I’VE BEEN EXPERIMENTING with adding video and audio files to selected chapters in the Casual English Bible, just as I add maps when it seems helpful. I know the maps help because they generate about as many comments as the Bible paraphrase itself. I’m not so sure about the others.
Audio and video files I’m talking about are of Bible chapters being read aloud, one chapter for each file.
I had asked readers if I should continue creating these little files. One lady named Carla was especially encouraging. She was so kind, in fact, that I let her pick the next Bible chapter I would create as an audio file.
She picked John 3, the chapter that has what I think is the Bible’s best-know verse: John 3:16. That’s the Bible reference we sometimes see sports fans holding up on poster board at nationally televised ballgames.
It’s also a description of the Christian faith in one sentence.
“God loves the people of this world so much that he sent his only Son here so everyone who believes in him won’t die, but will live forever.” John 3:16
I started working on that project, intending to create just an audio file of John 3.
Then I added captions, showing the words I was reading.
Then someone suggested adding slides. So I did. And I couldn’t stop.
I’m not sure if I ended up with something that’s more of a video than an audio. It’s not as production-intensive as most videos I’ve done recently. So it’s an experimental blend, I think.
I’ll give you the link to it, along with links to the few other audio and video files I’ve done so far, each of which is of me reading a chapter in the Bible.
Would you do me a favor?
Let me know what approach, if any, works for you. If it’s not helpful, I’d like to know because I’ve got other projects to work on.
If these are helpful, the audio-only files are much easier to do, so I could do more of those quickly.
Video production is pretty time-consuming for me, a slow learner with video technology. But if it’s more helpful, I’ll focus there.
Here are the links, starting with the most recent experiment, John 3. Luke 2 is the only audio-file I’ve done so far.
If you could take a listen to one or two of the files then give me your honest reaction, I’d appreciate it.
Listening to the Bible as it’s being read
Where life got it’s start, Genesis 1 reading
Birth of Jesus, Luke 2 reading
I enjoyed listening to them. I’m sure this will be a very big project should you wish to continue it.
All the videos are well done but I think the slides do add more appeal than just audio. Also, having the scripture on screen helps me to focus on the words more. Christian Love Song was my favorite. I loved the window in the background.
Personally, I prefer the audio versions only. Perhaps because I am older, I would rather listen than sit and watch the screen. For me the slides etc. are distracting. I do not feel they add to the message. I did very much enjoy your translations and speaking voice, however. Loved the reference to doing the “happy dance!”
Personally, I prefer the audio versions only. Perhaps because I am older, I would rather listen than sit and watch the screen. For me the slides etc. are distracting. I do not feel they add to the message. I did very much enjoy your translations and speaking voice, however. Loved the reference to doing the “happy dance!”