Mediaboss Marketing

The American Bible Challenge Premieres 8 p.m. Eastern, Thursday, Aug. 23

When I first heard of the Game Show Network's idea for a new game show, I wondered: How is it no one ever thought of it before? There is so much material in the scriptures that if the producers play it right, they could have many seasons. It could be a way to bring Christians together around the Word.

On the set of Game Show Network's "The American Bible Challenge" with host Jeff Foxworthy. ((c) GSN)This hourlong show that tests Bible knowledge is hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy ("Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?"), who told journalists in July he has been teaching Bible classes for years. I asked him: What Bible character is most like Shrek? Jeff knew the answer. (Both the Bible character and Shrek had a talking donkey that annoyed them with the truth.)

The format of "The American Bible Challenge" is framed to be lightly competitive: three teams of three people compete to answer questions that are presented in a variety of ways. The teams all play for charity. The contestants move around the set, go out for a Bible study and take turns answering in lightning rounds. The contestants are not so restrained (or straight-laced) as in "Jeopardy," where people stand rooted to one spot. This show should appeal to people who want to test their own knowledge of the Old and New Testaments.

There's always a threat to a respected topic when popular television gets hold of it, and what is sacred can become profane. In "The American Bible Challenge," ordinary folks, dressed in casual down-home attire, get genuinely excited every time they know the answer. There is a warmth about the show that reverences the Word of God and living the Word in charity. The Word is prominent -- the contestants stand behind lecterns made in the shape of large Bibles. In the pilot episode, it was very moving to see the reaction of the winning team and to imagine the good that will be done with the prize money. The fact that the money is for others rather than the players sets the show apart from the start and is the reason Foxworthy agreed to host the show after initial misgivings.

Last spring when the show was announced, it asked for applications from teams of three. So three of us sisters formed a team we named "The Real Sister Act." We sent in our application, went to the audition (it was fun), and our backgrounds were vetted. As the weeks ticked by, it seemed we did not make the cut. And then we got a call to come in for a "run-through," or a dry run, a way for the network to figure out the kinks. We had a very good time. We met a man in the elevator who looked rather serious. I asked, "Are you a reverend? Coming for the Bible show?" He said yes, and I looked at the other nuns and said, "We are so dead." Protestant Christians do know Bible details better than most Catholics, I think. Alas, we did not make it on the show this time around. If "The American Bible Challenge" is picked up for another season, maybe we will.

A team from the Chicago area, "The Horns of Jericho," is made up of three brothers of an Italian-American Catholic family. They are playing for the American Cancer Society. Some of the other charities the teams play for include food pantries, a performing arts academy, an organization that provides aid to victims of human trafficking, and a camp for children in foster care. A team of firefighters from Los Angeles plays for St. Baldrick's Foundation, which funds research to discover cures for children's cancers. For a list of the teams and their charities visit the show's website.

I don't know how many Catholic groups sent in applications. But when I asked around, in view of forming other teams, there was reluctance from Catholics because of two things. First, most ordinary Catholics didn't feel they could compete with Protestants when it comes to Bible knowledge and trivia. Second, there was a lack of trust that Hollywood could produce a reverent show about the scriptures.

Sr. Rose Pacatte with Jeff Foxworthy, the host and producer of "The American Bible Challenge," at a press conference ((c) GSN)Our "Real Sister Act" team's one concern when we applied was which translation of the Bible the show would base the questions on. This is because some biblical names are spelled differently from one translation to another, and the number of books -- and the verses in a book -- can vary. As of this writing, I think it is the King James or the New International Version, but I was unable to find out this information despite repeated queries. However, from what I observed, anyone with slightly above-average Bible knowledge would be able to answer most questions. I cannot give any details about the run-through (we had to sign a release form), but I was very impressed at how important the Bible was to the teams, how much they knew, how fast they could hit that red button, and how genuinely friendly everyone was. The competitive spirit kind of fell away because everyone was happy when anyone got the right answer.

I think the Game Show Network has produced a show that honors the Bible and how believers can and do put their faith into practice. It will seem simplistic to some. Indeed, the nature of television prevents much depth using this format. It might spark interest, however, in those who do not know the answers. The show might provide an entry point into learning more about God and Christianity. From the pilot and the day I spent on the set, I don't think our Jewish brothers and sisters would consider themselves included unless the network plans a special based on the Jewish scriptures we have in common. I don't know if word got out to Orthodox Christians, either. Maybe next time.

Read more from the original source:
'American Bible Challenge' a fun way to gather around the Word