St. Joe's Professor Discusses Why People Are Fascinated By Bible Movie

By Mark Abrams

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The gangbuster ratings success of "The Bible" documentary mini-series on the History Channel and last week's release on DVD and Blu-Ray connected with big audiences. But why?

Last Sunday's final installment of "The Bible" was seen by nearly 12 million viewers.

The first chapter in the 10-part series aired weeks ago, and drew a record 13 million viewers to the cable channel.

And, Amazon and other sites selling the DVD and Blu-Ray are reporting brisk sales.

Jim Caccamo, an associate professor of theology at St. Joseph's University, says the reason for the success of the mini-series is simple.

"The hunger that people have for connection with one another and connection in their spiritual lives, something that they don't necessarily find in contemporary American media all the time."

Caccamo says while some critics panned "The Bible" and its historical accuracy and production values, viewers rejected the Hollywood elite's assessments and chose to embrace something which truly satisfied their needs on many levels.