On
The Posner Show, Sarah and Wil discuss the hit History Channel miniseries
The Bible. Wil thinks the producers have done a good job with some elements, but critiques the series’
erasure of women. She focuses in particular on
Hagar, a figure of special significance in both Islamic and African-American Christian tradition, as well as the
Battle of Jericho. Why are all the characters—with the exception of angels and Satan—portrayed by
white actors, until we meet Samson? Wil has strong criticisms of the way
Samson is portrayed as a “mandingo” figure. Does the series help solve, as its producers contend, the problem of
biblical illiteracy? Plus: Rape and polygamy in the
King David story.