History Channel's 'The Bible' Miniseries Producers Burnett and Downey Demand 'Bible' Teaching In Public Schools

The Bible is a TV miniseries produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. Based on the Bible, the History Channel show began airing on March 3, 2013. Wrapping up to it's Easter Sunday conclusion, Burnett considers The Bible his "most important" project yet. Cecil B. DeMille's version of The Ten Commandments inspired Downey and Burnett to create the epic docudrama.

In addition to Burnett and Downey, executive producers Richard Bedser, Dirk Hoogstra and Julian P. Hobbs were influential in the making of The Bible. Over 14 million viewers, making it the largest cable TV audience ever, saw the first episode. The second episode of The Bible continued with heavenly ratings, attracting over 11 million viewers.

To ensure biblical accuracy, Downey and Burnett consulted, "a wide range of pastors and academics," including Joel Osteen, Joshua Garroway and a Catholic cardinal.

World Evangelical Alliance leader, Geoff Tunnicliffe even visited The Bible set in Morocco. He, "wanted to be sure that the final edits would hold together as a singular thematic message throughout the entire series."

Instead of "distracting the audience with recognizable celebrities," The Bible cast is an "international" ensemble. Playing the role of Jesus is Portugal-based actor Diogo Morgado. Downey recently said Morgado, "will define the role for generations."

Before The Bible premiered on History Channel, Downey and Burnett told The Wall Street Journal, the Bible should be a mandatory subject in American public schools.

"The foundations of knowledge of the ancient world---which informs the understanding of the modern world---are biblical in origin."