Survey: 69 Percent Learned Something New From 'The Bible' Miniseries

The History Channel's highly-successful miniseries "The Bible" has not only had record-breaking ratings, but it has also managed to teach the majority of viewers something they didn't already know about the Bible, according to a new Barna survey.

The survey, which was recently conducted by the Barna Group and commissioned by the American Bible Society, found that 69 percent of the viewers questioned claim that by watching the series, they discovered something new about the Bible that they didn't know before. The survey also found that of this 69 percent majority, less than 60 percent of those who answered described themselves as "active Christians," while more than 78 percent described themselves as "less-active Christians."

High school educated adults, non-whites, viewers ages 18-28, singles, and less-active Christians were among those more likely to answer that they had learned something new from "The Bible" miniseries.

The study, which questioned 615 adults throughout the U.S. via telephone interview, also asked questions relating to their awareness of "The Bible" miniseries, as well as viewership.

Nearly four out of five adults said they were aware of "The Bible" miniseries, while more than two out of five adults said they had watched an episode of "The Bible."

The Bible's Ratings Slip Slightly in Week 4

Both The Bible and Vikings were down a notch in their fourth airings, but overall the History series have demonstrated impressive ratings holds after their blockbuster premieres. Sunday’s installment of The Bible drew 10.3 million total viewers vs. 10.9 million last week and 10.8 million the week before. (The Bible‘s most recent demo tally was 3.9 million adults 25-54 and 3.4 million adults 18-49).

Destiny Child's Michelle Williams Proud of Her Faith

Michelle Williams, one third of the popular group Destiny's Child, is gearing up to release a gospel album, recently defended herself against criticism concerning her faith.

Williams, 31, has released gospel music in the past while performing secular music with the likes of her fellow group mates Beyonce Knowles and Kelly Rowland. Recently, the singer and actress spoke about some people having an issue with her balancing both her gospel roots and secular music.

In an interview with Philadelphia's Praise radio station 103.9, the singer questioned what types of signs people would need to witness in order to take her seriously as a Christian.

Despite some criticism that she has received, Williams said she believes that she is doing her part to be a witness for Jesus Christ.

"He places people in different parts (areas) for different reasons," Williams said on the radio station. "We know he's coming back soon and I am doing my part to make sure that people know about him."

The gospel singer spoke about her choice to partake in the genre despite the success of Destiny's Child in a previous interview with Billboard magazine.

"Some people will do gospel when their career fails, but I chose to do it at the height of the popularity of Destiny's Child," Williams told Billboard. "And I didn't want to do it because it was a fad. I wanted to do it because it's in me. It's in my heart."

American Bible Challenge Season 2 Premiere Down Slightly

The American Bible Challenge last night premiered at 1.152 million viewers. This is not as big as the 1.73 million viewers from the first season, but was the second highest-rated GSN show.

So why not as high as last time around? Likely because there was not as much promotion as last summer. Jeff Foxworthy appeared on late-night talk shows, news programs as well as other advertisements from the network in the first season.

Mr. Del to Release Faith Walka

Mr. Del is pleased to announce that his fourth solo album, "Faith Walka," will be released on June 18 via DMG and Universal Music Christian Group. A former member of the multi-platinum hardcore rap group Three 6 Mafia, Mr. Del is now widely recognized as an innovator in the Christian rap and hip-hop genre, both as an artist and a producer. 
 

As has come to be expected, "Faith Walka" features collaborations with other well-known artists. The first single, "Sunglasses," features Rod G. Newman, and a music video has just been released. Gospel artist Canton Jones also teams up with Mr. Del on the track, "Forgot to Forgive."

On previous projects, Mr. Del has collaborated with Grammy winner Kirk Whalum, Gospel artists Canton Jones and Lisa McClendon, Dove Award-winning trio Out of Eden and multi-platinum artist Salt of Salt-n-Pepa, among others.

"I feel like I am reintroducing my testimony and ministry to a new generation with a fresh sound and new spirit," says Mr. Del. "The past thirteen years have been a full circle ride in which I have not only grown as an artist, but as a man of God, and I pour out those lessons and emotions in this project. 'Faith Walka' is the testament of a man leaving the world of sex, drugs and hip-hop, and stepping out in faith."