juanita Bynum, Shirley Caesar, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Common, Terry Crews, Pastor Billy Davis, Loretta Devine, Gary Dourdan, Charles S. Dutton, Idris Elba, Faith Evans, Kim Fields, Kirk Franklin, Tyrese Gibson, Meagan Good, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Robert Guillaume, Jasmine Guy, Anthony Hamilton, Hill Harper, Taraji P. Henson, Dule Hill, Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr., Pastor Billy Ingram, Samuel L. Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Cheryl "Salt" James, Star Jones, Boris Kodjoe, Nikki Kodjoe, Eriq LaSalle, Harry Lennix, Dawnn Lewis, Tommy "Tiny" Lister, Victor Love, Derek Luke, Tisha Campbell Martin, Judge Greg Mathis, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Donnie McClurkin, Lana "MC Lyte" Moorer, Mo'nique, Garrett Morris, Phil Morris, Mya, Dwight "Heavy D" Myers, Keke Palmer, CCH Pounder, Pastor Larry Powell, Daphne Reid, Tim Reid, Latanya Richardson, Richie Righteous, Wendy Raquel Robinson, John Salley, Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Blair Underwood, Iyanla Vanzant, Bishop Joseph Walker, Denzel Washington, Pastor Marvin Winans, Alfre Woodard, Charlayne Woodard, and Jeffrey Wright.
Narrator: Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Blair Underwood, and more
Publisher: Zondervan, 2006
Length: 20 hours and 32 min.
* Winner of Audio Publishers Association 2007 Audie Award, Audiobook of the Year
* Winner of Audio Publishers Association 2007 Audie Award, Inspirational/Spiritual
Publisher's Summary
The Bible has a voice. Listen.
Like never before, you can experience the beauty, drama, and life-changing power of the Bible. Inspired By... The Bible Experience breaks new ground in the presentation of the Bible.
Unique among audio Bible productions, The Bible Experience is a captivating performance of the Bible presented by a stellar ensemble of today's top-name actors, musicians, clergy, directors, and award-winning producers. This historic production also features a cinematic musical score, unparalleled sound design, and the highest production value.
The Bible Experience is truly theater of the mind and spirit.
With performances by:
Yolanda Adams, Erika Alexander, Tatyana Ali, Tichina Arnold, Essence Atkins, James Avery, Angela Bassett, Bill Bellamy, Reverend A.R. Bernard, Bishop Charles Blake, Pastor John Boyd, James Brown, Jim Brown, Wren Brown, Levar Burton, Dr. Juanita Bynum, Shirley Caesar, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Common, Terry Crews, Pastor Billy Davis, Loretta Devine, Gary Dourdan, Charles S. Dutton, Idris Elba, Faith Evans, Kim Fields, Kirk Franklin, Tyrese Gibson, Meagan Good, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Robert Guillaume, Jasmine Guy, Anthony Hamilton, Hill Harper, Taraji P. Henson, Dule Hill, Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr., Pastor Billy Ingram, Samuel L. Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Cheryl "Salt" James, Star Jones, Boris Kodjoe, Nikki Kodjoe, Eriq LaSalle, Harry Lennix, Dawnn Lewis, Tommy "Tiny" Lister, Victor Love, Derek Luke, Tisha Campbell Martin, Judge Greg Mathis, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Donnie McClurkin, Lana "MC Lyte" Moorer, Mo'nique, Garrett Morris, Phil Morris, Mya, Dwight "Heavy D" Myers, Keke Palmer, CCH Pounder, Pastor Larry Powell, Daphne Reid, Tim Reid, Latanya Richardson, Richie Righteous, Wendy Raquel Robinson, John Salley, Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Blair Underwood, Iyanla Vanzant, Bishop Joseph Walker, Denzel Washington, Pastor Marvin Winans, Alfre Woodard, Charlayne Woodard, and Jeffrey Wright.
March 8, 2011
Good work overall, but singing was a distraction"
I got this because I wanted to HEAR the spoken word of God. Now there were some solid narrators enlisted that knew the subject matter, developed an affinity for the material and delivered it to their audience. They were articulate and talented enough to pull it off whether they were believers or not. (Blair Underwood, Phillip Morris, LeVar Burton and T. D. Jakes were absolutely brilliant.) Others in main roles were miscast and their lack of diction or modulating articulation made listening to them a real challenge (Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin were the worst offenders. Love them as musicians, but they made poor narrators. Samuel L. Jackson joined their disjointed refrain from time to time as the voice of God.).
Overall the gospels were read well. When it came to the reading of the epistles, the production hit many snags. Interrupting the flow of the narrations were songs, which were great in their own right, but in this arena, were a major distraction. I wanted to hear the word. Incidental music is fine, but wailing gospel solos or foot stomping choir renditions came out of nowhere and stayed a long time before I could continue hearing what I came to hear. It frequently broke the flow of the narrator—too many times. This wasn't supposed to be a musical, but a heartfelt reading of the New Testament ... and it was for a while. If they stuck with just that idea alone (and replaced K. Franklin) this really would have been a five star production. It’s still worth a listen, but with this caveat in mind.
