Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
Reading the Bible can be tough, and when you’re all the way across the world, speaking different languages, far in the future from when it was written, it’s even tougher. That’s why I love Drive Thru History Adventures – because they help us visit the places of history and of the Bible so that we can understand them better – and their newest series-to-come does that better than ever: Bible Unearthed.
Bible Unearthed is all about archeology. It has twelve short episodes that breaks down different aspects of the field of archeology. Unlike other Drive Thru History series, which are filmed on location and are very scripted, Bible Unearthed feels more informal. It’s shot on a set with host Dave Stotts and others, including archeologist Titus Kennedy.
The series begins with the basic question, “What Is Archeology?” and moves through such topics as how to get involved, what it takes to be an archeologist, the impact of archeology, and leaves the viewer with “What’s Left to be Discovered?” Each episode is about 15 – 20 minutes long.
My family loved this series! I was fascinated with the way that the the scientific discoveries and implications were presented. The show hosts stressed how each find supported the Bible and provided proof that the information in the Bible is accurate historically. Kennedy spoke honestly and clearly about the doubts housed by the archeological community about the accuracy of the Bible and how the discoveries were disproving these beliefs. There was a great balance between sharing scientific and Biblical information, and it was clear that they worked together.
My Little Man felt that the stories of discoveries were especially exciting, and he is now interested in certain aspects of archeology. I liked how thorough the series is about the role of archeologists and of volunteers, and the wide range of discoveries was very interesting.
This was made even better by the addition of videos into the series. When Drive Thru History had previously visited a place relevant to one of the archeological discoveries, they showed a brief clip of it. Similarly, Titus showed short clips of films he had made on location in the Middle East, giving tours of dig sites and of places were discoveries were made or of sites still waiting to be explored.
We talked about one of these in Bible study this morning. One of these film clips gave a tour of a first-century tomb, like the one where Jesus was buried, and this gave me a much clearer picture of what was happening in the Gospels when we read this scripture. Being able to describe the tomb and share what it was like made it possible for us all to understand more about the burial customs of the time.
The episodes don’t have the same scripted feel. While it’s clear that they are well planned and organized, I think that a bit more of it might have been off-the-cuff. Stotts’ jokes are usually zany and funny, but we did get tired of him dropping artifacts and wanted to move on with the information. My Big Helper preferred the more professional feel of the regular shows, while still enjoying the information being given. My Little Man liked the informality and storytelling vibe this series gives off.
In addition to the twelve episodes, there are also articles and readings you can use to deepen your study of the Bible and of archeology itself. There are actually two sets: one that’s more simply written, about general topics, and one that’s more scientifically written and takes you deeper into archeology issues. These could be used for differentiation, for someone who’s assigning this as a class, or for extension for people who just want to know more. There’s even a course guide that shares how you might choose to structure the work in a weekly way, along with watching the episodes, for a more comprehensive class. Worksheets and answer keys are also available.
I highly recommend Drive Thru History‘s new Bible Unearthed series. It brings the history of the Bible to life in new ways be showcasing how modern science backs up the stories of the Bible. It’s a great complement to Drive Thru History‘s other programming.
Don’t take my word for it, though – click on the graphic below to read other reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.
Read my review of Drive Thru History’s Acts to Revelation Course here!
I keep hearing good things about Drive Through History. Makes me miss homeschooling…