Patterns of Evidence: Exodous

Patterns of Evidence: Exodus
Director: Timothy Mahoney

It is human to want the evidence, either for or against a cause in which one chooses to believe.  While Christianity is based on faith, the belief without the sight, it can be exciting to have a piece of history prove the Bible is true.

In this project filmed and directed by Timothy Mahoney, released in January 2015, he sets out to find the evidence of the great Biblical Exodus.  Through interviews with many experts, archaeologists, scholars and more, Mahoney places the evidence he finds out for the viewers to sort on their own.  He presents evidence for and against the Exodus, citing archeology digs, confusion over timeline, questions of location and more.  The entire documentary is presented in a non-conclusive way so as to allow the viewer to decide for themselves whether the evidence points toward or away from Biblical proof of this event in history.

I was interested to see this film based on the historical research and the offer of genuine proof of a core Biblical event.  My husband, a history and Bible study fan, was also curious and wanted to see the film.  Unfortunately, we were both bored.  We made ourselves sit for the first hour and promised to come back to it later.  It was truly filled with research and documentation and proof of depth, but it was also dry and hard to remain engaged in.

I wanted to find myself enthralled, but instead I was droopy eyed.  Perhaps for a true history enthusiast or someone into documentaries, this might be for them.  However, I found myself lost and as a result my interest was lost.  I found the bounces from evidence against to evidence for and then back again dizzying and hard to follow.

I will leave my rating mid-line.  The work put into the piece was thorough, but the delivery was just not for me.

You can watch a trailer here
You can buy the film here.  If you enter code MK1, you will received $3 off the regular $19.95 price.


“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”)

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The Biggest Story Review

The Biggest Story
written and illustrated by Kevin DeYoung

Never have I seen such a beautifully created adaptation of the Bible's big story as now.  The Biggest Story is a quick overview of the Bible, from creation through main stories and characters, to the cross and the ideas of the New Heaven and New Earth.  Broken into 10 chapters, the audio and visual versions of the book offer listeners and viewers a 30 minute trip through the Bible.  Each chapter covers a different main event.  When listened to in succession, the participant gains an overview of the greatest love story ever written.

Participants are introduced to Jesus as the Snake Crusher.  From the beginning, the story is never overtly about becoming a Christian.  Instead, it offers a Biblical history lesson with the underlying theme that God loves each of us and, throughout time, has sought to love and protect us.  The stories of the Crucifixion and resurrection as well as the coming of a new era are introduced gently and without preaching or the feeling of judgment.  This is a simply beautiful presentation of God's love, His story (and ours), and the opportunity available to those who wish to accept it.

The animated illustrations in the film version are just breathtaking.  Adapted from the book, the slide show type film offers movement in each scene and beautiful illustrations that engage and attract viewers.  Even my youngest child, age 2, was drawn in by the pictures, sounds and music in the DVD and, though she didn't understand the story, was engaged for quite some time.  My older children, 4 and 6, sat through the entire video, glued to the story.

The audio CD offers those on the move the same opportunity to hear the story, only without the visuals.  Same story, same audio track.  DeYoung's voice is calming, his narration clear and filled with ups and downs to keep the listener engaged.  It is just like listening to someone read the book to you.

Pastor, husband and parent of seven, Kevin DeYoung has captured the big story of the Bible and packaged it in a way that is inviting to all, Christian and non-Christian.  His wording offers some humor hidden beneath the story, the kind that has an adult tipping their hat to his references.  Children love to listen to his story telling style.  Whether child or adult, there is enjoyment in hearing this as well as immense pleasure in viewing it.

While we have never owned or even held a copy of the book for ourselves, I now want to go out and buy it.  This glimpse into the book has made me desire to own a copy for my shelf that we can read as well.  I don't know that I have ever been so in love with a book, video or audio so much as this one, and not just because I am a believer.  This is truly a masterpiece and anyone who has the chance to see or hear it will be blessed.

You can check out samplings of the film and audio book here:
Animated Film Short
Audio Book Sample

You can win a copy for yourself simply by commenting with the name of your favorite Bible character.

* I received these items for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.