If you enjoy history, chances are good that you enjoy historical docudramas that depict a certain era of time. Being able to dramatize history gives it a voice that otherwise might not be heard. However, actual historians tend to despise docudramas, preferring documentaries instead due to the poetic license and embellishments movie producers and directors take.
For instance, The Tudors was a Canadian-American drama depicting 16th c. England. It appeared on Showtime from 2007-2010. The show attempted to tell the story of Henry VIII, a despicable degenerate and one of the most vile rulers of all time.
“Right off the bat, the show was hit with backlash over its myriad historical flubs, beginning with Henry’s permanently ultra-fit, gym-built physique. While Henry was very athletic as a young man, the Tudor monarch was considerably heavier in his later years, reportedly so much so that he had difficulty walking. Another of the show’s various historical goofs was one pretty major one: according to “The Tudors,” Henry faced off with Pope Paul III (played by Peter O’Toole) in his quest to have his marriage annulled, while in actuality he tussled with a whole other pontiff, Clement VII.
Those flubs, however, were just two of many that infuriated historian David Starkey. “‘The Tudors’ is terrible history with no point,” Starkey said, as reported by The Guardian. While Starkey acknowledged the necessity to take some license when dramatizing history, he slammed the series’ writers for ignoring historical fact just because they could. “It’s wrong for no purpose,” he complained. “But it’s the randomized arrogance of ignorance of ‘The Tudors.’ Shame on the BBC for producing it.” Starkey had even harsher words to say about “The Tudors” when he told The Telegraph, “It’s gratuitously awful.”1
I have never seen the show nor am I interested. Historical dramas don’t appeal to me. However, the show’s inaccuracies make a valid point that the real historians understand. Perception becomes reality. How many people who watched The Tudors sat down with books and researched the accuracy of the show? How many casual viewers accepted what they saw as fact, never even questioning it. Perception has become their reality which is a dangerous liability for those who produce and market such deceptions.
Every teacher and preacher of the Bible must be careful in this area because perception becomes reality. If the Bible teacher tries to fill in the blanks of information that’s not there or inaccurately depicts a part of Scripture, those who listen will believe what is taught rather than checking it out for themselves.
We are well familiar with 2 Timothy 2:15. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Typically, we focus on the front part of the verse but let’s take a moment and put a magnifying glass on the last part: “rightly dividing the word of truth.”
“Rightly dividing” is one word in the Greek: orthotomeo. We recognize the first part of
that word: ortho. It means straight, not crooked. If you have to go to an doctor of orthotics, you are needing something straightened. Tomeo means to cut. Putting the words together, Thayer’s Greek Dictionary tells us that “rightly dividing” means: 1) to cut straight, to cut straight ways; 1a) to proceed on straight paths, hold a straight course, equiv. to doing right; 2) to make straight and smooth, to handle aright, to teach the truth directly and correctly.”
Because perception becomes reality, we need to teach the truth of the Word of God directly and correctly because those who hear us will believe what we say. We cannot mislead or embellish God’s Word. Just cut it straight.
For all who teach, let Paul’s words remind us how we must present the Word of God. “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; (2) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:1-2)
1https://www.grunge.com/1923786/tv-shows-historians-hate/
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