Several weeks ago I received Volume 1 of the DVD Series Modern Parables: Living in the Kingdom of God. Last week, I finally finished viewing it. Modern Parables is billed as "cinematic theology," and so it is. Through modern-context dramatizations, six parables of Jesus are explained and shown to apply as well in our day as they did in ancient times.

Each parable is presented in two lessons. The first is a short (13–21 minutes) drama. To be honest, I was somewhat skeptical when I began watching. Too often, attempts at dramatizing Bible stories wind up reducing their texts to mere moral stories, missing the greater truth and actual theme (e.g. Veggie Tales). Thankfully, Modern Parables do not fall into that trap. I thought they were quite faithful to the Scriptural themes and free from gratuitous embellishment.

The second part of the lesson is a brief exposition and application of the Biblical passage, each presented by one of six pastors (listed here). These lessons are quite well done, thorough for their length (8–14 minutes), and accurate.

A Teacher's Guide and Teacher Prep CD is provided, and Student Books are available.

I have included a couple of trailers from my favorite lessons (you can view them all here).

I enjoyed these videos and believe they could be used very effectively in a variety of settings. I will be watching them again with my family and recommending them at my church. The DVD box set includes three DVDs, a Teacher Prep CD, a Teacher’s Guide, and one Student Book. Additional books can be purchased at modernparable.com. Two complete lessons are available for you to try here.

Click here for more information or to purchase Modern Parables.