I got this because I wanted to HEAR the spoken word of God. Now there were some solid narrators enlisted that knew the subject matter, developed an affinity for the material and delivered it to their audience. They were articulate and talented enough to pull it off whether they were believers or not. (Blair Underwood, Phillip Morris, LeVar Burton and T. D. Jakes were absolutely brilliant.) Others in main roles were miscast and their lack of diction or modulating articulation made listening to them a real challenge (Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin were the worst offenders. Love them as musicians, but they made poor narrators. Samuel L. Jackson joined their disjointed refrain from time to time as the voice of God.).
Overall the gospels were read well. When it came to the reading of the epistles, the production hit many snags. Interrupting the flow of the narrations were songs, which were great in their own right, but in this arena, were a major distraction. I wanted to hear the word. Incidental music is fine, but wailing gospel solos or foot stomping choir renditions came out of nowhere and stayed a long time before I could continue hearing what I came to hear. It frequently broke the flow of the narrator—too many times. This wasn't supposed to be a musical, but a heartfelt reading of the New Testament ... and it was for a while. If they stuck with just that idea alone (and replaced K. Franklin) this really would have been a five star production. It’s still worth a listen, but with this caveat in mind.
April 10, 2021
One previous reviewer mentioned this, and I would also like to add (for the record) that I'm giving four stars to the audiobook presentation, not for the New Testament itself.
Overall, I enjoyed listening to the NT being narrated by such well-known personalities as Lavar Burton, Blair Underwood, T.J. Jakes, Kirk Franklin, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Another reviewer had mentioned that the gospel songs that were interspersed throughout the narrative were nice but tended to be a bit of a distraction for those who simply wanted to listen to the Word straight through. I would have to agree with this. I enjoyed the music, but maybe not during a Pauline lecture.
I also liked the background noises that added a touch of ambiance to the narratives; the sound of a pen scratching on paper while Paul, John, Luke, James, etc. spoke, the clank of prison doors and dripping water; the bustling noise of city life; the soothing sound of a muffled thunderstorm.
Overall, I enjoyed listening to the NT being narrated by such well-known personalities as Lavar Burton, Blair Underwood, T.J. Jakes, Kirk Franklin, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Another reviewer had mentioned that the gospel songs that were interspersed throughout the narrative were nice but tended to be a bit of a distraction for those who simply wanted to listen to the Word straight through. I would have to agree with this. I enjoyed the music, but maybe not during a Pauline lecture.
I also liked the background noises that added a touch of ambiance to the narratives; the sound of a pen scratching on paper while Paul, John, Luke, James, etc. spoke, the clank of prison doors and dripping water; the bustling noise of city life; the soothing sound of a muffled thunderstorm.
September 17, 2019
My last non-stop roadtrip WI-IL-IN-OH-KY-WV-NC-VA-DC-MD-PA-OH-IN-IL-WI this has been my healing and passenger. I love having it on my iPod. If you are thinking about it and you want the Bible in an informative yet storytelling format this is Great! It will even keep your children's attention. This is 19 CDs and 1 DVD (of the making).
January 19, 2009
I was so inspired to hear the Bible told by so many famous black actors and actress. I am glad that God planted this in the producers hearts to make such a CD. More importantly, I was touched and tears flew from my eyes when I heard Blair Underwood do his readings as Jesus Christ. So emotional. This is a must-have!
April 14, 2010
A very intresting way to read the bible! I love audio book anyway, but this is a great way to get a larger overview of the scripture. It is itresting to me every time I listen to it how different points and ideas pop out when I listen rather then read! It doesn't help for "in depth" study, but for a book overview, or even the whole Bible overview it is great!
April 4, 2016
The reading on this audio version of the Bible is awesome and it brings the Bible to life in an amazing way. There are tons of very talented actors who have participated in the making of this recording. But the editing is really awful in places. The background noises can get really loud, and the random song interruptions just don't make sense. All that said, I'd definitely listen to it again.
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January 22, 2009I've really been enjoying these audio books - I put on a cd at bedtime and am enlightened and entertained - its like a spellbinding novel with the great "acting" voices. It really brings the stories and words to life.
October 4, 2007
dramatic reading of the Bible by hollywood and church voices in the industry. very compelling. Blaire Underwood is absolutely fantastic as Jesus! just beautifully done!!!
August 4, 2011
Listening to the Bible using professional actors is a wholly different experience from reading words on a page. This has been a great experience.
June 5, 2024
Well it's the bible, so I think a review isn't really needed. With that said this is really good. I don't usually like audio books that are read dramatically but this one is quite good.
April 11, 2013
Excellent!!!
October 31, 2025
The Bible is powerful and the narrators did not detract from that fact. I also think the music and sound effects work well throughout.
July 27, 2025
Read once, to get a book done, read again to pay better attention with more understanding.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews