Review: New Bible quiz show may not ‘Challenge’ but does entertain
Formerly known as the Game Show Network, GSN launched an eight-episode run of the show recently.
As he did on “Fifth-Grader,” Foxworthy keeps the audience chuckling. But here, he does something more: He shows his faith. On the premiere, he says he has traveled to Africa three times — presumably on mission trips, as he mentions children opening shoeboxes filled with donations.
He also shows familiarity with the Bible stories that are the background for the questions. Foxworthy transcends his “You might be a redneck” comedian persona and becomes the public image of what today’s “working man” Christian looks like — humble, kind and fun.
Foxworthy begins the show by introducing the three teams that will be competing during the hour-long episode. A montage shows each team in its hometown, discussing faith, their relationships with one another and the charity for which they’re playing. The clips provide viewers with profiles of diverse people of faith across the country — among them a deputy sheriff and veteran who now ministers to prison inmates, a woman who runs a food pantry in Plano, Texas, and a retired fire captain and his golf buddies.
The premiere episode provided some laughs and, toward the end, a few challenges. Like many game shows, the first round was confidence-building. (“What bird did Noah send out to look for dry land?”)
The second, called “Faithbook,” asked contestants to name Bible characters most likely to have posted certain status updates or written on other characters’ walls. (“On whose wall would Isaac have posted this: ‘Dad, I’m all ready for our camping trip! But where is the sacrificial goat?’”)
It wasn’t until round four that my husband and I finally began to debate answers, rather than blurt out the correct ones automatically. That was also the first round for a contestant to give a wrong answer.
The winning team is awarded $20,000 for its charity, and winning teams will compete against each other for $100,000 for their charities in a two-episode winners tournament.
That’s ultimately what saves “Challenge” from reeking of the feel-good Gospel preached in entertainment-as-worship churches. The faith and sincerity of the contestants and host make it worth an hour of family time in front of the TV.
WATCH THE SHOW ONLINE
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FeedbackI believe one of the “correct” answers in aug 30 re revelation 6 was not in fact a calimanity but an explanation of how the stars would fall. I believe the other contestant deserves another chance due to the error
Wayne BussWayne BussEvangelical MissionaryMedicine Hat, Alberta
CanadaAugust, 30 2012Concerning the question/answer 8/30/12 show, Rev 6:13 reads: “Then the STARS of the sky fell to the earth LIKE green figs falling from trees shaken by mighty winds.” It doesn’t say figs fell from the trees, but rather the STARS fell LIKE figs falling from trees. So I question their including the “figs falling from trees” as one of the 3 things that happened when the 6th seal was opened. However, I love the show as I pretend I am a contestant and try to answer all the questions.Elaine DeelNew River Community Church of GodSneads Ferry, NC
USAAugust, 30 2012What an awesome Idea… GSN, not even sure that channel is available to us, but would love to watch it. I do have Bell Aliant as a satellite provider.Shari MacKinnonCape Breton Christian Fellowship ChurchSydney, Nova Scotia
CanadaAugust, 30 2012We enjoy the articles in Christian Chronicle very much. We watched the “Bible Challenge” last week and plan to keep on watching it.
ThanksMinor & Shirley NickensCampbell RoadGarland, Texas
USAAugust, 30 2012
USA